Michael Rasekhi, a healthcare leader with over three decades of experience, has announced the establishment of the Michael Rasekhi Scholarship for Medical Students. The program is now open for applications and is designed to support undergraduate students on a pre-medical track as well as current medical students who are committed to advancing careers in healthcare and improving community health access.
The scholarship is hosted through Michael Rasekhi Scholarship and is open to students across the United States, with no geographic restrictions. This initiative reflects Rasekhi's long-standing commitment to expanding equitable access to quality medical services and strengthening community health systems through education and mentorship.
Michael Rasekhi has built a distinguished career focused on underserved populations and community-based care models. As the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Southern California Medical Center (SCMC), he transformed a small family practice into a federally qualified nonprofit health center that serves diverse communities across Southern California. Through this work, Rasekhi continues to demonstrate a sustained commitment to healthcare innovation, accessibility, and service-driven leadership.
Eligibility for the scholarship requires applicants to demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in medicine and to submit an original essay responding to a specific prompt. The prompt asks: "Dr. Mohammad Rasekhi transformed a small clinic into a vital community health center. Describe a challenge in modern healthcare that you are passionate about solving, and how your future medical career will contribute to the well-being of your community." Through this prompt, Rasekhi encourages applicants to engage critically with current healthcare challenges, including access disparities, preventive care limitations, and evolving community health needs. The scholarship prioritizes candidates who demonstrate thoughtful engagement with these issues and a clear vision for future impact.
The scholarship provides a one-time award of $1,000 to support educational expenses. Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2027, and the winner will be announced on February 15, 2027. Rasekhi emphasizes that the scholarship is designed not only as financial support but also as recognition of future healthcare leaders who are committed to meaningful community impact. By investing in medical students today, Rasekhi aims to strengthen the foundation of healthcare systems for tomorrow.
Through the Michael Rasekhi Scholarship for Medical Students, Rasekhi reinforces a lifelong commitment to service-oriented medicine and academic advancement within the healthcare field. He remains actively engaged in initiatives that promote equitable healthcare access and professional development opportunities for emerging medical professionals.
