NYU Grossman School of Medicine was instrumental in helping me, and I wanted to pay it forward.
As a first-generation college graduate whose family didn’t have the means to support me one hundred percent financially, I relied on financial aid.
I remember walking into the dean’s office as a first-year medical student, explaining my situation to him, and telling him that I really needed help to be able to continue my education to be a doctor, and he was extremely supportive. He was so compassionate and sympathetic.
I was so grateful that they were able to give me aid and give me the opportunity to complete my education, become a dermatologist, and create a good life for myself and my family.
Today, I see phenomenal students who are in a similar situation financially, if not significantly worse, who rely on support to fulfill their dreams of becoming a doctor. I wanted to pay it forward to the next generation of students.
I see the impact of how the institution, through its tuition-free program as well as scholarships, changes lives and allows students and their families to fulfill lifelong dreams.
If we can help people become doctors and help people change the trajectory of their lives financially and emotionally, it’s priceless.
Seeing today’s NYU Grossman School of Medicine students thrive is absolutely beautiful and inspiring.
I think we should continue that level of support because these scholarships mean so much. Without that support, many individuals may unfortunately take a path that is different from what their ultimate goal is, what their ultimate dream is.
If we can help people become doctors and help people change the trajectory of their lives financially and emotionally, it’s priceless.
Being on the faculty is my other way of giving back.
One of my ultimate goals has always been to teach. If I wasn’t going to be a physician, I was going to be a teacher. I enjoy having students and residents around, and if I can pass my knowledge on to them and help them become better physicians, better doctors, better healthcare providers, better healers, it’s truly fulfilling. I do it totally on a volunteer basis, and I get so much back in return.