Valeant Dermatology Launches Aspire Higher Scholarship Program

Valeant Dermatology, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, launched Valeant Dermatology ASPIRE HIGHER Scholarship Program that will award scholarships of up to $10,000 each to nine individual students who will be attending an undergraduate or graduate education program during the 2016 to 2017 school year. The scholarships recognize students who have been diagnosed and treated for a dermatologic condition and are pursuing a higher education degree. Applicants need not have used a Valeant dermatologic prescription medication to be eligible, and use of a Valeant product will not increase an applicant's chance of being awarded a scholarship. 

Three scholarships will be awarded in three different categories:

• Undergraduate Scholar Awards for students pursuing an undergraduate degree
• Graduate Scholar Awards for students pursuing a graduate degree
• Today's Woman Scholar Awards for students who are mothers pursuing either a graduate or undergraduate degree

"Since 2013 Valeant Dermatology has supported students in achieving their higher education goals through our scholarship programs. We understand the burden that a skin condition can inflict on patients and applaud their aspirations and accomplishments," said Deb Jorn, Executive Vice President and Company Group Chairman of Valeant Dermatology. "We're particularly excited to be expanding our awards this year to honor graduate school students, as well as mothers who often face added challenges while pursuing their degrees."  

If you have patients you think might be interested, applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay describing the impact their dermatologic condition has had on their life and the role their healthcare practitioner has played in helping treat their condition. Other application requirements include two letters of recommendation and information on their current school and community activities. Applications will be accepted from February 1, 2016 through April 30, 2016 and the winners will be named on July 1, 2016. To apply for a scholarship, interested applicants should visit www.ValeantAspireHigher.com. 

Students eligible for the scholarship are those who have been diagnosed with a dermatologic condition at some point in their life, were under the care of a dermatologist, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner and have used a prescription medication from any manufacturer as treatment. All applicants must have applied to, have been accepted to, or are currently attending an accredited college, university, or advanced vocational or technical school in 2016.

Healthcare professionals (e.g. dermatologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners), those in all other specialties, and their staffs and family members (i.e. parents, children, siblings, and spouses, and those with whom they live) are NOT eligible for Valeant Dermatology Scholarships. In addition, any person eligible for reimbursement of prescriptions, in whole or in part, by any federal, state or other governmental programs, including, but not limited to, Medicare (including Medicare Advantage and Part A, B and D Plans), Medicaid, TRICARE, Veterans Administration or Department of Defense health coverage, CHAMPUS, or any other federal or state health care programs, is not eligible. For more information, visit www.ValeantAspireHigher.com.