Help Canadian topper Rohan Medical school dream alive

My name is Rohan Kumar. I am a second-year medical student enrolled at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. Born and raised in Markham/Toronto Canada, my educational journey has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence, culminating in my graduation from the esteemed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program in June 2023 from Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy in Markham. In both Grade 11 and 12, I achieved a perfect 100% average, thereby receiving the Governor General Medal and top rank in the York Catholic District School Board.

My pursuit of a medical career has been driven by personal experiences. Since the age of 11, I've witnessed my mother's courageous battle with stage 3 breast cancer, enduring numerous health complications along the way. Despite her own struggles, she tirelessly supported my education and extracurricular pursuits. Her resilience inspired me to excel in STEM competitions, music, sports, and various leadership roles as president of DECA and Mathletes at my school. With no extended family in Canada for support, and overwhelming fatigue from her treatments, it was not easy for her to raise me and my younger brother with routine chores such as drop off & pick up from school, making lunches and dinners and countless hours spent waiting in parking lots till late evening for our activities to end. Things have been tougher lately as she has had to deal with comorbidity developed after chemotherapy, many surgeries and radiation like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid issues, lymphedema.

My resolve to understand her challenges in the field of health care led me to volunteer over 350 hours during high school at the Markham Stouffville Hospital, where she received her chemotherapy treatment. This firsthand exposure to the teamwork and compassion of the dedicated health care professionals, especially during the Covid pandemic, solidified my passion for healthcare and confirmed my decision to pursue medicine.

Now, in the second year of medical school, I continue to be captivated by the intricacies of anatomy lab dissections, biochemistry, immunology, and the pathophysiology of diseases. I have achieved a GPA of 4.07 in my first year of Medicine and participated in Summer research and our project won the Student Innovation Challenge.

My enthusiasm for learning continues to fuel my determination to succeed in this demanding field of a combined 12 years of medical school, residency and fellowship. This summer, I gained valuable experience by working as a summer research intern in Orthopedics Surgery at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network.

However, my family has encountered further significant challenges. My father's health has deteriorated since last year due to severe spinal stenosis and nerve issues in both upper and lower limbs, forcing him to stop working. He is unable to stand and walk for more than 5 minutes. He has had two major spine surgeries in 2023 and early 2024. My Dad again was admitted in ICU in Sep 2024 and is struggling with both mental and physical challenges regarding his disability. This has put additional emotional and financial strains along with me tuition fees. My mom takes many medications but she smiles through it all but not all disability is visible, and cancer is something that one cannot predict the outcome or recurrence. Each day is a gift and blessing.

We are unable to get a bank loan despite my academic achievements and consistent top rank in YCDSB Board and Med School because the Banks do not give a loan based on students' achievements and potential earnings. And since my parents are both sick for a long time and do not meet income criteria to be co-signors for professional loan for doctors program. This allows bank to pay my tuition fees and I will have to pay back after 6 years when I start working. The co-signor does not have to pay anything as my loan repayments are due only after I start earning. All I need is someone to have faith in my capabilities and potential to cosign for me. If you or anyone you know will be willing to cosign, please let me know as that will allow me to continue my studies and become a good Doctor and give back to the community.

I appeal for support to help me attain my dream of completing medical school. Any contribution, no matter how small $5 or more, towards my tuition fees would profoundly impact my journey. Your assistance will not only facilitate my education but will honor the sacrifices made by my family. I seek to become a compassionate and dedicated doctor, committed to serving others and contributing to medical research.

Your generosity and willingness to share this appeal with your network—be it on social media platforms like Instagram, twitter, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, or any other fund raising source would be immensely appreciated. Every little contribution brings me closer to achieving my aspiration of becoming a doctor dedicated to improving lives.

If you need any further information or if any foundations are willing to sponsor me or cosign for me then please message me. Kindly see attached my LinkedIn page and portfolio.

Thank you for considering and supporting my endeavor.

Warm regards,

Rohan Kumar

PS. Please check out my portfolio here: Rohan Kumar Portfolio

linkedin Rohan Kumar

Two Markham students graduate with perfect average