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College of Human Medicine

New Scholarships Empower Medical Students to Serve Indigenous Communities

June 16th, 2023

Right now, there are fewer than ten medical doctors serving indigenous communities in Michigan. One generous donor has established a new scholarship to disrupt this trajectory through a gift to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

The $100,000 scholarship gift, given by Harry D. Brickley, MD, will provide endowed funding support to medical students interested in providing medical care to indigenous populations in Michigan.

To additionally bolster the Dr. Harry D. Brickley Endowed Scholarship in Human Medicine and address the gap in care specifically for indigenous populations, a second scholarship, the Mashkiki Endowed Scholarship in Human Medicine, has been established to provide an additional $100,000 in matching endowed scholarship funds.

Mashkiki is the Ojibwe term for medicine—and is close to the donor’s heart.

“As a kindhearted friend of the college, Dr. Brickley has recognized the mission of our rural medicine programs, which highlight a deep dedication to serving medically underserved communities,” said MSU College of Human Medicine Dean Aron Sousa, MD, FACP. “We are thrilled to offer financial support to our medical students interested in meeting the unique needs of indigenous communities.”

QUICK FACT | 19% of College of Human Medicine graduates
(overall) practice in rural areas. 

Research has shown the trauma indigenous peoples have historically experienced—trauma which modifies the body’s DNA—passes on to younger generations. The trauma causes increased negative health outcomes like Type II diabetes, and coupled with other social determinants of health experienced by diverse heritages, are shown to have long-term, negative health effects.

Combined, these two scholarships will provide current medical students with an infusion of tuition support and will be awarded annually beginning in spring 2024.

To learn more about supporting scholarships, email Associate Director of Development Marci Muller or call (616) 234-2611.