Medical Education

A medical education at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) fosters a commitment to lifelong inquiry, as our students learn to anticipate future health needs and think critically about all aspects of patient care, research, and public health.

At VP&S, scholarship support lies at the heart of our mission to prepare future physician-scientists to advance medicine as a true science in service of humanity. Thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Roy and Diana Vagelos, in 2017 VP&S announced the first program to meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need with scholarships for all students who qualify as part of their need-based financial aid package. As the first medical school in the nation to make this commitment, VP&S set a new standard for equity in medical education—one that many schools have since adopted.

One of our priorities is increasing scholarship funding. The generosity of our donors makes it possible for extraordinary students to pursue their studies, research, and clinical training without the financial pressures that too often shape career decisions. By investing in our scholarship program, donors ensure that a world-class VP&S education remains accessible to talented students of all backgrounds—students who will go on to transform health care and lead discovery in an ever-changing world.

For more information on funding student scholarships please contact Faye Farese, Director of Development for Alumni and Major Gifts, at ff2102@cumc.columbia.edu.

Hear from our students to learn more about the impact of our scholarship program: