Foundation
Long time community leaders, philanthropists and physicians Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta honor their past and invest in the future with a gift to provide scholarships for students attending Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. Rakesh Gupta, MD, a retired gastroenterologist in Fayetteville and Vinita Gupta, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, have served the greater Fayetteville community for more than three decades. Their experience as physician leaders influenced their belief that investing in the mission of Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is an investment in regional healthcare for generations to come. The Guptas were instrumental in bringing the vision of a new medical school to life and excited to support the effort with a generous gift to establish the “Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta Annual Merit Scholarships & Endowed Enrichment Scholarships”.
“Our hope is to make medical education more affordable for students and to encourage medical students to pursue enrichment opportunities outside of classrooms and clinical settings,” said Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta.
Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta recognize that scholarship support is essential to the success of any medical school – helping to attract top talent and future physicians who are deeply committed to improving access to care in our region.
The Guptas’ $500,000 total commitment includes an initial $100,000 in merit scholarship available immediately for students matriculating in the first two cohorts in 2026 and 2027. The Guptas also believe in encouraging others to be philanthropic. $200,000 of their gift is reserved for a dollar-for-dollar match, to encourage community supporters to be part of an extraordinary moment in history and to impact the life of a medical student. Gifts make it possible to attract top talent and reduce financial barriers for the best and brightest candidates attending Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. Gifts can be given through Methodist University or Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation to support the Gupta Scholarship Match.
For more information, contact Brittany Dickerhoff at bdick@capefearvally.com.