WSU selected for state medical association’s first full‑ride student scholarship

The Washington State Medical Association's philanthropic arm has selected the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for its first four-yearscholarship to a student to attend the medical school in Washington state. The recipient will be announced in spring 2026.

The investment by the WSMA Foundation for Health Care Improvement reflects a strategic priority for both organizations to reduce financial barriers to medical education, improve health equity, and strengthen the physician workforce.

"At the WSMA Foundation, we believe that medicine should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves," said WSMA Foundation President Dr. Bindu Nayak. "Yet, many talented, passionate students face barriers to pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors - barriers that often begin with the steep cost of medical education. With this WSMA Foundation Future Physician Scholarship, we hope to help a deserving student accomplish their dream of becoming a physician by taking at least the financial barrier off the table."

Leading a much-needed change within the medical community of Washington state, in 2023 the WSMA Foundation launched the Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund to provide fully funded medical education for students and to build a mentoring program and community to support these students. Ultimately, the endowment seeks to fund a four-yearscholarship at all three Washington state medical schools.

At the WSMA Foundation, we believe that medicine should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.

This summer, after reaching a fundraising goal of $1.5 million through its endowment fund, the foundation's board of directors voted to award its first-ever four-yearFuture Physician Scholarship - $40,000 per year, totaling $160,000 - to a class of 2030 medical student at the WSU College of Medicine.

"The challenge of affording medical education has never been more pressing, and this WSMA scholarship represents a significant step in removing barriers for future physicians," said Dean Dr. James Record. "This scholarship is more than an investment in one student - it's an investment in the thousands of individuals this future physician will care for in their career. We are grateful for WSMA's partnership in advancing health for our communities."

The WSMA Foundation Future Physician Scholarship is intended to support admitted medical students who have been socially or economically disadvantaged or who may not otherwise be able to attend medical school in their journeys to become physicians. The goal of the scholarship is to build a physician community in Washington state that mirrors the patient community.

Special consideration will be given for applicants whose experience or other accomplishments are predictive of future service to Washington state populations that have health disparities.

The scholarship application cycle will open in February.

"This inaugural scholarship is just that: a beginning," said Dr. Nayak. "The WSMA Foundation's long-term vision is bold: We plan to fund scholarships at each of our Washington state medical schools sequentially for now, as we continue raising funds that eventually will allow us to achieve our goal of sustainably funding three concurrent scholarships."

Additionally, as a physician-supported organization, the WSMA Foundation will provide mentorship and networking opportunities to scholarship awardees during their medical school journey. The WSMA represents approximately 13,500 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state.