Dec. 12, 2025
WSMA Foundation Selects Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for New Medical School Scholarship
After reaching its fundraising goal of $1.5 million through its endowment fund, the WSMA Foundation for Health Care Improvement has selected the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for its first four-year scholarship to a student to attend the medical school in Washington state. The investment reflects a strategic priority for both organizations to reduce financial barriers to medical education, increase representation in medicine, improve health equity, and strengthen the physician workforce.
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 one four-year scholarship at each of the three Washington state medical schools.
"At the WSMA Foundation, we believe that medicine should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves," says WSMA Foundation President Bindu Nayak, MD. "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."
Crossing the fundraising threshold and selecting the medical school for its first scholarship is a significant achievement for the foundation, the WSMA, and the many physician and health care donors who helped make this possible. Thank you to all WSMA members and other donors for their generosity.
The scholarship application cycle will open in February. Learn more and about and donate to the Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund and the Future Physician Scholarship here.