If you attended this year’s APMA National Meeting in Orlando, Florida, you might have caught a peek of the student tradition, the APMA Student Quiz Bowl. Each year, a fourth-year student representative from each of the nine podiatry schools come together to compete and see which school knows the most about podiatry, and of course, to network and drum up some good old fashioned school spirit. Student competitors do their best to answer categorized questions valued at different ranges of points depending on their difficulty. The final question of each round allows contestants to wager their points. After completing three rounds, the finalist from each round competes for the trophy, and this year, we are once again proud to welcome that trophy home at KSUCPM, thanks to fourth-year Jonathan Westerveld!
We had the privilege of a quick interview with our busy podiatry wiz to learn more about the man behind the trophy!
- Q: Tell us about your education - who helped build that brain before podiatry school?
- A: I attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a privilege to go there. Go Knights!
- Q: What kind of clubs and organizations are you involved in here at KSUCPM?
- A: I’m involved in the Pi Delta Honor Society, KTE anatomy club, and work as an anatomy tutor/teaching assistant. I attend ACFAS workshops, STEPS conferences, and any events put on by the school/clubs.
- Q: Give us some fun facts about yourself outside of podiatry school!
- A: Fun thing about personal life: I taught English in Grenoble, France for a year prior to starting podiatry school. I spent my free time there skiing, hiking, and eating cheese. For hobbies I enjoy woodworking, reading, Fleetwood Mac, and cooking (and eating). I have an older sister/brother-in-law and 2 younger brothers. Even though they are taller than me, they still look up to me.
- Q: Leave us with some reflective thoughts about your Quiz Bowl experience! How does it feel to represent KSUCPM and bring home the trophy?
- A: It was awesome to represent Kent, particularly having the support of alumni/current students. It seemed like the crowd had a vested interest in who won. I want to thank the attendings/residents/students who celebrated with me after in Orlando. It feels right that the trophy is at Kent this year but even better that Temple doesn’t have it for another year! Kent read, Kent Write, Kent lose!
Jonathan’s high achievements and accolades from fellow students earned him the OPMSA Outstanding Student Leader Award at this year’s Hall of Fame & Alumni Awards Dinner. The award is designed to recognize a student who maintains academic excellence while balancing involvement in student organizations. Jonathan was hand-selected for this year’s award by the OPMSA Executive Committee which is made up entirely of student leaders.
Congratulations, Jonathan on the start of a successful fourth year, and your win at the APMA Student Quiz Bowl!