The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) board of directors is excited to announce the establishment of the Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship created to support aspiring bedside nurses. Applications are now open for Florida residents who are enrolled in or accepted to RN, LPN, or BSN nursing programs. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2026.
The scholarship was endowed by Dr. Rebekah Bernard, CCMS Physician of the Year 2026 and a Foundation of CCMS board member, in memory of her mother, Kathy Lampl Bernard. Mrs. Bernard was a devoted bedside nurse who spent her career caring for patients in hospital and nursing home settings. This scholarship supports nursing students who are committed to following a similar path. It is the third scholarship program to be introduced by the Foundation of CCMS, which has provided over $280,000 in scholarship awards since 2013.
“Bedside nurses are the foundation of patient care, yet their role is often undervalued. This scholarship is designed to recognize and support students who are committed to remaining at the bedside—providing hands-on, compassionate care to patients—just as my mother Kathy Lampl Bernard did throughout her career,” said Dr. Bernard.
To apply for the scholarship, complete the online form. To contribute to the fund, visit ccmsfoundation.org. For questions on application requirements, call the Foundation of CCMS, (239) 435-7727 or email info@ccmsonline.org.
The Foundation of CCMS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization launched by the Collier County Medical Society in 2012, with the mission to provide support and leadership to programs that address access to healthcare and promote health education. To support the Foundation’s scholarship program and charitable healthcare endeavors, make a tax-deductible donation at ccmsfoundation.org or call 239-435-7727.