North Reading Resident Receives PMA Scholar of The Year Award

North Reading resident, Veronica Faller was awarded Scholar of the Year by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) of New England on March 18, 2017 at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Faller, a senior medical student at Boston University School of Medicine received a scholarship grant for her exceptional talent and academic accomplishments. "I have always found purpose in serving those with the greatest need," Faller said.

As a newly revived organization that was originally founded in 1963, PMA New England recognized Faller for her compassion towards her patients and her Filipino heritage. She will start her residency training at MGH-McLean in July and plans to specialize in Child Psychiatry.

Dr. Sidharta Gangandharan of Brookline, a cardiothoracic surgeon and the Division Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the Beth Israel Medical Center received the PMA Outstanding Physician of the Year award on the same evening. "Both are individuals we should all be proud of," PMA President Dr. Grace Perez-Lirio said during the opening remarks.

Photos courtesy of Jun Valencia

First photo (left to right): Dr. Grace Perez-Lirio (PMA President), Veronica Faller (Scholar of the Year) and Dr. Fe Festin (PMA Board Chairman)

Second photo is Veronica Faller (6th from the left) with PMA Officers

Third photos (left to right): Dr. Fe Festin (PMA Board Chairman), Dr. Sidharta Gangadharan (Outstanding Physician Award recipient) and Dr. Grace Perez-Lirio (PMA President)