The WSMA Foundation Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund is a new endowment to build a more diverse physician population in Washington state by supporting students who are underrepresented in medicine. Our goal with the Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund is to cover full in-state tuition for four years of medical school for the scholarship recipient. We plan to raise $2 million to award the first scholarship, with our ultimate fundraising goal of $5 million to award three scholarships (one for each of Washington’s medical schools).
Last July, WSMA’s board of trustees voted to contribute $500,000 to the fund. In October, the WSMA Foundation held a fundraising luncheon where WSMA trustees and delegates contributed another $225,000, including $100,000 from the WSMA Foundation board of directors.
These generous contributions are a promising start. The success of this effort now depends upon your generosity. Confirm your commitment by donating today!
Physician Diversity in Washington
There is a 50% delta between the Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native general populations compared to their respective physician populations. An even greater gap exists between the Latinx general (13%) vs. physician population (3%).
Why give?
Medical students respond.
“It’s fundamental to use your power and privilege to ensure that these opportunities are available.”
– ABIGAEL MBALUKA, MS1, WSU Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine
“10 years from now, somebody will be up here saying, the WSMA scholarship allowed me to become a physician because… And you’re going to insert a phenomenal story here, because representation matters.”
– BRIAN CEDEÑO, MS3, UW School of Medicine
“Not only are you helping a student with the costs of their education, but you are also helping make their dream of serving the community and improving health care outcomes for all become a reality.”
– CHUKWUMA TIMOTHY IWUOHA, OMS3, PNWU College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund is one of several measures underway to advance health equity in all communities. Visit wsma.org/foundation for details.