Take the LEAP -
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
R O C K Y. E D U
APrescription forSuccess Dr. Tom Purcell understands the human body. After getting his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, he received his medical degree from Emory University. He went on to serve as an internal medicine resident at Parkland Hospital at the University of Texas and was awarded an oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins, where he also served on the faculty.
themaine attraction
Building on this experience, Dr. Purcell moved to Billings to run the Billings Clinic
Cancer Center and began his association with RMC as an adjunct professor for the Physician Assistant program. In 2010, Dr. Purcell brought his experience and understanding to RMC full-time. Within the PA program, Dr. Purcell teaches the Anatomy and Physiology module, helping his students through the 14-month training before clinical rotations. Dr. Purcell’s involvement in the student’s education assists with the PA graduates success. “I believe PAs are a key part to being able to meet the demand of healthcare in this country as we go forward,” he says. “The maximum class size is 36, allowing for personal attention from professors. This program affords these exceptional students the opportunity to get out and be employed immediately in the medical field.”
Big life decisions often come down to lists: pro-con lists, must-haves, dealbreakers. Yellow legal pad sales skyrocket as high-school students weigh the options between college one and two (and three, four, five, six). Caitrin Smith, a Kennebunkport, Maine native, had a running tally of must-haves. With that list in mind, she took to the internet, searching for the perfect school. “One day at work the thought of Montana came into my head,” she says. “I Googled colleges in Montana, saw pictures of Billings with the mountains in the background, and discovered that RMC offered everything on my list.”
Captivating first impression: check. Hoping to see that list play out in real life, Caitrin visited campus with her mother. After touring the city and RMC’s treelined walkways, she was certain about her choice. Caitrin could imagine herself walking those cobbled sidewalks: RMC topped the list.
10
Caitrin Smith, RMC Freshman
“I was amazed,” she says. “There is just so much more space. I fell in love with the school.”
The spaces around Billings attracted Caitrin, too. In high school, she was involved in tennis, soccer, theatre and most importantly, skied every weekend possible. RMC’s location put Caitrin within hours of world-class skiing.
Breathtaking summits and snowy slopes: check. “I’m very excited to participate in RMC’s outdoor recreation program and explore Yellowstone National Park,” she says. “I am a huge outdoor recreation person.” But the outdoors won’t just be a pastime for Caitrin at RMC. She’ll have the opportunity to explore the Park on a three-day backpacking trip to the Beartooth Plateau with an environmental studies class.
Creating classrooms outside of four-square walls: check.
The knowledge used in teaching medicine transitions into Dr. Purcell’s position as head strength and conditioning coach. Training athletes during their structured work-out times in the weight room, he develops plans, schedules and programming that helps athletes reach their peak condition.
Studying environmental science, anthropology and sociology will allow Caitrin to explore her love for nature and her place in the world. “I want to gain knowledge about how I affect my environment,” she says. “I believe change is the key to our future and how we sustain ourselves – I want to make change.”
“I love the science involved,” Dr. Purcell says. “Performance medicine is very interesting and it is special to interact with young adult athletes that want to get better – that motivation is rewarding.” The close nature of the PA program carries through into the conditioning room, and Dr. Purcell uses that to his advantage, encouraging camaraderie to maintain commitment.
Preparing Caitrin to create a better future: check.
“We are all about getting better every day,” he says. “We like to get in there and get our work done – it’s about breaking
through the perceived mental barriers.”
Working through mental blocks in the weight room or in the classroom, Dr. Purcell is happiest when helping his students. And his students are lucky, because whether Dr. Tom Purcell is assisting them with an anatomy lab or a sprint schedule, one thing is certain: he understands the human body.
Tom Purcell, Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies
11