HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Darlene Yao Gruetter, M.D., has established a scholarship at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine to honor her parents, Mr. Stephen C. and Mrs. Pei Lan Yao. 

Mr. Yao, a linguist fluent in multiple languages, served as an interpreter for Voice of America during the Cold War and was pursuing a Ph.D. in International Studies at the time of his passing. Mrs. Yao, a homemaker known for her generosity, intelligence, independence and industrious nature, valued education deeply, according to her daughter.  

 “My parents encouraged and supported me to pursue higher education and achieve success in my chosen field,” Gruetter said. “I am grateful for the excellent medical education and residency training I received at Marshall that prepared me well for a 30+ year career in pathology. I would like to support upcoming medical students in furthering their education through this scholarship that honors my parents.”  

Born in Taiwan, Gruetter's early life was shaped by her family’s escape from the Communist Revolution in China. The family then moved to Okinawa, Japan, during the Vietnam War when her father was transferred there.  

Gruetter obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Beloit College in Wisconsin, then a Master of Science in Pharmacology from Tulane University in New Orleans. She then worked as a research assistant in Tulane’s pharmacology department before relocating to West Virginia, where she continued as a research assistant in the biochemistry department at the newly founded medical school at Marshall University setting up labs for first-year medical students. It was during this time that she decided to pursue a career in medicine.  

Gruetter graduated from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in 1987 and became the first physician to complete a five-year Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency at Marshall University Affiliated Hospitals. She then worked for Associated Pathologists at St. Mary’s Medical Center until 2006 and is currently a staff pathologist at Charleston Area Medical Center. 

“We appreciate Dr. Gruetter’s support of the School of Medicine through this new scholarship, which is an investment in the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Linda S. Holmes, associate dean for development and alumni affairs.  

The Mr. Stephen C. & Mrs. Pei Lan Yao Memorial Scholarship is designated for first-year medical students with first preference to residents of Cabell County and second preference to residents of Putnam County, West Virginia. The award is renewable for up to three additional years, pending normal academic progress. 

For more information or to make a gift to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, please contact Holmes at 304.691.1711 or holmes@marshall.edu. For news and information about the school of medicine, follow us on X @MUSOMWV, like us on Facebook or visit jcesom.marshall.edu.   

Date Posted: Monday, December 9, 2024