Fellows Foundation

Jon Calvarese, PA-C received funding from the Fellows Foundation in Summer 2011 and enrolled in Physician Assistant (PA) School at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. When asked how the Fund benefited him, Jon said "I have been very blessed to have received significant help from family and friends to get me through PA school, but if it weren't for the additional financial loan from the Fellows Memorial Fund I could not have made it happen.”

Jon graduated from PA school in 2013 and came back to Pensacola to work within a Neurosurgery practice at the Medical Center Clinic.

If you live in this area and are pursuing a degree in Healthcare, Medicine or Theology and are looking into financing opportunities, I would strongly encourage you to look into the Fellows Foundation. It is an untapped option that enabled me to pursue my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.

— Jon Calvarese, PA-C

Julia York, R.N. received funds from the Fellows Foundation in 2012. Originally from Pensacola, she went on to graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Nursing. Julia was accepted into the nursing residency program at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, where she continues to work today.

Without Fellows Foundation, I would not have been able to attend nursing school. They helped me to achieve my dream career by loaning me the funds I needed to pay for school. I am extremely grateful for this program and cannot thank them enough.

— Julia York, R.N.

J. Ben Renfroe, M.D. is a native Pensacolian who seized an opportunity to bring his skills home to northwest Florida in 1994 to begin his practice in child neurology. He attended the University of Alabama, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, University of Minnesota, and Baylor College of Medicine. He received a scholarship loan from Fellows Memorial Fund in 1986. During his studies he was also awarded the E.L. "Pete" Wehner Fellowship in Epilepsy and the Victor Horsley Research Fellowship from the Epilepsy Foundation of America. His practice has grown to include four physicians and four nurse practitioners who specialize in epilepsy, cerebral palsy, spasticity, and dystonia in both adults and children.

As an undergraduate, meeting expenses was difficult. The support from Fellows Fund enabled me to focus on studies and worry less about money.

— J. Ben Renfroe, M.D.

Kimberly L. Fischer, M.D. used funds from Fellows Foundation in 2004 when she Tulane University, and has since earned her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed a General Surgery Internship in Bethesda, Maryland. Originally from Pensacola, she has returned home and is stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station while she trains as a US Navy Flight Surgeon. Upon completion of her service, she will return to residency and study as a Urological Surgeon.

Aid from Fellows Memorial Fund has helped Dr. Fischer maintain a steady focus without the worry of financial burden.

Medical School is stressful enough alone. An additional financial stress can become too much during a tough round of exams. Fellows Foundation gave me the necessary resources so I could focus on gaining the knowledge to better serve my patients without worrying about bills. In addition, the fair interest rate lets me know that I will be able to pay back my loan in a reasonable amount of time.

— Kimberly L. Fischer, M.D. LT, MC, USN

Wayne Willis, M.D., a highly regarded local physician who has practiced medicine since 1976, was a recipient of a Fellows Fund loan. He began his undergraduate studies at Pensacola Junior College, and then went on to the University of Florida, where he received his bachelor’s degree and entered medical school. After graduating from the University of Florida’s College of Medicine, Dr. Willis completed a Family Medicine residency and obtained his Board Certification.

Dr. Willis continues to practice in Pensacola, Florida, and is admired by his patients and colleagues alike. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Fellows Foundation.

The money I received from the Fellows Fund, as a very low-cost loan, allowed me to attend medical school without the financial worry experienced by some of my classmates.

— Wayne Willis, M.D.