A career in the medical field can be gratifying, both personally and financially. If you’re a man considering a career in medicine, you may wonder how to finance your education. Luckily, many scholarships are available specifically for men looking to enter the medical field.

Here are five such scholarships.

Percentage Of Males In The Medical Industry

Despite comprising nearly half of the U.S. population, men make up only a tiny fraction of the medical workforce. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up 78 percent of all healthcare occupations. This leaves men heavily outnumbered in the field.

This gender gap is likely attributable to several factors. One is the stereotype that nursing and other healthcare occupations are “women’s work.” This stereotype can discourage men from considering a healthcare career, even though many rewarding and well-paying jobs are available in the field. Another barrier to men’s entry into healthcare is the cost of education. Many men may not be able to afford the high cost of medical school without financial assistance.

What Do Male Medical Professionals Bring To The Table?

Despite being outnumbered by women, male medical professionals like Sherief Abu Moustafa play an essential role in the healthcare workforce. Men tend to bring a different perspective to medicine than women.

They may be more likely to specialize in fields such as surgery or emergency medicine, which require a higher level of physical stamina.

In addition, men’s greater size and strength can make them better suited for some medical procedures.

Where do males typically work in the medical field?

While men make up a small percentage of the healthcare workforce, they are more likely to be found in certain occupations.

For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, men make up 82 percent of all physicians and surgeons. They also make up a majority of dentists, optometrists, and veterinarians.

In contrast, women comprise the vast majority of occupations, such as registered nurses, home health aides, and dental hygienists.

Scholarships Available

Several scholarships are available specifically for men interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, like Sherief. These scholarships can help offset the cost of education and make it more possible for men to enter the field.

1: The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is available to male students enrolled in an accredited medical school in the United States or Puerto Rico. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay detailing their commitment to the medical profession.

2: The William A. Rowe MD Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to male or female students attending an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States who plan to specialize in family medicine or primary care.

Preference is given to students from underrepresented groups who demonstrate financial need.

3: The Albert Junkin Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students at any stage of their medical education (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) who are committed to working with underserved populations upon graduation.

Recipients are selected based on academic merit and strength of character, as well as their commitment to serving those in need.

4: The Jack McGrath Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to first-year male students enrolled in an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States or Puerto Rico. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay discussing their motivation for pursuing a career in medicine.

5: Hector Gonzalez Past Presidents Scholarship

This scholarship is available to second-year male or female students enrolled in an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States or Puerto Rico. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay discussing their career goals.

Preference is given to students who are members of the Latino Medical Student Association.

Males In The Medical Field In The Future

The number of men in the medical workforce will likely increase as more men become interested in healthcare careers. Scholarships like those above can help men finance their education and enter the field.

As the number of men in healthcare grows, the stereotypes and barriers that have previously discouraged men from pursuing careers in the field are likely to disappear. Scholarships like those listed above can help make this possible by making medical school more affordable for men.

As the number of male doctors increases, the quality of care for everyone will improve.

Final Thoughts

A career in the medical field can provide immense personal and financial rewards. If you’re a man considering such a career, many scholarships are available to help you finance your education. These five scholarships are just a few of the many options for men interested in working in the medical field.

Do some research and find the one that best suits your needs and interests–and then get started on your journey towards a rewarding career in medicine.