Be the Reason: Meet Caroline Kaczmarek

Saint Louis University School of Medicine Student

Caroline Kaczmarek has donated countless hours serving others, helping them find dignity in themselves and discover their purpose and potential.

Thanks to the generosity of SLU donors, Kaczmarek can continue her volunteer efforts without worrying about balancing academics with a part-time job. A recipient of the Magis Scholarship, awarded to medical students committed to helping those in need, Kaczmarek can work to improve lives without being overwhelmed by the cost of medical school.

Facing the Rising Cost of Medical Education

“My biggest concern about continuing my education is that I would simply never pay it off,” Kaczmarek said. “Physicians have well-paying careers, all things considered. And yet, with rising costs across the country, I was simply worried that no matter how high a position I would have or how fulfilling that role might be, I may get into a cycle where I never pay off debt.”

She said she greatly appreciates that donors care enough about medical education and people who haven't come from the most advantaged backgrounds.

As a woman for and with others, Kaczmarek wanted to attend a medical school that reflected her values, she said. SLU’s student-centered, mission-driven focus reflects the same dedication to service and care of the whole person that has shaped her life.

Kaczmarek took a gap year of service after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, where she volunteered by teaching middle and high schoolers about domestic violence prevention. She has also mentored high school students, helping them to find their best financial and cultural fits for college, and provided hope and safety to survivors of domestic violence.

A Future Focused on Others

Kaczmarek's strong sense of empathy is transforming lives, and she said she is thankful she can continue supporting people in their most vulnerable moments.

After her anticipated graduation in 2028, she hopes to be accepted into an internal medicine residency and follow up with a fellowship in oncology. She said she looks forward to a time in her career when she can start treating patients without the concern of repaying student loans.

“If I could speak to the donors who make my education much more possible, I would say that they have truly changed someone's life for the better,” Kaczmarek said. “I feel the impact of their donation every day.”