After three years as a pre-med student at UC Davis, Dr. David Ryan (82) realized he wasn’t succeeding at the level needed to get into medical school. But, when his dream of becoming a doctor seemed to be slipping away, he knew where to turn for help.
“I went to Dr. Val Christensen, who was dean of PLNU’s College of Arts and Sciences at the time, and told him my situation,” said Ryan. “I knew the school had an excellent track record for getting people into the medical field, so I asked if he could help me get there, too. He told me I would have to take some classes over, but if I worked really hard, I had a good shot.”
After two years as a bio-chem major at PLNU, Ryan graduated and applied to medical school. After being rejected from his top choice, USC, he did some investigating and learned that his grade in organic chemistry was the culprit. Frustrated but undeterred, Ryan returned to PLNU to retake the course and was admitted into USC the following year.
Now 22 years into his career as a family practitioner in Point Loma, 14 of which have been at his own practice, it’s clear that Ryan’s never give-up attitude paid off. And though he admits he did work hard to get here, he credits the PLNU professors, like Dr. Vic Heasley and Dr. Mike McConnell, who helped him along the way.
“I can’t say enough about the professors in the science program at PLNU. My experience was unbelievable, as was the caliber of the education they provided. It wasn’t just their background in the sciences; it was their ability to teach. There is a big difference between being smart and having an aptitude and ability to teach students,” said Ryan.
In addition to being an advocate for the science program, Ryan is also a big proponent of the well-rounded, liberal arts education he received, which he says has greatly influenced his balanced approach to medicine—and to life. In addition to treating patients, Ryan volunteers with Genesis Diez, an outreach organization that works with the migrant children and families in the Ensenada area, to offer mobile medical care to communities in need. He also serves on the board of directors at the Peninsula YMCA; is an elder in his church; and stays active as a cyclist, sailor, surfer, and tennis player.
The Viewpoint
PLNU's university publication, the Viewpoint, seeks to contribute relevant and vital stories that grapple with life's profound questions from a uniquely Christian perspective. Through features, profiles, and news updates, the Viewpoint highlights stories of university alumni, staff, faculty, and students who are pursuing who they are called to be.