About Dean

Hometown:
Dunedin, FL

University Partner:
Columbia University

Degree:
B.A. in Biological Sciences, 2005

Grant Partner:
Hospital for Special Surgery

Senior Mentor:
Dr. David Altchek, Attending Orthopedic Surgeon

"Being in the presence of great people, I realized how deep my own yearning for achievement is and after spending my summer witnessing the lives of two exceptional surgeons, I am convinced that the risk I will be taking to become a physician will be a worthwhile one."

Scholar Background

Raised by a single mother, Dean and his brothers have always valued the qualities of hard work, determination and leadership. This is shown through Dean's innumerable successes in both academics and athletics. Dean graduated summa cum laude from Columbia and was the captain and goalkeeper of the men’s varsity soccer team. He was a two-time Academic All-American, a three-time Academic All-Ivy team member and a four-year member of the Columbia 4.0 Club. Dean was also a teaching assistant for the Department of Biological Sciences and a technician for Columbia’s Contemporary Biology Laboratory. During his senior year, Dean was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and received a National Collegiate Athletic Association post-graduate scholarship. Dean’s sincere passion for medicine and surgery were enriched by his Steamboat experience, which inspired him to take more risks in his personal and professional life.

Internship Highlight

Dean shadowed surgeons Dr. David Altchek and Dr. Struan Coleman, participating in clinical evaluation and observation in the operating room. He also researched treatments for adhesive capsulitis and sternoclavicular dislocations.

Where are they now?

Dean is pursuing a MD/MBA Dual Degree at Cornell University's Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences and The Johson School of Management. He received the Lee Family Fellowship, which covers full tuition of the MBA degree.