Two BUSM Students Named 2014 Benjamin H. Kean Travel Fellows in Tropical Medicine

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) announced the 2014 recipients of the Benjamin H. Kean Travel Fellowship in Tropical Medicine. Through a highly competitive process, 22 Fellows from 18 medical schools were selected including two from Boston University School of Medicine Katrina Ciraldo and Daniel Silva.

Katrina Ciraldo
Katrina Ciraldo
Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva

This Fellowship is the only medical student award dedicated to nurturing a career path for physician-scientists in tropical medicine. It is awarded annually to full-time medical students at accredited medical schools in North America. Fellows receive airfare and up to $1,000 in living expenses for a clinical training or research project that takes place in an area where tropical diseases are endemic. ASTMH, founded in 1903, is a worldwide organization of scientists, clinicians and program professionals whose mission is to promote global health through the prevention and control of infectious and other diseases that disproportionately afflict the global poor.

“The future of global health and tropical medicine is in great hands with a group as dynamic and committed as this class of Fellows,” said Kean Fellowship Committee Chair, Chandy John, MD, MS, University of Minnesota. “Headlines and news reports remind us that diseases that affect people in the tropics can have worldwide consequences. These fellows will be part of the next generation working to alleviate the suffering and long-term disability caused by these diseases.”

“This premier award is both honorific and substantive. It makes overseas training experiences for students interested in tropical disease possible, and works to build the ranks of physician-scientists focused on diseases in low-income countries,” said ASTMH President Alan Magill, MD, FASTMH. “The Fellowship enables these future leaders to expand their scientific networks, which in turn advances their professional contributions. As a Society, our goal is guide them towards fulfilling career options allowing them to do the work that helps improve the lives of so many who suffer needlessly from tropical disease.”

The Fellowship is named to honor Benjamin H. Kean, MD, (1912-1993), an internationally acclaimed tropical medicine expert and personal mentor to many of today’s world-renowned tropical medicine experts who were inspired by him as his students in medical school. Kean is also credited with discovering the causes of several diseases, including turista or travelers’ diarrhea.