Student Profile: Tristan Palmer
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the Chatham experience is the community. In such unprecedented times, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘23), have become increasingly grateful for this community and its members. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I’ll be doing a series of student interviews in the coming weeks. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week features Tristan Palmer ‘21.
Tristan is coming to the end of his time at Chatham having left a major impact on the community. He has spent the past years as a member of the Honors Program, TriBeta National Biology Honor Society, and Exercise Science Club. Additionally, he has worked as a Residence Assistant (RA), and an Undergraduate Admissions Student Ambassador all while playing on the Varsity Baseball team. Learn more about him and his plans for after graduation below!
Tristan Palmer ‘21
Q: What drew you to Chatham initially?
A: Initially, I was dead-set on doing physical therapy and I had guaranteed acceptance into the Integrated Degree Program, so it seemed like a good fit. Another big contributor was that I was recruited for baseball and would be able to continue playing in college. When I went on my tour, I really recognized that Chatham fosters an inclusive and personable environment for students. The fact that it’s also in a great location was the icing on the cake for me.
Q: Why did you study biology?
A: I studied biology so I could go to medical school. I always knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field, like I mentioned, I was dead-set on physical therapy at first. That was until last year when I learned the philosophy behind osteopathic medicine from Dr. Appasamy and sort of fell in love with its holistic approach to patient care. That’s when I decided I wanted to pursue this path instead. After graduation, I’ll immediately matriculate into Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (LECOM) Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program in the Fall of 2021. Chatham has an affiliation program with LECOM so, Dr. Appasamy helped me out with the early acceptance program process. I toured the facilities and interviewed and from there based on the interview and my GPA, I was granted direct acceptance. I’m entering med school with an open mind but I’m leaning towards trauma surgery and emergency medicine but I can also definitely see myself going the family med route as well.
Q: What has your last year of baseball and school looked like with COVID?
A: It has definitely brought about new challenges in remaining active and engaged on campus. Additionally, I’ve found that I get distracted easily with online learning and lectures. It has also been a challenge to not have the usual team events for baseball and limit myself from hanging out with other friend groups at my normal capacity. However, I think that overall, our campus has done a really good job as a community in following the regulations set forth in order to protect those around us.
Q: Favorite class you’ve taken?
A: I’m currently in Advanced Human Gross Anatomy with Dr. Ali. It’s actually a graduate course that they allowed me to enroll in. I took it to prepare myself for the years to come. I couldn’t be happier with it because I’ve gained such great insight on and knowledge of the human body that I’ll honestly never forget.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I’m very active, so I enjoy lifting and muay thai. It’s a martial arts discipline that is referenced as the art of eight limbs. I love the sport because not only is it a killer workout, but it also fosters a very competitive, yet, supportive atmosphere. I also love exploring the various eateries in Pittsburgh to support the local businesses and introduce them to my family when they come up to visit. My favorite would have to be Café Moulin in Shadyside.
Q: As a student ambassador, what’s your advice for students starting their time at Chatham?
A: Focus on the here and now. A lot of students, including myself, enter college fixated on the end-goal and they forget to take in and enjoy the present moment. You don’t want this time to pass you by and be kicking yourself when you look back wishing you had done it differently.
Know a student that should be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Email us or shoot us a DM! We’re happy to hear your suggestions.