Five Outstanding Local Physicians Awarded $60,000 through Tandigm Scholars Program

West Conshohocken, PA — July 27, 2017– Tandigm Scholars, a nonprofit organization formed by Tandigm Health, LLC  to support deserving Philadelphia-area primary care physicians, today announced its 2017 class of scholars.

Each selected Tandigm Scholar will be awarded $20,000 per year for three years, totaling $60,000. While the scholarships will be used specifically to offset existing educational debt, the Tandigm Scholars Program also focuses on fostering an educational environment for the chosen physicians. Select Tandigm Physicians work with the scholars to provide individualized mentorships that enable the Scholars to develop the skills needed to provide high-quality, value-based care.

The five primary care physicians being recognized as the 2017 Tandigm Scholars are:

  • Drew Rowan – Gateway Colonial Family Practice, Coatesville, PA
  • Gawu Kamara Bankole – Spring-Ford Family Practice, Royersford, PA
  • Joseph Candelore – Doylestown Medical Associates, P.C., Doylestown, PA
  • Valerie McAuley – Family Practice Associates of Exton and Marshallton, Exton, PA
  • Brittney Scardino – TriValley Primary Care – Upper Perkiomen Office, Pennsburg, PA

“Tandigm’s model is built on the belief that primary care physicians are a vital component of the healthcare system. They serve on the front lines of patient care, therefore they are best positioned to provide proactive, coordinated care – which ultimately improves outcomes and lowers costs,” said Anthony Coletta, MD, MBA, Board Chairman of Tandigm Scholars.  “Through the Tandigm Scholars Program, we are working to ensure that young physicians continue to pursue the field of primary care by supporting promising scholars with the financial assistance, mentorship and resources they need to drive continued success. We are incredibly proud of the 2017 Tandigm Scholars and we look forward to their positive impact on the future of value-based care.”

According to a 2016 report released by Association of American Medical Colleges, the demand for primary care physicians will exceed the supply by 2025 – anticipating a shortfall between 12,500 and 31,100 primary care physicians.  With an understanding of the projected physician shortage, the Tandigm Scholars Program is designed to reward select primary care physicians for entering this high-demand field.

“As primary care physicians, we work closely and build long lasting compassionate relationships with our patients and their families,” said 2017 Tandigm Scholar, Gawu Bankole, MD. “The Tandigm Scholars Program encourages and supports physicians who dedicate their lives to this field and I am grateful to be part of the Program.”

Now is the time to invest in the future of healthcare.  Funds to support the program come from donations to the Tandigm Scholars Program.  To enquire about opportunities to contribute, please reply by e-mail at tandigmscholars@tandigmhealth.com.  For additional information about this 501(c)(3) organization, please visit www.tandigmscholars.org.

Media Contact:
Scott Breed
215-568-4775
tandigmscholars@tandigmhealth.com