The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is teaching the next generation of physicians to not only provide the highest quality care for their patients but also about philanthropy and the importance of giving back.

In June, a line of USF’s overall state budget was vetoed, resulting in a cut of $1.7 million from the Morsani College of Medicine, $400,000 of which was designated for medical student financial aid. In a little over a month, alumni from the Morsani College of Medicine came together to raise more than $150,000 to help bridge the gap.

Dolores Lowe, MD ’93

Dolores Lowe, MD ’93, a member of the Medicine Alumni Society Board, was shocked to hear of the budget cut. Lowe was inspired and encouraged her class to give to the cause, in addition to making her own generous gift.

“I told my former classmates I was going to give, and challenged them to give what they could. I felt that together, we could make a difference in the lives of these future doctors, and sure enough, my classmates answered,” said Lowe. “Through the work of our dean, our community friends and our alumni department, we were able to raise a significant amount in helping to offset the deficit.”

Along with the College of Medicine General Scholarship Fund, alumni from the medical college also supported the incoming class of medical students by sponsoring their first white coats and contributing towards their class scholarship. The Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2023 is the largest to date with 184 students. Many alumni were among the 200 donors who gave nearly $160,000.

MD student, Anmol Babu, thanks her white coat sponsors at the Class of 2023 White Coat Ceremony

“Because of our donors, our medical students will have the opportunity to make life better for our community and the world, and for that I am truly grateful,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.

To support the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, please visit giving.usf.edu/medicine.