Thank You

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of medical students. Our students are brilliant and deserving. They're not afraid to roll up their sleeves and work hard in school. They want to succeed. They want to make a difference. 

Your Giving Impacts Our Students

"I was born and raised in Lima, Ohio, and everyone there is a Buckeye. Your baby clothes sported Ohio State, and you grew up cheering on Buckeye games. Eventually, you realize there’s a reason why everyone there likes Ohio State—there’s a real family feel. So ever since I was a kid, I knew that, if I was going to go to college, it was going to be at Ohio State.

I decided to pursue medicine because of my mom. She’s a nurse, and I admire how she treats her patients and everyone around her. I thought ‘what better way to emulate that than to pursue medicine.’

In undergrad, I started volunteering at community organizations like the West Ohio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and Big Brother, Big Sisters. It was amazing to see everyone work together for the common goal of making our community a better place, and I wanted to bring that aspect to medicine wherever I practiced.

I’m fortunate enough to receive the Goodnough Scholarship, which was founded by Joel Goodnough, a 1979 College of Medicine alum, and his wife Brenda. This scholarship benefits students on the Community Medicine MD Track. Because of their support, I’m able to really focus on my studies and participate fully in activities, like volunteering with Street Medicine and Clinica Latina, without as much worrying about financials.

I’m set to graduate in May 2028, and I hope to pursue a joint emergency medicine and internal medicine residency. I know wherever I go, I want to make an impact in the community. I want to serve those who are underserved and be part of that care.

I'm the first person in my immediate family to go to college, and the first to be a doctor in all my extended family. Hearing the name ‘Dr. Roa’ for the first time is going to be really special.”

-Ely

"Words could never fully express my gratitude for the generous scholarships I had the honor of receiving. These gifts mean so much not only to me, but also to my partner and my family. They have allowed me to focus even more fully on my studies and pursue my passion for internal medicine. Beyond the financial support at OSUCOM, it has also been the friendships, mentors, and community I have found that have undoubtedly brought me closer to my dream of becoming a physician. I hope to one day give bck in a way that honors the generosity I have been shown. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my potential and supporting my journey." 

Cassandra

Here is a message from Isaac Stanberry, a first-year student, on why he’s attending medical school and what he hopes to do.

"My name is Isaac and I’m currently a first-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for your support. Contributions from donors like you help to make the dream of pursuing a career in medicine a reality for students like me!

Coming from a small, close-knit community in southeastern Ohio, I am grateful for the Lead, Serve, Inspire curriculum at OSUCOM, along with opportunities such as student-led community cooking classes and the Columbus free clinic.

My goal is to play an active role in building a healthy environment for the communities and individual patients I serve. I am currently interested in gastroenterology and excited to integrate my interests in cooking and nutrition into my care for patients!

Thank you so much for your support and belief in our success!"

-Isaac