Hello everyone!

My name is Vanessa Dos Santos, and I am an incoming MS1 student at the Morehouse School of Medicine. Becoming a doctor has been my dream since I was 5 years old, and after years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, I am incredibly proud to finally begin this journey.

As exciting as this moment is, the financial reality of medical school is overwhelming. Recent changes to federal student loan programs, including the elimination of Grad PLUS loans for graduate students, have made financing medical education significantly more difficult. Many students, including myself, are now being forced to rely on private loans with much higher financial burdens while still in school.

The estimated cost of tuition and living expenses at my medical school is approximately $116,000 per year. Additionally, students at my institution are strongly discouraged from working outside jobs during medical school due to the demanding nature of the curriculum.

Medicine has always been more than a career to me. It is my calling. Throughout my life and time at the University of Florida, I have been passionate about serving others, advocating for underserved communities, and working toward a future where I can make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives. I am committed to pushing through every challenge to achieve this dream.

I am humbly asking for support as I begin this next chapter. Any donation, no matter the amount, would help relieve some of the financial burden of medical school and allow me to focus fully on becoming the best physician I can be. Even if you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for believing in me, supporting my journey, and helping me move one step closer to becoming a doctor.