After graduating in 2014 with degrees in biology and chemistry, Parker Bussies worked as an ophthalmic assistant at Zeeland Vision. He also worked as a medical assistant at Eyes to See from 2014–2015. Parker began his master’s and Ph.D. in 2015 at University of Miami studying genomic medicine. He received his Doctor of Medicine in 2019 and currently is an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Cleveland Clinic Foundation Residency Training. Parker has utilized his skills to volunteer for different organizations such as the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, San Juan Bosco Free Health Clinic and the Lotus House Women’s Health Clinic. When Parker thinks about his time at Hope he says, “The faculty and staff at Hope College care so much about their students. I have been a part of several academic institutions since graduating and have never felt so valued as I did at Hope.” Parker empowers his patients by equipping them with the right information and giving them autonomy in their decisions.
What was an impactful experience you had as a Hope student?
My most impactful experience as a Hope student was my study abroad public health program in the Dominican Republic. It was through this experience that I decided to pursue medicine. I did an additional study abroad program in Argentina and majored in Spanish. As a resident physician, I now have a clinic one-day per week where I provide obstetric and gynecologic care for Spanish-speaking patients in Cleveland, Ohio.
To you, what makes Hope special?
The faculty and staff at Hope College care so much about their students. I have been a part of several academic institutions since graduating and have never felt so valued as I did at Hope.
What is your current job title?
Resident physician and Ph.D. candidate. I am currently an OBGYN resident at the Cleveland Clinic and am also completing a fast-track Ph.D. program in molecular medicine.
What do you love about your chosen career?
I love how much autonomy my patients desire over the care they receive. Rather than simply telling them what the plan is, I empower them through education and get to walk alongside them as they control their obstetric and gynecological journey.
What advice would you give to a current Hope student?
I encourage Hope students to take as many courses outside of their selected major as possible.
What is a relationship that started at Hope that remains in your life today?
One relationship that started at Hope that remains in my life today is with my tennis coach, Steve Gorno. Some of my best memories come from my time on the Hope college tennis team, so it brings me joy to relive them with coach Gorno when I come back to Michigan for visits.
Hope College is proud to honor Parker Bussies ’14 with the 2023 10 Under 10 Award. The 10 Under 10 Award honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaging in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and using their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity. Award recipients also communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, these awards are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today.
