During COVID-19, Doctor Donates Tribute Award to Medical School Alma Mater

Our commitment to our members is undeniable—and so is their commitment to providing superior care and investing in the medical profession.

Richard A. Bond, DO, FAAFM, who recently retired from family practice, donated the entirety of his Tribute® Plan award to the emergency fund of his medical school alma mater, California’s Western University of Health Sciences.

“Well, this is found money,” said Dr. Bond about his award. “Why not do something positive for those who need it?”

Co-founder of a practice in Orange, California, Dr. Bond learned that some students whose studies had been disrupted by COVID-19 needed to find new places to live. These unexpected moving expenses were threatening some students’ ability to stay in school.

Dr. Bond called his contribution a “seed donation,” hoping to motivate other physicians to donate to their home institutions.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Dr. Bond. “Medicine has been very good to me.” When he was pursuing his education, “people were very generous with me and gave me opportunities I would not otherwise have had,” he said. “I look at it as a chance to give back.”

The Tribute Plan is truly a touchstone of living our mission: To advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine. We applaud Dr. Bond for his service to the profession and for his generous contribution to those starting their careers.