The Wayne State University School of Medicine has been improved in numerous ways thanks to philanthropic investment. From state-of-the art facilities like the Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons and the Kado Family Clinical Skills Lab where our students learn and hone their skills to research funds that allow faculty to pursue new inquires, further existing knowledge and advance biomedical science or endowed faculty positions that create opportunities for expert and compassionate physician educators to provide high-quality care to the people of southeast Michigan while training new generations to follow in their footsteps, philanthropy is essential to continuing the School of Medicine's work and reputation.4.
These crucial investments, and many more, were celebrated Oct. 9, 2014, at the public launch of Pivotal Moments: Our Campaign for Wayne State University. The campaign is designed to celebrate the moments that have defined our history and help to create new ones for our students, our university, our city and the world. Funds raised during the Pivotal Moments campaign will provide immediate resources to support students, faculty and research, with an additional goal of securing future moments through permanent endowment funding. Private support provides necessary resources beyond traditional funding sources, which are becoming increasingly precarious.
While philanthropy will continue to improve the School of Medicine's scholarly and physical infrastructure, for some, its greatest gift has been scholarship. For many students, the generosity of a stranger made it possible for them to pursue their dream of a career in medicine. The financial realities of attending medical school can present insurmountable barriers for talented students who would make excellent physicians. The shortages in the physician workforce that the state of Michigan and the nation face make this a very risky proposition for the health and wellness of our communities. Scholarship support counteracts this reality, allowing the school to recruit talented applicants regardless of their ability to afford tuition.
In the last fiscal year more than $4 million was raised to lighten the debt burden for our students. Removing some or the entire tuition barrier allows them to focus on becoming highly skilled clinicians and scientists. The long-term impact is not just more doctors with less debt but literally thousands of patients receiving care from highly skilled, compassionate and motivated physicians.
Do you want an opportunity to help change the lives of others? To learn more please visit: http://pivotalmoments.wayne.edu/.