The Bhanusali Innovation Scholarship was established by Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and digital health entrepreneur based in New York City. A proud Spartan who entered medical school at age 17 through MSU’s Medical Scholars program, Dr. Bhanusali has built a career at the intersection of medicine, innovation, and impact—launching ventures like Skin Medicinals, Aire Health, and ELM Biosciences while teaching at Mount Sinai Hospital. This scholarship identifies and rewards medical students at Michigan State University who share his entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. In collaboration with the MSU College of Human Medicine and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, this opportunity surrounds recipients with a world-class medical education and entrepreneurial ecosystem to help them transform their healthcare ideas into ventures that change lives.
Selection Process
Students apply as part of their MSU CHM secondary application process with a series of essays which will be reviewed by CHM and Burgess Institute faculty and staff. Interviews with applicants will begin December 1st and notification of the award will be made by mid-January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we are seeking students that show an aptitude for changing the world through medical innovation and technology. If you have the right mindset and are willing to commit to discovering how your ideas might come to life you are still eligible.
Not necessarily. This is a highly competitive scholarship, but we are looking for more than just prior experience, we want applicants with big ideas. So if you fit that mold, you should apply.
Yes, but that’s what makes entrepreneurship and innovation such a rarified thing. Also, you get the full support of the Burgess Institute in your corner to help you get over all the hurdles with business planning, mentorship and coaching, and financial support to help clear the way.