Pulse

Waitzer Scholarship Challenge aims to close the MD scholarship gap

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Waitzer in front of Waitzer Hall

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.