We hope you enjoyed our April Fool’s joke!   

This image was created with the assistance of AI by the talented Andrew Vessely, graphic designer for the Office of Advancement.

Although a blinged-out stethoscope would be quite eye-catching (not to mention unpractically heavy), we believe donations to our students can be put to much better use as many are experiencing real-life challenges. 

A Tradition of Support: The Stethoscope Fund  

One of the most cherished traditions at CU Anschutz is supported by the CU Medical Alumni Association Stethoscope Fund.

The generous alumni of the CU Medical Alumni Association, who remember the financial hardships of medical school, donate to the fund each year so that all incoming students receive a $200 stethoscope, at no cost to them, at their matriculation ceremony.   

As Benjamin Sandrin, Class of 2027, expressed, "Every time I unbox my stethoscope, I am at once both humbled and exhilarated, as I am reminded that this instrument represents both the responsibility and the potential to change lives.”   

Kyle Jamar, Class of 2027, shared a similar sentiment: “Knowing the stethoscope around my neck was donated by an alumnus who had been in my shoes and made it through gave me the confidence to walk into the exam room and reminded me of the incredible support we have from the CU School Of Medicine family.”  

A first-year student receiving her stethoscope from the
CU Medical Alumni Association President, Mark Gonçalves, MD ’82,
during the 2024 matriculation ceremony.

The Importance of Supporting Medical Students  

Scholarships can often be the deciding factor for those who are considering medical school and a subsequent career in healthcare. They play a vital role in a student’s future success, allowing them to focus on their education and pursue opportunities that will benefit their growth and development – rather than worry about if they can even afford to continue their education. 

In Colorado, the need for access to quality care is especially pronounced in both rural and urban areas with aging populations. Scholarships can bolster the number of medical students and therefore help ensure that more healthcare professionals are available to serve these communities. 

Understanding the Financial and Mental Hardships Faced by CU Anschutz Students  

At CU Anschutz, our students are dedicated to shaping the future of health, but their journeys are not without significant challenges. Many of our students face financial and mental hardships that can impact their academic performance and overall well-being.  

Financial Hardships  

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the CU Anschutz Shares program received 66 applications for emergency funding, a 26% increase from the previous year. This program provided crucial financial assistance to 39 students, with an average award of $1,712 per student. These funds helped students manage unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs and natural disasters, allowing them to stay enrolled and focus on their studies.  

Office of Student Services personnel take stock
of the CU Anschutz student food pantry.

Food insecurity is another pressing issue. In the 2023 CU Anschutz American College Health Assessment, nearly 40% of students reported concerns about food insecurity, a 13.5% increase from 2021. The CU Anschutz Food Pantry has been a vital resource, with 681 check-ins and 465 unique visitors in 2023. This service ensures that students have access to essential food and hygiene products, helping to alleviate one of their biggest stressors.  

Mental Health  

The Office of Student Outreach and Support managed 282 cases of students in distress during the 2022-2023 academic year. These cases often involved complex situations, including students experiencing suicidal thoughts – and sometimes actions. The increasing complexity of these cases highlights the urgent need for mental health support.  

The Impact of Your Support  

A fresh new group of CU Anschutz Medical Campus trained medical professionals will be officially released into the world during commencement and convocation ceremonies this year. That's passionate, world-class talent about to go forth and make this world a healthier place.  

And some students are only graduating because of the financial and mental health service support they received through the Office of Student Services’ CU Anschutz Student Support Fund.  

Your support is not just an investment in our students' education – it is an investment in the future of health.  

Class of 2024 graduates from the University of Colorado
School of Medicine gathered for a ceremony on May 20, 2024.