Brian Thompson

Philadelphia, PA

August 07, 2018
TouroCOM Harlem Class of 2022 Member Brian Thompson

When Brian Thompson’s grandmother had a stroke, he noticed that even after she recovered, something was wrong. “I was a child when it happened, so I didn’t really understand what was going on,” Thompson recalled, “But I remember having this concern and worry about her and it made me more interested in understanding the science about what had happened to her.”

Thompson debated between pursuing a career in biology or going into a medicine, but when his father had an accident his decision became clear. “He wasn’t supposed to survive, but thanks to the doctors and physical therapists, he totally recovered,” Thompson said. “We were lucky and had great insurance, but it opened my eyes to the disparities in medicine that exist, and I wanted to help correct that.” Thompson graduated from Northern Arizona University and plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. He is a graduate of the master’s program.

Fun Fact: Thompson received a track-and-field scholarship to Northern Arizona University. His sport of choice? Discus.