The Sugar Scholars Program

The Sugar Scholars Endowment was created to honor the life of Alton "Sugar" Chong. Sugar ‘s life of service was the inspiration behind Dr. Deborah Chong’s decision to pursue international medicine. Sugar will be remembered by the many who were the beneficiaries of his generosity and innovation.

Alton "Sugar" Chong was born and grew up in Jamaica.  He was born of poor but very hard working parents, and was able to put himself through university in the United States to become an engineer.  He never forgot his humble beginnings and returned to Jamaica after finishing school. Even during his struggle with cancer, he continued to deliver food to homeless people until he was no longer physically able to learn more about Sugar Chong click on his name to see his biography.

The "SUGAR SCHOLARS" involves sponsoring American medical students to join our missions to Jamaica and sponsoring Jamaican students to join our missions to Tanzania. The first Sugar Scholar went on the November 2009 mission to Jamaica.  Her name is Georgia Bromfield.  Read her essay about this mission experience by clicking on her name.  In February 2010 our second scholar, Patricia Foo accompanied us.  Her essay is to follow.

Medical students are welcome on our medical missions. Medicine in Action is currently offering a scholarship program for medical students.
If you would like to donate to the scholarship program to facilitate medical volunteering for students, you can click the donate now button or send checks to:

Medicine in Action
2837 Morcom Avenue
Oakland CA, 94619

Please indicate on the check that you would like your donation to be used for the scholarship program.

Medical students who would like to apply can download the application here If you would like more information, contact Dr. Elaine Waetjen at Elaine_waetjen@medicineinaction.org.

The application deadline for Sugar Scholarships to  Jamaica have been extended for 2010 to the following:

November 2010 trip   - July 1, 2010

February 2011 trip  - October 1, 2010.


In order to facilitate elective curriculum planning, our first priority will be to evaluate applications received by March 1, 2011 for the November 2011 and February 2012 Jamaica missions.  However, should our scholarship not be granted by March 31, 2011, we will re-open the application process to students who may have more flexible schedules.  

PRIORITY Deadline:  March 1, 2011

SECONDARY Deadlines (if scholarship money still available):  July 1, 2011 for November mission and November 1, 2011 for February mission.

Download this useful guide for mission trips