“This scholarship is invaluable to me. It significantly supports my medical education - not only financially, but also by motivating me to make the most of every opportunity as I work toward becoming the best physician I can be.

I sincerely thank the Keck School’s Salerni Collegium Alumni Association for their support and confidence in my potential. Receiving this scholarship affirms the work I’ve done so far and inspires me to pursue all that I can achieve in the future.

Your generosity has shown me the impact of the Keck School alumni community, and I hope to be able to pay it forward for others down the line.”

— Ryan R., Keck School of Medicine Class of 2027 and recipient of the Salerni Collegium Alumni Association Scholarship

Before arriving at the Keck School, Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in human biology from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences with a minor in health innovation. Ryan then spent a year working as the Clinical Research Coordinator for the Keck School’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery before applying to medical school.

As the child of two Keck School alumni from the Class of 1983, Ryan dreamed of pursuing his medical education at USC. Because of alumni-funded scholarships, this dream became a reality, and Ryan was able to bring his passion and ambition to the Keck School.

Today, Ryan aspires to become an academic orthopaedic surgeon, engaging in clinical research and education to advance the field and improve patient care. His longtime involvement in sports, and the injuries he endured along the way, led to his interest in the musculoskeletal system and orthopaedic surgery's direct ability to enable people to return to the activities they love. His research experiences as a medical student, particularly his recent Summer Research Fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, fueled his desire to become a surgeon-scientist actively involved in research.

Ryan is already giving back to the Keck School community, serving on the Student Chapter Board of the Salerni Collegium Alumni Association and helping other medical students make meaningful connections with alumni.