ST. LOUIS, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new national grant program, the Dr. Azfar Malik Grant for Healthcare Students, is now accepting applications. Founded by distinguished St. Louis psychiatrist Dr. Azfar Malik, this initiative provides crucial support to undergraduate students across the United States who are committed to integrating mental health awareness into their future healthcare careers.
The one-time $1,000 grant is designed to recognize and assist students who demonstrate a profound understanding of mental health as a fundamental component of comprehensive patient care. Dr. Azfar Malik established this grant to directly invest in the next generation of healthcare providers, encouraging a more holistic and compassionate approach to medicine.
“The core mission of this program is to identify and support future healthcare leaders who recognize that mental and physical health are inseparable,” said Dr. Azfar Malik. “By sharing their personal insights, applicants contribute to a broader, necessary conversation within the medical community.”
Applicants for the Dr. Azfar Malik Grant must be currently enrolled as undergraduate students at accredited U.S. institutions and on a clear path toward a healthcare profession. There is no minimum GPA requirement. The central component of the application is an original 500–750 word essay. For the 2024-2025 award cycle, students must respond to the prompt: “Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of overall well-being. Describe a moment, experience, or insight that shaped your understanding of mental health’s role in healthcare. How will you carry this awareness into your future career?”
Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, clarity, depth of reflection, and alignment with the grant’s mission of forward-thinking, patient-centered care. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2026, with the winner announced on August 15, 2026.
The grant reflects the professional philosophy of Dr. Azfar Malik, whose career spans over three decades of clinical practice, academic leadership, and healthcare innovation. His work, from founding CenterPointe Hospital to advancing novel treatments, has consistently emphasized systemic reform and destigmatization. Through this grant, Dr. Azfar Malik extends his legacy beyond direct patient care to shape the educational journey of emerging professionals.
The Dr. Azfar Malik Grant for Healthcare Students is an accessible opportunity for undergraduates nationwide to gain recognition and financial support for their academic and professional journey. It underscores a growing imperative within healthcare education to treat the mind and body as one.
All application details, guidelines, and information about Dr. Azfar Malik are available on the official grant website.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Dr. Azfar Malik
Organization: Dr. Azfar Malik Grant for Healthcare Students
Website: https://drazfarmalikgrant.com/
Email: [email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c4a13bd-feab-4053-9489-4be4c1c67810