Markus Anzaldua-Campos, MD candidate, Class of 2029

This scholarship has been life-changing for me and my family. A school is investing me. Donors are investing me. They think my career is worth it. It’s more than financial support — it’s a vote of confidence. That support pushes me forward and reminds me that I’m not pursuing this path alone.

Thanks to this scholarship, I’ve been able to explore fundamental, basic science research that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. It’s allowed me to study medicine without the constant weight of debt — without feeling boxed into one specialty. Instead, I’ve had the freedom to discover what truly excites me.

I became interested in brain tumor research after a high school classmate passed away from glioblastoma. Since then, I’ve developed a passion for neurosurgery and the science behind it.

For me, it’s not just about being the doctor in the clinic, walking with patients through their cancer journeys — it’s also about being in the lab, creating novel solutions and delivering tangible hope. That’s the kind of physician I want to be and the impact I hope to have.

— Markus Anzaldua-Campos, MD candidate, Class of 2029