Food Science alum (’02) set to represent the United States as an orthopaedic surgeon caring for athletes in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
Where are you from and when did you graduate from the Herbert College of Agriculture?
I am from Pelham, Tennessee, and I graduated from the Herbert College of Agriculture in 2002.
What degree did you pursue, and how would you describe your experience at UT?
I pursued a degree in Food Science, with a pre-med emphasis.
My years at UT were amazing. I made lifelong friends, had wonderful adventures, and learned valuable life skills that still shape me today.
What is your current job, and how did your career path lead you to where you are today?
I am a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon with the Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance. After graduating from the UT Herbert College of Agriculture, I attended Vanderbilt Medical School on a full scholarship. From there, I completed orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati and went on to be chosen for a sports medicine fellowship at the world-renowned Andrews Research and Education Institute.
Can you describe some of your responsibilities?
I treat injured patients of all ages, walks of life, and levels of competition, from tee ball to the Olympic Games. My surgeries range across all parts of the musculoskeletal system, from rotator cuff repairs to ACL reconstructions.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
Performing surgeries is my favorite part of my work. Being in the operating room never gets old! I love all of the amazing devices and implants that I get to use every day to repair or reconstruct torn tendons, broken bones, and ruptured ligaments. It’s such a joy to see something damaged become beautiful and functional again. Also, my field is always evolving and improving. We can fix things today in a more elegant and skilled manner than we could ten years ago, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Why did you choose to attend the Herbert College of Agriculture?
Going into college, I knew I wanted to go to medical school, but I wasn’t sure how to get there. Then, I met Dr. David Golden, from the Department of Food Science. Dr. Golden told me about a new pre-medicine path the department had established that would fulfill the requirements of medical school, but also earn me a degree in Food Science. Having grown up on a farm, I loved the idea of maintaining a connection to agriculture, and I appreciated the wisdom of having a major that could lead to a successful career in Food Science, if I wasn’t accepted into medical school. Lastly, the College was generous in providing scholarship funds to me. I will never, ever forget this generosity. I will always be grateful to the college and to the donors that provided a way for me obtain my dream.
How did your time in the UT Department of Food Science impact your life and your career?
The UT Department of Food Science and the Herbert College of Agriculture changed my life forever. I was blessed to have wonderful professors who were willing to guide and support me. They believed in me, and their advice, wisdom, letters of recommendation, and training got me into medical school. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I also met wonderful fellow students in the College and had the opportunity to participate in fantastic student organizations that made my college experience truly outstanding.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students?
Just keep going! You’ll get there! Even if things seem hard or impossible, never give up. God’s got a good plan for your life.
What is your proudest professional (or personal – or both!) accomplishment?
My proudest professional accomplishment is always when a patient makes a full recovery from surgery and is able to get back to doing what they love. It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients go from being broken to being happy, healed, and able to live out their dreams.
I am also very honored to be selected as a Team USA Sports Medicine Physician for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, France. I’ll spend three weeks representing our country as an orthopaedic surgeon and taking care of the athletes that will be participating in the world’s biggest and most historic sports event. Getting to go to the Olympics is definitely a dream come true for me!
What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is a fun fact about yourself?
When I’m not in the operating room, I enjoy raising cattle on my family’s cattle farm, one that has been in our family for more than 160 years. I’m also an instrument-rated private pilot, and I’m an avid equestrian who enjoys playing polo, jumping, and trail riding. I’m a seasoned traveler, and I’ve been to all seven continents, including Antarctica. I also love serving my church as a preschool Sunday School teacher and volunteering as a substitute pianist and organist.
