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Elizabeth Ann Thyssen - Honors Graduate of 2002
 Ann wanted a Catholic liberal arts background, and since she is a native Houstonian, St. Thomas was a natural choice for her undergraduate education.
The Honors Program “gave me an excuse to read during my pre-med studies,” says Ann. She really enjoyed her time with the Honors Program. “We had great discussions. The Honors professors really had an impact on my life, and I am grateful to them. Some of my best memories of St. Thomas are of all-nighters at the honors house with friends, drinking great coffee, mulling over our favorite books, and writing papers.”
Ann graduated from UST in 2002 with a BA in Chemistry. She then took graduate courses in the biomedical sciences and clinical research at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth as part of their post-baccalaureate premedical certification program. A year later, she began medical school at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) in Fort Worth, working to earn a Master in medical sciences and her D.O. Though much is known about an MD curriculum, less is known about what it takes to complete a DO. So, I asked Ann to explain a little more about her studies at TCOM.
 “We still have the basic medical curriculum that allopathic schools have, but we learn manipulative medicine and emphasize a holistic approach to our patient’s care,” said Ann. D.O.s are trained to manipulate the body to facilitate its inherent healing mechanisms. “I really like having an extra modality of diagnosis and treatment to offer patients.” For more about the philosophy of osteopathic medicine, go to http://www.aacom.org/om.html.
Ann is finishing up medical school while applying to pediatric residency programs. Though studying for boards keeps her very busy, she likes to spend any free time with her husband of three years, Peter. “He is definitely my better half. He manages a local Guitar Center, in addition to his fulltime job of keeping me sane.” Ann intends to practice as a pediatric hospitalist in Houston when she completes residency training. |
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