Ask an Aztec: Theodore Germanos

Theodore Germanos graduated from San Diego State University with a biology degree in 2011. He went on to attend Meharry Medical College and will be graduating with a medical degree and starting residency in June.

"My chosen residency, radiology, is five years and will consist of a year of surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by four years of radiology at the University of California, San Francisco," he said.

During his time at Meharry, he served as the academic vice president of his class; participated in research of neurological diseases at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital and Vanderbilt University; scored in the 93rd percentile on the United States Medical Licensing Examination; and participated in clinics providing free healthcare to underserved communities.

"I am a firm believer that if you do your best, everything else will fall into place," he said.

1. Tell us the highlights of your professional career.  What are your proudest achievements?

I have always dreamed of becoming a physician. Throughout the years, there have been many obstacles that made me doubt whether I would actually be able to achieve this dream. At this point in my career, I am graduating medical school, and actually surpassing my expectations by getting into residency at UCSF — the top program in the country for radiology. This definitely stands out as my proudest achievement thus far.

2. Why did you choose SDSU?

As a San Diego native, I was set on staying close to family and friends, while attending an institution that would provide me an excellent education and opportunities for personal growth.

3. What’s your favorite college memory?

I loved attending Aztec basketball games. Camping out with friends overnight, waiting in line to get tickets to basketball games and being a part of greatest student section in the country was an amazing experience.

4. Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

Neurobiology was my favorite class. I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity of the nervous system. There are plenty of opportunities for research and jobs in various fields related to neurology and the neurological system. I myself would be interested in possibly doing a fellowship in neuroradiology down the line.

5. If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

For students interested in healthcare fields, I strongly recommend getting involved in research and healthcare volunteering. Both are integral for growth, and are looked upon favorably when it comes time to apply to postgraduate education positions. Of course, maintaining good grades and studying hard for admissions exams cannot be understated.

6. What experiences at SDSU helped you professionally?

Attending an institution with such a diverse population has allowed me to understand and better relate to others coming from different backgrounds and belief systems. This is immensely important as physicians must be able to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations.

7. How do you stay connected to SDSU?

Often times I have had current SDSU students and alums reach out to seek advice on pursuing careers in medicine. I am always eager to help as much as I can.

8. Who was your “SDSU family?” What clubs, organizations or teams were you a part of?

The Preprofessional Health Office was integral in keeping me on track with what I should be doing in order to get into medical school. Furthermore, they provided plenty of opportunities to get involved in community service opportunities and learn more about medicine. It was also a great opportunity to form connections with others who shared the goal of seeking a career in healthcare.