Benefis Foundation Scholarship is ‘Life-Changing’ for Medical Student

Donors to Benefis Foundation’s scholarship program help medical students, nursing students, and others working toward healthcare careers achieve their dreams.

When medical student Matthew Simpson learned he’d gotten his first scholarship, he struggled to believe he’d been so fortunate.

“I’ve never gotten a scholarship before,” he said. “It’s been life-changing.”

Matthew moved more than 12,000 miles to study at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Montana. He brought just 40 pounds of luggage from New Zealand and big dreams of a career in medicine.

“It’s been a huge investment, especially coming here with zero,” he said.

Matthew broke his elbow almost immediately upon arrival in Montana. He now has medical bills to go with his medical school costs.

“When you have a financial burden, it consumes you. This has helped my peace of mind and my ability to focus on my studies,” he said. “It’s helped me more than you can realize.”

Because of Benefis Foundation scholarship donors, Matthew has been able to focus on his studies. He’s shadowing doctors and otherwise gaining experience instead of picking up extra part-time work.

Matthew was so grateful he met with scholarship donors David and Tanya Cameron to thank them in person for their support.

Matthew was born in Tennessee and grew up in New Zealand. He played professional tennis in Europe until his retirement. Coaching seemed like an obvious next step, but Matthew’s passion was in medicine.

“I’m just happy to have the opportunity to do this,” he said. “I can’t handle doing what I’m not passionate about.”

New Zealand’s two medical schools are structured as eight-year programs, so they weren’t a great fit for a career change. Touro accepted his New Zealand degree. He applied to their New York campus but was offered a place in Great Falls.

“I did a lot of research,” Matthew said. “I knew I wanted to come to the U.S. as the education and opportunities for training are the best. It’s very thorough, very difficult. The board exams are the hardest. You come out an exceptional, well-educated doctor.”

In his second year of medical school, Matthew hasn’t chosen his specialty, but he expects surgery would be a good fit. Like tennis, it requires discipline, work with his hands, and repetition to perfect the moves.

Matthew enjoyed being in the first class at Touro COM Montana with a new building and a faculty dedicated to students’ success.

“I love it here,” he said. “I couldn’t want anything more. It’s the right size, and I love the mountains.”