“I knew Levi had the perseverance for medical school and I wanted to do whatever it took to get him there.” — Brian Hoffman, Ph.D.
Doctors Destiny
Levi Young, ’01, M.D.
Brian Hoffman, ’86, Ph.D.
Levi Young, ’01, M.D., always knew he was destined for medical school. But if it wasn’t for Brian Hoffman, ’86, Ph.D., professor of biology and mathematics, he may not have gotten there on time.
Hoffman caught up with Young several years ago on Facebook. “I don’t expect to hear from successful students like Levi for five to 10 years because graduate programs demand extreme focus and discipline,” he said.
“In my last semester at Park, I needed a specific chemistry course as a prerequisite for medical school, but it wasn’t being offered at the time. I didn’t know what to do until I took my dilemma to Dr. Hoffman,” Young said. “I’ll never forget his most encouraging words: ‘We’ll just have to do this class together and get you on your way to medical school.’ I will never forget how Dr. Hoffman went out of his way to help me get to where I am today.”
Hoffman wasn’t a bit surprised to learn about Young’s tremendous success. In 2004, Young completed his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and in 2012 he completed a residency in plastic surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Today, Young is the co-founder of St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Specialists in Kansas City, Mo., where he specializes in reconstructive, hand and cosmetic surgery.
“Levi was a scholar-athlete who demonstrated the highest level of academics and drive to succeed,” Hoffman said. “I knew Levi had the perseverance for medical school and I wanted to do whatever it took to get him there.”
Looking back, Young said he holds Hoffman in high regard among his many professors. “Since my days at Park, I’ve sat through many lectures,” Young said. “I can say without a doubt that Dr. Hoffman is truly a great teacher.”
Not only was Young the captain of Park’s men’s soccer team and a two-time Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, he was also the recipient of the highly competitive Park McAfee Scholarship. Summer 2014 - 39