The Gift of Medical Education

The Saint Louis University School of Medicine has a strong foundation — rooted in service to the greater community. Patrick and Emily Lo recognized the school’s dedication and passion for service early on through their daughter, Daphne (Med ’11). Now, they are giving back through the Lo Family Foundation, with their new scholarship for exemplary medical students who are dedicated to academic excellence and service to the community.

Group of students gathered around a table discussing and studying together

“We hope this scholarship will enable more do-good dreamers to stay and serve St. Louis without having to worry about paying back heavy student loan debts,” Patrick Lo said.

One of those passionate future physicians is this year’s Lo Family Scholarship recipient, Jacob Gibson. As a member of the Class of 2027, he embraces the SLU community and looks forward to all the service opportunities SLU offers to its medical students within the St. Louis region.

“We recently had a volunteer service fair where 20 to 30 community foundations and organizations talked with students about how we could help them,” Gibson said. “I thought I would have to be on my own to find these opportunities, but SLU has done a great job of sharing these with us.”

Beyond his first classes, meetings with faculty, and newfound connections with outside organizations, he eagerly awaits working directly with patients in the clinical setting.

“Being a part of a community, getting to know patients, and helping make a difference in their lives is what I enjoy,” Gibson said. “I don’t think I will end up in a specialty where I see a patient once and never see them again because I enjoy forming long-lasting relationships.”

As Gibson explores all that SLU has to offer its medical students, he will focus his time on his studies and community service efforts to accomplish his dream of becoming a physician and an advocate for his patients.

“When you’re caring for someone, we should be mindful of where they live, where they come from and what they may be encountering in that place rather than just treating their symptoms,” he said. “It’s not about giving someone medicine and hoping it sticks. It's about being a part of their journey, too.”