For many aspiring doctors, the dream of attending medical school can feel out of reachโnot because of academics, but because of finances. The perception that med school comes with insurmountable debt often discourages talented students from even applying. But the truth is, paying for medical school may not be as daunting as it seems.
As scholarships make medical education more accessible and the demand for healthcare professionals remains strong, a medical degree may be more worthwhile than many realize.
At St. Georgeโs University (SGU), students are proving that with the right support, a future in medicine is entirely within reach. In this post, weโll hear from recently matched SGU students who received financial assistance, gain insights from SGUโs scholarships expert, and explore why investing in an education in healthcare can be considered a sound financial decision.
Real stories, real support: SGU students speak
For many SGU students, medical school scholarships donโt just lighten the financial loadโthey make getting an MD possible. Behind every scholarship is a student pursuing their dream, and their stories speak volumes about how impactful that support can be.
โI received two scholarships, which both greatly helped as I was responsible for the cost of my education. Without these scholarships I likely would have never decided to fully commit to medical school,โ shares Darrian Arch, MD โ25 (expected). Darrian will begin his residency program this summer in emergency medicine at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.
Ahmad Elfaham, MD โ25 shared the sentiment.
โIt genuinely helped me a lot and was one of the main reasons I joined SGU,โ he says. Dr. Elfaham recently matched in interventional radiology at Zucker School of Medicine-Northwell Mather in Port Jefferson, NY.
Given SGUโs globally diverse student body, international students can also benefit from scholarships.
โComing from India, my scholarship was incredibly valuable, especially considering the difference in currency value. It significantly reduced the financial burden of medical school, allowing me to focus entirely on my education and clinical training without constant worry about tuition costs. This support gave me the freedom to immerse myself in learning, make the most of the opportunities SGU provided, and stay committed to achieving my goal of becoming a physician,โ shares Leonard Leo Visvaas, MD โ25 (expected), who matched into internal medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island, NY.
Making med school accessible
Through a wide range of scholarships, SGU works to help aspiring doctors not feel held back by financial barriers.
Jaime Morgan, director of scholarships at SGU, sees firsthand how financial concerns can discourage prospective students:
โIn my role, I often meet students who hesitate to complete their applications, concerned about the cost of medical school,โ she says. โThese students risk missing out on invaluable opportunities that can bring their goal of a medical career within reach.โ
To simplify the process, SGU has built financial consideration right into its admissions pipeline.
โUpon admission, all accepted SGU applicants are automatically considered for a scholarship package, creating a seamless process for both admission and scholarship review,โ Jaime Morgan explains. โOur committee carefully examines each applicant profile, matching your unique qualities with our scholarship offerings to curate a personalized award package tailored to you.โ
Here are some of SGUโs scholarship offerings:
Academic and Merit Scholarships
These scholarships reward your overall academic performance including GPA, standardized tests (when available), and predicted grades.
Difference Maker Scholarship
This scholarship celebrates outstanding individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on othersโ lives through volunteerism, careers, service initiatives and/or innovative research.
Connections and Community Scholarship
Here we recognize the rich tapestry of connections within the SGU community, fostering excellence through siblingsโ bonds, legacy achievements, institutional partnerships, and community collaborations.
Mission-To-Serve Scholarships
For individuals driven by a commitment to serve specific communities these scholarships are a testament to your dedication. Tailored to each program, these distinctive awards necessitate adherence to specific criteria, inviting applicants to articulate their aspirations through a separate application process. Scholarships included are:
- Equity in Medicine Scholarship
- CityDoctors Scholarship
- CARE Scholarship
A smart investment: Medicine in a changing economy
No matter how the economy shifts, one thing remains unchanged: people will always need doctors. Healthcare is a foundational part of society, and the role of medical professionals is essential to its function.
That need is only increasing. As baby boomers reach retirement age, the demand for healthcare services is rising sharply. By 2030, the US Census Bureau projects that one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. This will likely lead to higher demand for physiciansโespecially in primary care, internal medicine, and chronic disease management. This trend is mirrored globally, creating long-term opportunities for medical graduates in a variety of specialties.
Happening concurrently with projected healthcare demand increases, the US continues to face a physician shortage. According to a 2024 report by the Association of American Colleges, the US will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.
For students considering the cost of medical school, this context highlights a crucial point: medicine is not just a passion-driven career, but a smart financial investment. A medical degree leads to a profession that is resilient, meaningful, and always in demandโno matter what the future holds.
Donโt let financial concerns hold you back
Paying for medical school may seem overwhelming, but with the right support and resourcesโlike those offered at SGUโitโs more achievable than you think.
Remember that paying for med school is only one step in the larger Journey to Becoming an MD. Let this comprehensive blog series be a resource to you on your own journey.
