DeKalb Medical accepting applications for Dr. Gulshan S. Harjee Scholarship

High school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field are invited to apply for the Dr. Gulshan S. Harjee Scholarship. Applications are due April 28, 2017. The Dr. Gulshan S. Harjee Scholarship was established in 2008. There have been 49 recipients and a more than $70,000 has been awarded.

Named for well-known Atlanta-area internist, Gulshan Harjee, M.D., the scholarship will be awarded to students who embody her passion and dedication to caring for others, despite facing challenges in their lives. Eligible students will be finishing high school, accepted to an accredited college and university, and will be interested in working in the medical field in roles including patient care techs, nurses, healthcare social workers, pharmacy techs or physicians.

Born in Tanzania, Dr. Harjee dreamed of becoming a physician, despite her country not having easily accessible healthcare. Her own father had dreams of pursuing a medical vocation, but was stopped when he lost his father at age five and was left without resources.  Dr. Harjee was inspired by her parents to do something good with her life. She wanted to become a doctor who would provide humane care for her patients, who would be passionate about taking care of the sick, the old and those in desperate circumstances. She fled Tanzania for Pakistan and later Iran—and was forced out of both because of war. Eventually she came to Atlanta, where persistence and hard work enabled her to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor at age 31.

Dr. Harjee’s goal with her scholarship is to help other young men and women fulfill their own dreams—despite their circumstances. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $3,000—payable to the school chosen by the recipient.

“This scholarship has a message of thank you to society for lifting me up in my trials and travails.  I am also of the opinion that I must do within my power and ability to allow every deserving child the possibility of reaching their full potential,” Dr. Harjee said. “I hope that I am helping to bring the most powerful resource to healthcare, and picking those with compassion and passion for taking care of the sick.”

Though Dr. Harjee has provided for the scholarship, donations also are welcome from the community to continue funding this important program.  Visit www.dekalbmedicalfoundation.org for the application or to support the Harjee Scholarship Fund.