John Nykyforuk ?21

John Nykyforuk

Class Year

’21

Current home

Edmonton, Canada

Major(s)

Biology

Current Position

Medical Student at the University of Alberta

John Nykyforuk graduated from Carthage in 2021 with a pre-health degree in biology. He is a medical student at the M.D. program at the University of Alberta in Canada.

While at Carthage, Mr. Nykyforuk was an active member of the men’s tennis team, and he thanks his coach, Brady Lindsley, for supporting his ambitions in and outside of tennis. Mr. Nykyforuk also thanks Professors Deborah Tobiason, Steven Henle, and David Brownholland for encouraging him by giving him research opportunities, writing reference letters, and doing mock interviews.

Mr. Nykyforuk credits Carthage’s liberal arts education with preparing him for his medical school interviews by giving him the tools he needed for his critical thinking abilities and the ethical situations that he faces as a medical student.

“You will have lots of experiences during your years at Carthage, so do your best to learn and grow from them all.”

John Nykyforuk, ’21

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

“I love learning about the science behind what we’re doing, and it makes it very meaningful knowing that I’ll get to use that knowledge to improve people’s lives.”

How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?

“The liberal arts skills were helpful during medical school interviews, which often had tough critical thinking and ethical stations that were not medically or science-related at all.”

What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?

“I got to know my professors and get involved in research at Carthage from my first year there. I also had a great experience as part of the men’s tennis team. Most importantly, the community there gave me friends for life.”

What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?

“Professor Deborah Tobiason, Professor Steven Henle, and Professor David Brownholland were all supportive of me. Whether it was giving me research opportunities, writing my reference letters, or doing mock interviews with me before my real ones, they were always happy to help. The same can be said for my tennis coach, Coach Brady Lindsley, who was always supportive of my ambitions. Additionally, the pre-health workshops Prof. Brownholland put together gave me confidence that I could succeed. I’m really grateful for these, and all of the other awesome professors I had.”

Were you an award recipient? If so, tell us about the awards you received and what they meant to you.

“I was given the Scholar Athlete Award in 2019 and 2020, and I was on the Dean’s List throughout my Carthage career.”

What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have had. Going forward I simply want to focus on doing the best that I can to help people and commit myself to being the best physician I can be.”


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