[Source – unknews.unk.edu]
Medical Scholarship for Rural Nebraska Students Announced
KEARNEY – Nebraska-born radiologist William Northwall, M.D., has created a full scholarship covering the cost of attendance for a medical student at the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). Dr. Northwall, who practiced radiology in Kearney for over two decades, donated through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
The William H. Northwall, MD, Scholarship is a medical scholarship for rural Nebraska students who choose to pursue a medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). This financial aid will cover approximately $65,000 annually, which includes tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, significantly easing the financial burden on the recipient. Dr. Northwall, a 1967 graduate of the UNMC College of Medicine, emphasized that the scholarship is his way of contributing to the future of rural health in Nebraska.
“I believe in the Kearney medical community and its dedication to excellence. This scholarship is a way for me to give back,” Dr. Northwall said. He and his wife, Ethel Merrigan, currently reside in St. Petersburg, Florida, but their connection to Nebraska remains strong.
Rural Health Education Complex to Address Workforce Needs
The Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, located on the UNK campus, is a critical step toward addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas. This facility, built in partnership between UNK and UNMC, will provide medical education for physicians, pharmacists, and public health professionals. It will also expand existing nursing and allied health programs already offered at UNK.
The first group of medical students is expected to begin their studies in the fall of 2026, following the completion of the complex’s second building. Dr. Northwall’s scholarship will be awarded to a student in this inaugural class, further solidifying his commitment to supporting medical education in Nebraska. Bradley Britigan, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine at UNMC, expressed his gratitude for Dr. Northwall’s contribution, highlighting its transformative potential.
“This generous gift ensures that one future physician will be able to pursue their education without the burden of financial constraints. It not only honors our students but also enhances the future of healthcare in Nebraska,” said Dr. Britigan.
A Call for More Support for Future Health Professionals
Dr. Northwall hopes that his scholarship will not only help aspiring physicians but also inspire other donors to contribute toward medical education. He noted the significant debt burden faced by many medical students, with UNMC graduates often owing between $185,000 and $200,000 upon completion of their degrees. Dr. Northwall stressed the importance of attracting top talent to the medical profession to ensure that healthcare quality continues to improve in the future.
“We need more and better doctors moving forward,” Dr. Northwall said. “The satisfaction that comes from helping those in need is a deeply rewarding experience.”
The medical scholarship for rural Nebraska students was established as part of the University of Nebraska’s ongoing fundraising initiative, “Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.” This campaign aims to raise $3 billion from 150,000 benefactors to support students, faculty, and programs across the University of Nebraska system. Scholarships, such as the one established by Dr. Northwall, remain a central focus of the campaign.
Dr. Northwall’s previous contributions to UNMC include the creation of the William H. Northwall, MD, Plaza, which serves as the entryway to the Wigton Heritage Center on the Omaha campus. His dedication to the university and rural healthcare underscores his lasting impact on Nebraska’s medical community.
