ARCS® Scholar Sunil Joshi has been chosen from a pool of more than 1,700 applicants to be a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow. The rigorous selection process is focused on identifying the most promising New Americans who are poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture, or their academic field.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans support outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate education in the United States. One of only 30 individuals honored in 2019, Joshi was chosen for his drive, creativity, intellectual spirit, and commitment to the values at the heart of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. The fellowship will assist Joshi as he pursues an MD/PhD in medicine and cancer biology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The fellowship is “the culmination of my family’s and my hard work for the past 20-plus years,” says Joshi, the California-born son of Indian immigrants.

Joshi’s passion for helping patients was sparked at age 11 when he acted as a translator between his grandfather and doctors treating him. As the doctors were serving his grandfather’s health needs, Joshi realized what he wanted to do with his life: care for patients who are underserved and economically disadvantaged.

“The Soros Fellow award comes with a responsibility to continue pushing myself to become the best clinician-scientist for my future patients,” he says.

Joshi also eagerly expresses his gratitude to the ARCS community.

“I am so thankful to ARCS Foundation for providing me endless opportunities—for being my cheerleader and giving me the momentum and positive reinforcement to keep going.

“Professional schooling is challenging. I am fortunate that during difficult moments, I know the ARCS donors and my ARCS family are cheering me on. They see in me a potential that makes me want to keep doing what I do!”

You can continue cheering on outstanding ARCS scholars like Sunil by contributing to the ARCS National Fund. Find out how to support a new generation of scholars here.