Built for Spartans Reimagining the Future of Healthcare.
The Bhanusali Innovation Scholarship supports incoming medical students at Michigan State University who bring an entrepreneurial mindset to medicine. Established by Spartan alumnus Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, this scholarship recognizes future physicians who are driven to turn healthcare challenges into impactful solutions.
Offered in collaboration with the MSU College of Human Medicine and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, this scholarship connects recipients to a world-class medical education and an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem—helping them build ideas that improve lives.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is designed for medical students who see innovation and entrepreneurship as essential tools for advancing patient care and healthcare systems. Students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. Applications are reviewed jointly by College of Human Medicine and Burgess Institute faculty and staff. Interviews begin December 2025, and applicants are notified January 2026. Applicants must:
- Be an incoming medical student admitted to the MSU College of Human Medicine
- Demonstrate an interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, or healthcare venture creation
- Apply through the MSU College of Human Medicine secondary application, which includes a series of short essays
Eligible students should apply through the MSU College of Human Medicine secondary application.
About the Donor
Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali is a Spartan alumnus, board-certified dermatologist, and digital health entrepreneur based in New York City. He entered medical school at age 17 through MSU’s Medical Scholars Program and completed his dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Dr. Bhanusali has founded and led multiple healthcare ventures, including Skin Medicinals, AIRE Health, and ELM Biosciences, focused on expanding access, affordability, and innovation in patient care. His work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Allure, and Cosmopolitan, and in 2020 he was recognized as a “Patient Care Hero” by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Through this scholarship, Dr. Bhanusali is investing in future Spartan physicians who share his belief that medicine, technology, and entrepreneurship together can change the way care is delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
I consider myself to be very “entrepreneurial minded”, but I haven’t found a venture I want to pursue quite yet. Am I still eligible?
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.
Will applicants that already have a startup be given greater priority?
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.
Medical school is a lot of work, will this scholarship program demand more of my time?
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.