Waitzer Scholarship Challenge aims to close the MD scholarship gap
For many medical students, the dream of becoming a physician often is marred by a harsh reality: the burden of education debt.
In 2021, 73% of medical school graduates had education debt, with the median amount being $203,000, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. At EVMS, the median debt for medical students is even higher ($250,000).
That’s why Brad Waitzer, a Hampton Roads community member and longtime EVMS supporter, has stepped forward with a new investment in MD scholarships aimed at closing the scholarship gap.
For every dollar invested in MD scholarships through June 30, 2023, Waitzer will contribute scholarship funding $0.50 per $1 — up to $1 million.
The challenge will create a $3 million scholarship impact for EVMS medical students.
For Waitzer, funding scholarships for medical students is a cause with profound implications, not only for individual students but also for the health of the region.
“Funding scholarships is a high priority for me because of shortages of physicians in Hampton Roads and elsewhere,” Waitzer says. “The need is only growing.”
Find out more at evms.edu/waitzerchallenge.