Creative Financing: 
Alternative Sources for Funding Your Medical Education

There are a wide variety of outside sources of funding available to medical students. Some funds are easily obtained while others are difficult to find, apply for, and receive. An applicant should take some time to research opportunities for alternative funding. It requires patience and hard work, but the results can be lucrative. The following is a short list of ideas to inspire the ambitious financial aid applicant. It is by no means exhaustive, but should give a good beginning to the search.

• Talk to major health care organizations in your area. Let them know you have been accepted to medical school and that you need financial assistance. They may be willing to assist you financially in return for service after you have completed residency.

• Find a patron or benefactor.

• Surf the information super highway, i.e., www.fastweb.com 

• Find out if your parents' employers have a scholarship or sponsoring program for students.

• Ask a family doctor to become a mentor and assist in the search for funds.

• Contact religious and service organizations such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc.

• Contact pharmaceutical companies to see if there are funds available for scholarships or low interest loans.