Investing in the Future of Medicine:

The Dr. Sudesh Banaji Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students in the United States preparing to enter the medical field, this initiative seeks to support those who aspire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others through medicine.

Scholarship Overview

The Dr. Sudesh Banaji Scholarship for Medical Students is a merit-based award created to support undergraduate students who are committed to pursuing careers in medicine. Named in honor of Dr. Sudesh Banaji’s lifelong contributions to global healthcare, this scholarship celebrates academic excellence, compassion, and a forward-thinking approach to patient care. The recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship, awarded through an essay competition that invites students to reflect on their goals, experiences, and the future of healthcare.

Criteria

✅ Eligibility & Criteria:

To qualify for the Dr. Sudesh Banaji Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a current undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. college or university
  • Intend to pursue a career in medicine or a related healthcare field
  • Submit an original essay responding to the prompt below
  • Demonstrate academic dedication, passion for healthcare, and a desire to improve patient outcomes

Essay Prompt (Required):
“Describe a defining moment or experience that shaped your decision to pursue a career in medicine. How has this experience influenced your understanding of compassionate care, and how do you plan to apply that in your future medical career?”

Essays must be between 750 and 1,000 words and should be submitted in PDF or Word document format.

Amount

One time award of $1,000

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is April 15, 2026

Winner Announced

The winner of the scholarship will be announced on May 15, 2026

How to Apply

📬 How to Apply:

Applying is simple and completely free. Please follow the steps below to be considered:

  1. Write an original essay based on the prompt provided above (750–1,000 words).
  2. Include your full name, college/university name, major, year of study, and contact email at the top of the document.
  3. Save your essay as a PDF or Word document.
  4. Email your completed application to: [email protected]

Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2026
Winner Announcement: May 15, 2026

Only one winner will be selected and notified via email. The winning essay may be featured on the official scholarship website.

Along with the essay, please provide the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Email Address
  • Name of High School and Graduation Date
  • The University that you are currently enrolled in.
  • Personal Bio
  • GPA