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