Kimberly Owens, MSIII, is the first recipient of the Virginia Toombs, M.D., Memorial Scholarship. This endowment was created in 2000 in honor of Virginia "Ginny" Toombs, M.D., '82, to assist UC Davis medical students who are single mothers with financial need. The primary purpose of the fund is to help cover the cost of fees and tuition. Virginia Toombs had wanted to be a doctor all her life, inspired by her father, an anesthesiologist. By the time she had the opportunity to fulfill her dream and attend medical school at UC Davis, she was a single mother, raising her 10-year-old son, Cameron.

Ginny was determined to be the best medical student and the best mom she could be. Throwing her characteristic energy and enthusiasm into both tasks, Ginny earned her medical degree in 1982 and went on to finish her internship and residency training in radiology the same week Cameron graduated from high school. She was justly proud of her dual accomplishments — becoming a medical doctor and raising her child to be a fine young man.

Special endowments are but one way that alumni or their families can help the medical school. The UC Davis School of Medicine Alumni Association sponsors an annual campaign to raise scholarship funds for incoming medical students. This nonprofit program was established in 1987 to award scholarships to students selected for their academic excellence, leadership skills, commitment to community service and demonstrated financial need. For more information about establishing an endowment for a memorial scholarship fund or making a contribution to the UC Davis School of Medicine Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, please contact the UC Davis School of Medicine Alumni Office at (916) 734-9410.