Saryu and Jitu Desai Foundation Scholarship
Offered by Drs. Saryu and Jitendra Desai and The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
About this scholarship
The Saryu and Jitu Desai Foundation Scholarship awards $5,000 to one Pennsylvania medical student for 2026-2027. Drs. Jitendra and Saryu Desai established the fund, and The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society administers the application. The current criteria focus on sustained community service, especially healthcare-related volunteerism, advocacy, or leadership that benefits underserved populations. Applicants may be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. They must have been Pennsylvania residents for at least 12 months before registering as medical students, excluding time spent in the state only for prior undergraduate or graduate education. Candidates must attend a fully accredited Pennsylvania medical school full time and be in their second, third, or fourth year. The dedicated application asks for the completed form, two reference letters from people who are not relatives, an official medical-school letter confirming full-time enrollment and year, and a photograph for use if selected. The recommendations should describe the applicant’s integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. The eligibility PDF does not list a separate essay, but the submission must establish the applicant’s record of service, advocacy, or leadership. Applications opened July 1 and close September 30, 2026. Decisions are scheduled for December.
Eligibility
- Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months before registering as a medical student, excluding time there for prior college study
- Be enrolled full time at a fully accredited Pennsylvania medical school
- Be in the second, third, or fourth year of medical school
- Demonstrate sustained community commitment through healthcare volunteerism, advocacy, or leadership in underserved populations
- Submit two nonfamily reference letters documenting integrity, interpersonal skills, and physician potential
- Provide a school-letterhead enrollment verification and a photograph for use if selected
- Submit the application by September 30, 2026