For Joshua de Waal, a childhood expertise along with his dad’s accident made one factor clear: high quality health care can change lives—and he desires to be a part of that change.
De Waal, a Spring 2026 graduate of Midwestern State University, mentioned he was all the time keen on health and science, A childhood accident involving his dad, nevertheless, highlighted how a lot a high quality health care supplier could make a distinction.
At MSU, the place he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, de Waal discovered the setting and help system that helped form his path towards a profession in drugs.
“My family has continued to have medical problems, and I just think, man, people have continued to give back to me – I see how good providers have made that difference for me – so a part of me just wanted to give back,” de Waal mentioned.
Having buddies within the science division at Midwestern State University inspired him to pursue his diploma there. Growing up within the Frisco (Memorial High School grad), de Waal was searching for a smaller, extra private campus—and appreciated being shut sufficient for fast journeys residence.
Affordability was additionally an element. De Waal pointed to professors Elizabeth Machunis-Masuoka, Ph.D, and Candice Fulton as notably influential throughout his time at MSU.
“Getting past that check-box mentality is really what did it for me,” de Waal mentioned. “I really just fell in love with the experience. It was almost like a coincidence that I really enjoyed everything as much as I did and that everyone was just absolutely great.”
De Waal entered the program understanding he wanted to carry out effectively to have a practical probability at medical college. He stayed extremely concerned on campus, serving as president of Health Sciences, collaborating in Model United Nations (MUN), and becoming a member of a number of honor societies. Despite a demanding schedule, he makes time for pursuits resembling images and staying bodily energetic.
He encourages present and incoming college students to get entangled, calling it
one of the simplest ways to benefit from school. Involvement offers assets, builds friendships, and opens doorways for alternatives after commencement.
School could be tense, particularly with a full schedule like de Waal’s. He mentioned his ardour for his targets—and the help of these round him—stored him motivated.
“In a lot of the orgs, I made really great friends, and that’s really what’s gotten me through, just the people that I’ve met here,” de Waal mentioned.
He additionally credited sturdy relationships with professors as a key supply of help. At a smaller campus, he mentioned, college students have the chance to join with college and really feel acknowledged as people moderately than “just another number.”
“For me, it’s always been about the relationships. For one, being able to help other people, and just being able to interact with a wide variety of people. MSU has that,” de Waal mentioned.
De Waal plans to journey over the summer season earlier than beginning a Physician Assistant program in Abilene. He hopes to go to New York and slot in a mountaineering journey whereas persevering with to follow images. After ending PA college, he goals to work on the whole surgical procedure or a associated subject. He is especially keen on serving rural communities, which are sometimes underserved in health care.
Giving again stays his main purpose, and he’s additionally contemplating instructing later in his profession to instill that very same dedication to serving to others in future generations.