I’m honored to share that Hannah Faughnan and Zack Barta, both members of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Class of 2028, have been named the 2026 recipients of the Ravi D. Goel, M.D. Endowed Scholarship.
Established in 2023 at my alma mater, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the scholarship was created to help ease the financial burden of medical education and support future physician leaders. Recipients are selected annually by the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Dean and Scholarship Committee based on their accomplishments, potential, and demonstrated need. Hannah and Zack become the 6th and 7th recipients of the Ravi D. Goel, M.D. Endowed Scholarship, reflecting the continued growth of this endowment and its mission of supporting talented future physicians.
As someone who attended medical school with significant financial aid and scholarship support, I understand firsthand the difference that assistance can make. One of the greatest privileges of my career is being able to pay forward the generosity that helped me achieve my own dream of becoming a physician.
Hannah Faughan
Hannah Faughnan, a member of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Class of 2028, is a first-generation college and medical student who grew up in rural Florida. She entered Rutgers through the ACES program, which supports students from economically disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.
In her scholarship letter, Hannah expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Ravi D. Goel, M.D. Endowed Scholarship and emphasized the importance of financial assistance in helping future physicians pursue their medical education.
She wrote:
“Your gift makes a meaningful difference on the impact of the cost of medical school and demonstrates your support [for] future physicians.”
Hannah’s commitment to medicine, perseverance, and dedication to serving others exemplify the values this scholarship was created to support.
Zach Barta
Zack Barta, also a member of the Class of 2028, hopes to pursue a career in trauma surgery followed by fellowship training in surgical critical care.
Originally from Lake Tahoe, California, Zack attended UCLA before making the move across the country to attend Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. In his scholarship letter, he described how the support of classmates, friends, and mentors helped make New Jersey feel like home.
Zack noted that scholarship support helped ease financial pressures and allowed him to focus more fully on his medical education. As he prepares for clinical rotations, he looks forward to applying his knowledge in the hospital setting and continuing his journey toward becoming a physician.
His dedication to service, leadership, and excellence in medicine exemplifies the values this scholarship seeks to support.
Investing in the Future of Medicine
Scholarships are about more than financial assistance. They are investments in future physicians who will care for patients, advance medical knowledge, and strengthen their communities.
My own journey was made possible through the generosity of others. As a Yale undergraduate and Rutgers medical student, I benefited from scholarships that helped make my education possible. Supporting future generations of physicians through this endowment is one small way to pay forward the opportunities that were given to me.
I remain deeply grateful to the mentors, donors, scholarship programs, and family members who helped me along the way. Supporting students like Hannah and Zack helps ensure that talented future physicians can pursue their calling regardless of financial circumstances.
Since its establishment, the Ravi D. Goel, M.D. Endowed Scholarship has supported seven Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School students on their journey toward careers in medicine.
Congratulations to Hannah and Zack on this well-deserved recognition. I look forward to following your careers and seeing the impact you will make on the lives of your patients and the future of medicine.
For more information about the Ravi D. Goel, M.D. Endowed Scholarship and other scholarship initiatives, visit the Scholarships page here.
