VCU doctoral students awarded scholarship for radiology education

By Malorie Burkett

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 11) – Virginia Commonwealth University doctoral student Larry Swafford of Richmond, Calif., has been awarded the Siemens Scholar Award by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Education and Research Foundation.

The $3,000 scholarship will help Swafford earn his doctorate of education in the radiological field.  The scholarship is sponsored by the Foundation and the Oncology Care Systems Group at Siemens Medical Systems and is offered to one student each year who is pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in the radiological or health sciences education or management.

“A doctorate is an important part of my career aspiration because it will provide me with the knowledge base and analytical skills for teaching and conducting research that is relevant to my profession,” said Swafford. “While I take great pride in my educational and professional accomplishments, there is still much to do. The Siemens Scholarship is greatly appreciated as it will allow me to continue my professional and educational development.”

Swafford received his Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy from the University of Oklahoma. In 1992, he became the Radiation Therapy Program director at VCU, and simultaneously completed his master's degree.

Swafford resigned from the director position several months ago to start a new radiation therapy program for the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences in Richmond, Calif.  He currently is working on the dissertation aspect of his degree at VCU.