My name is K.O. and I am a second year medical student at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX as the second daughter of two parents from West Africa. Shortly after I was born, my primary physician discovered that I had a heart condition known as a first degree AV heart block. Over the years, my heart problem got worse until at the age of 9, my physicians alerted me that my AV heart block had progressed to a complete third-degree AV block and I would need to get a pacemaker to keep my heart beating at a regular rhythm. Up until this point, my heart problem had not stopped me from doing all the things I loved.

I would like to sincerely and deeply thank the Physician's Aid Association for their assistance. During medical school I had the unfortunate luck of needing surgeries and medical care. Even with insurance, the cost would have been prohibitive and I would have had to drop out The physicians aid association allowed me to continue on the path towards becoming a doctor without fear of having to choose between my health and my profession. Being cared for and supported by such a kind and compassionate group is inexpressibly wonderful: I'm grateful every day. THANK YOU!

– Dr. in Training HG

Medical school presents many unique and challenging stressors in and of itself without any other confounding factors. As someone with Crohn's disease and the need for consistent medical care, this adds to the potentially difficulty of navigating medical school. Of the many factors that go into obtaining medical care, the cost is one that is paramount in terms of challenge. Furthermore, this is another cost in the already large expense that is medical school. With the Physician's Aid Association, I have been blessed to be assisted with this financial strain, freeing me to reduce debt burden and be able to concentrate on staying healthy and becoming the best doctor I can be. It is humbling to be supported by the great work of the Physician's Aid Association.

There are so many times that patients praise and thank US as physicians, and WE feel so gratified. But, when WE are in the position that WE need the help or WE are in a crisis, we feel a little uncomfortable! I am a very humbled and grateful physician. A year and a half ago, my husband of 22 years left me. The divorce became final 10 months ago. This left me in the position of being a single mother of five children aged 5 to 15, and left me with a large amount of legal debt in the process. It also meant that we had to move out of our 3000 sq ft home into a 1350 sq ft rental home, leaving behind the only home and neighborhood my children had ever known.

Hello, I'm G M, a recipient of your benevolent assistance. I'll be 81 in 2 weeks. With me is my wife P.

We all took an oath that included Primum Non Nocere, 'first do no harm'. Harm can be done in 2 ways. One, of course, by direct intentional action. The other, by turning away, ignoring another person's need or cry for help.

PAA responds to the second issue by making it's resources available and by not ignoring one of its' peers needs. By not turning away. Dr. Chandran and his Committee has been like a true caring friend and Pearle and I are forever grateful. As he said to me when we first met and he reviewed my situation 'we never know what's around the corner.'

I would like to express my sincere and extreme gratitude for your help. Without your aid…well, I shudder to think about the consequences. You basically saved me. And about all I can say is THANK YOU. Though I feel something in my heart way above and beyond those words. I can’t find the words, maybe there are none for that extreme feeling of your caring, giving and what you did for me.

– Dr. LR