Help Ifeoma Stay in Medical School and Keep Her Visa

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Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

My name is Ifeoma Mba-Madubuike, and I just completed my first year of medical school at Howard University College of Medicine—a dream I’ve pursued relentlessly for over a decade. I’m proud to share that I earned honors in all my courses, despite immense financial challenges.

But now, I am at a critical crossroads.

Unless I can pay $62,000 by June 30, my outstanding tuition balance will be sent to collections, and I will be barred from enrolling in my second year, which starts July 14. As an international student on an F-1 visa, being unable to enroll puts me at risk of losing my legal immigration status in the U.S.

This is more than just tuition—it’s about staying in the country, continuing my education, and holding onto the dream I’ve worked so hard to build.

I came to the U.S. at age 16, giving up a spot in medical school in Nigeria because I was too young to begin. I started over—earning a bachelor’s, then a master’s, working multiple jobs, and never letting go of my goal of becoming a doctor.

When I was finally accepted to medical school last year, I knew I was stepping into my purpose. That purpose has only deepened over the past year.

This summer, I’m halfway through an eight-week neurology research internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC–Harvard). It's been the brightest part of my summer—a source of genuine joy and learning, even as I navigate this financial crisis. I’m grateful I was able to secure this opportunity and participate fully in it.

I’ve also been elected to serve my class as Student Council Representative and Corresponding Secretary of SNMA for the coming year. These leadership roles are deeply important to me, and I want to honor those commitments. But none of this can move forward unless I raise the funds to stay in school.

I’ve increased my GoFundMe goal to $150,000 to cover my past-due tuition, living expenses, and second-year costs.

My most urgent need is the $62,000 due by June 30 to avoid collections and maintain my visa status.

If I lose my ability to enroll, I lose everything I’ve worked for:

My education. My legal status. My research and leadership opportunities. My dream.

Please, if you are able, consider donating. Every dollar helps, and every share could connect me to someone who can make a difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support today could help me stay in school, stay in status, and someday serve countless patients as the compassionate physician I’ve always dreamed of becoming.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ifeoma Mba-Madubuike, MS

Incoming 2nd-Year Medical Student

Howard University College of Medicine