Sidney Kimmel Medical College Student Named Pisacano Scholar

The Pisacano Leadership Foundation recognizes 10 medical students nationwide yearly who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, clinical excellence and a deep commitment to advancing family medicine.

Fourth-year Sidney Kimmel Medical College student Scott Orlov has been selected as a 2025 Pisacano Scholar, marking the first time in the award’s 32-year history that a Jefferson student has received this prestigious honor.

Orlov’s interest in medicine began as an undergrad studying public health at the University of Michigan, he says. “I became fascinated by how things as simple as a ZIP code and credit score could predict long-term health outcomes.”

Originally from Buffalo Grove, Ill., Orlov was drawn to Sidney Kimmel Medical College’s community focus and location in the heart of Philadelphia. The decision has proven transformative.

“Connecting with and learning from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences has been the most rewarding aspect of my medical education,” he says.

Orlov immersed himself in the city’s community health landscape, completing a correctional medicine elective at the Philadelphia Department of Prisons; interning at the Mazzoni Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike; and supporting syringe exchange services at Prevention Point in Kensington. These experiences have reinforced his commitment to family medicine—a specialty where he can build lasting patient relationships while working toward system-level change.

He cultivated his appreciation for meaningful human connection before med school when he worked as a cast member at Walt Disney World. “It gave me a deep appreciation for creating joy, storytelling and the impact of small interactions on people’s lives,” says Orlov, noting these skills can translate to patient care.

As a Pisacano Scholar, Orlov will receive significant scholarship support, access to national leadership development opportunities, mentorship and connection to a network of family medicine innovators.

Orlov credits the support he has received from Jefferson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

“I’m very grateful to be surrounded by leaders and role models who embody compassion, dedication and integrity in every aspect of their work,” he says. “Their example reminds me daily why I chose family medicine and inspires me to carry those values forward in my career. Ultimately, this recognition strengthens my commitment to partner with patients, empower communities and help advance family medicine.”