Giving Montana Students the Best Shot at Medical School
Jeff and Dr. Rich Holm Give Back Through Newly Established Scholarship Fund for TouroCOM Montana
They say home is where the heart is, and for brothers Jeff and Dr. Rich Holm, that place is Great Falls, Montana. Not only did they grow up in the state’s third largest city, but both brothers also attended Montana State University—with Rich beginning his medical education and Jeff earning a degree in electrical engineering. When Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine created a campus in their hometown, the two didn’t think twice about setting up a scholarship to help young Montanans follow in Rich’s footsteps.
“We are really glad Touro’s medical school is in Great Falls,” enthuses Jeff. “Both Rich and I see the scholarship as something to give back to our hometown and education in Great Falls.” The brothers are hopeful that their generosity will inspire other Great Falls natives, both past and present, to further the idea and create scholarships of their own. “Medical school is not inexpensive,” Jeff notes. “Hopefully our scholarship will make it easier.”
The Holm brothers also appreciate the idea of having “home-grown” medical professionals practicing in the area, especially since Rich participated in the UW School of Medicine’s WWAMI program—a multi-state education program that serves Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. “It’s a real asset to get Montanans to become doctors and stay in Montana, and having a Montana medical university should make it even better.”
Of course, there’s also the added benefit of making an economic contribution in Great Falls after setbacks in the 1970s left the community struggling. “It seems like the ultimate economic development project for Great Falls,” says Jeff. Both he and Rich are excited to have Touro’s medical school in their own backyard and what that will mean for the future of the state. “It’s great to be giving a Montana student the best shot at medical school in a Montana setting. We wish all the new students success in becoming doctors!”
