Tyler Bridge, '08

Accomplishment: American Medical Student Association member
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
House: Closson

While Tyler Bridge ’08 was at Graceland, Social Sciences Division Chair Dr. Brain Smith kindled his interest when he spoke about the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and doctors.

Three years later, that spark remains.

Tyler’s involved with American Medical Student Association (AMSA), a national, student-driven organization that addresses the concerns of physicians in training. Through AMSA, Tyler informs medical students about the value of ethics in their field of practice. He also helps examine conflict of interest policies concerning pharmaceuticals at different academic health centers. Tyler works with AMSA in addition to his responsibilities as a second-year medical school student at the University of Minnesota.

Tyler graduated cum laude with a Pre-Professional Biology major and Chemistry minor. Tyler was involved with the Honors Program, receiving an honorable mention for his Junior Honors Seminar presentation over the stigma of mental illnesses.

"I was able to get involved with some opportunities at Graceland that might not have been available at a larger school, like student government."

“Tyler genuinely wants to learn. He is intrinsically motivated. He applies what he learns to real life experience,” said Dr. Smith.

“It may sound trite, but he is interested in making the world a better place.”

Tyler was a member of Closson house and participated in Student Senate, eventually becoming Speaker. These leadership opportunities and Graceland’s small, educational environment have helped Tyler pursue his career in the medical field.

“I was able to get involved with some opportunities at Graceland that might not have been available at a larger school, like student government,” said Tyler. “I value the relationships with people from Graceland that I still have today, both professors and students alike.”

As Tyler prepares for his clinical rotations next year, he’s keeping his career options open. He is considering specializing in internal medicine or family medicine.

Division of Science and Math, Biology