The Rath Foundation - An Enduring Legacy at UW-Madison

I got an incredible education in both medicine and science at the UW. I also found a community that lasts even now.

Not having to pay for my graduate and medical education gave me the freedom to choose a low-paying specialty (pediatrics) and a research career. I come from a low-income family, so paying for graduate and medical school would have been challenging. I am an assistant professor on the tenure track at Columbia University. Clinically, I’m a pediatric ICU doctor who cares for the sickest children. I am also a leading expert in the field of lung biology. My lab studies lung injury mechanisms, which lead to high mortality in children and adults. Having minimal student debt and receiving the Rath scholarship inspired and allowed me and my husband to regularly donate to education and hunger-related charities. Rath scholarships provide an opportunity for students to succeed. In addition to helping the individual, this increases the diversity of thought in the academic sector (and others) to everyone’s benefit. Thanks to my scholarships, I was able to choose my profession with less concern about pay. I also have been able to practice in NYC, despite the living expenses. Thank you for funding my medical and graduate education. I am so appreciative for the opportunities I have had as a result. I am also grateful to have this chance to share what your generosity has meant to me.

Rebecca Hough PhD'08, MD'10 New York, New York

Doctorate in Biophysics Doctor of Medicine

Medical Scientist Training Program Pediatrics Residency Pediatrics Critical Care Fellowship

“In addition to helping the individual, [Rath funding] increases the diversity of thought in the academic sector (and others) to everyone’s benefit.

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH