August G. Swanson, M.D. Memorial Scholarship

EST.2005

Originally established by spouses of faculty members, and now including spouses, faculty, and other supporters, the Friends of the UW School of Medicine raises money for student scholarship. In 2005, the Friends decided to name one of its scholarships after August G. Swanson, M.D., who died in 2003, to commemorate his service to the School.

August “Gus” Swanson, M.D., was a pediatric neurologist and a great supporter of UW Medicine. An originator of the WWAMI program, which extends the School’s educational reach into the five-state region of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, Dr. Swanson also served as an associate dean and as acting dean of the School of Medicine.

In 1971, the Swansons moved to Washington, D.C., where Dr. Swanson served as the director of academic affairs for the Association of American Medical Colleges. Later, he served as the organization’s vice president.

The family retained its ties with the Pacific Northwest, particularly with Swanson’s colleagues, who had greatly appreciated his abilities as a collaborator and innovator. When Dr. Swanson retired, the family returned to the region.

Mrs. Ellyn W. Swanson and several of the Swansons’ six children still live in the Northwest, and Mrs. Swanson serves as a member of the Friends of the UW School of Medicine’s advisory board.