A New York City medical school is now offering free tuition, thanks to a $1 billion donation.
The generous gift came from Ruth Gottesman, the 93-year-old widow of a Wall Street titan. She announced this life-changing donation at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, sparking tears and cheers among students and faculty.
For 55 years, Gottesman has been part of the college, now serving as its board chair. Her goal? To open doors for students who dream of becoming doctors but are held back by financial barriers. With tuition previously at almost $60,000 a year, her gift removes a huge burden. Medical students often face over $200,000 in debt, a figure Gottesman’s gift will now help avoid.
“Each year, well over 100 students enter Albert Einstein College of Medicine in their quest for degrees in medicine and science,” Gottesman said. “They leave as superbly trained scientists and compassionate and knowledgeable physicians, with the expertise to find new ways to prevent diseases and provide the finest health care.”
The legacy of Gottesman’s late husband, David “Sandy” Gottesman, a Wall Street legend and Berkshire Hathaway board member, supports this monumental donation. “l feel blessed to be given the great privilege of making this gift to such a worthy cause,” she shared.
This donation marks a historic moment for the college and could change healthcare history, emphasizing that excellence in healthcare comes from access. Dr. Philip Ozuah, leader of Montefiore Einstein, sees this as a step toward changing healthcare history.
Gottesman’s connection to the college goes beyond her donation. She has been a pioneer in learning disability research and programming since joining Einstein in 1968. Her family’s foundation supports various charities, highlighting a commitment to making a difference.
With this move, Einstein joins a select group of tuition-free medical schools, setting a new standard for medical education accessibility. It’s a powerful reminder of how generosity can transform education and healthcare, paving the way for a future where every aspiring doctor can pursue their dream without the weight of financial worry.
WATCH: Billion Dollar Donation Helps New York Medical School Go Tuition-Free