Emma Sypes from Ottawa is one of 20 recipients of an RTOERO scholarship in 2022, thanks to a nomination from District 21 Renfrew.

A medical student at University of Ottawa, Emma will graduate with an MD in 2024. Her goal is to become a geriatrician, to provide high-quality primary care and improve access to health care for older adults in rural communities. Growing up with two grandparents as teachers has inspired Emma to, one day, incorporate teaching into her career. She hopes to train future geriatricians by holding a faculty position at a medical school.

In 2022, RTOERO has awarded scholarships valued at $3,000 each to 20 college and university students who are enrolled in programs that lead to a career in education, environmental stewardship or seniors’ health and well-being.

RTOERO members are encouraged to recommend students for the annual scholarships. To date, RTOERO has awarded scholarships totaling more than $550,000.

To apply for the scholarships, students had to describe how their studies and goals relate to RTOERO’s purpose, what influenced them to pursue their intended career and how their contributions (to family, school, work, community) have aligned with RTOERO’s goal and values.

This year’s recipients are studying in programs including nursing, medicine, speech-language pathology, social work, health sciences, biomedical engineering, physiotherapy, pharmacy and education.