The Michael Rasekhi Scholarship for Medical Students is officially open for applications, providing a $1,000 award to undergraduate pre-medical and medical students dedicated to advancing community healthcare. Founded by healthcare leader Michael Rasekhi, the scholarship aims to support future professionals who address real-world challenges in healthcare delivery and equity.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. institution and demonstrate a strong commitment to a medical career. The application requires a 500-700 word essay responding to a prompt inspired by Rasekhi's own career: describing a challenge in modern healthcare the applicant is passionate about solving and how their future career will contribute to community well-being. The deadline is January 15, 2027, with the winner announced on February 15, 2027.
Michael Rasekhi, founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Southern California Medical Center (SCMC), has over three decades of experience in healthcare, focusing on underserved populations. Under his leadership, SCMC evolved from a small family practice into a federally qualified nonprofit health center serving diverse communities across Southern California. This scholarship reflects his broader mission to invest in the next generation of medical professionals committed to service-oriented medicine.
By offering this financial support, Rasekhi aims to recognize students who combine academic excellence with a clear vision for community impact. The scholarship is open nationwide, without geographic restrictions, emphasizing the importance of equitable healthcare access. For more information, visit the Michael Rasekhi Scholarship website.
This initiative highlights the ongoing need for healthcare leaders who can tackle disparities, preventive care limitations, and evolving community needs. As Rasekhi states, investing in medical students today strengthens the foundation of healthcare systems for tomorrow.
