“I feel extremely blessed for my education. I give back not only because I am thankful, but because it helps communities support one another and prosper.”

During his residency, Dr. Hodges was awarded a fellowship with the National Institutes of Health. This opportunity allowed him to conduct research on listeria, a food-borne infection, and learn more about the field of medical microbiology at Ohio State — sparking a career as an infectious disease specialist.

Dr. Hodges is addressing this need and creating opportunities for current and future doctors. He established an endowment for medical students in the Division of Infectious Disease Fellowship Program to fund trips to prominent meetings, seminars and conferences. These meetings and conferences can impede a medical student's education due to registration, travel and accommodation costs. “I want to show my gratitude for my successes by helping students,” says Dr. Hodges. “I chose an endowment so that I could help many generations for years to come.”

Dr. Hodges learned how simple it is to maximize the impact of his gift and ensure funding for future students.