Medicine has been part of Pierce Klaassen’s story since the beginning.
Perry Klaassen (g’61), his grandfather, and Paul Klaassen (g’89), his father, each graduated from Tabor College and became practicing physicians. Both set a stage that influenced the interests of their son and grandson in becoming a doctor.
After his Presidential Leadership Program selection in 2019, it wasn’t hard for Pierce to know that he wanted to pursue medicine as a Bluejay.
“I’ve seen the impact that my dad has had on our community,” said Pierce, an Ark City, Kan., native. “I grew up really liking science and math. I always looked for other things I could have done, but I always came back to medicine. My parents always told me they wanted me to do what I wanted to do, and I prayed about it, but this is what I wanted to do.”
Pierce made ‘rounds’ at the Ark City nursing home with his father when he was younger, giving him a firsthand glimpse at providing medical care. He’d hear stories of how his father impacted lives within the community and Cowley County, giving him even more reason to pursue medicine himself.
It’s what led him to the Scholars in Rural Health program through the University of Kansas Medical Center. Designed for students who want to provide primary care in rural, underserved areas, it was the perfect catalyst for Pierce’s passion for medicine. He’ll begin medical school in July 2023.
“Being able to have people in my community say how much my dad means to them and to see the impact he has had…, you can’t please everybody, but I’ve seen how hard he works to make Ark City and Cowley County a better place,” Pierce added.
Along his path to graduating from Tabor in May 2023, Pierce participated in activities across campus. He recently concluded four years in the cross country and track & field programs. He also briefly played tennis, was a member of the Concert Choir, and served in leadership for the Science Club.
The opportunities of a smaller campus were perfect for Pierce as he planned his future. In a Class 4A high school in Kansas and a community of just under 12,000, Pierce knew he’d be able to get involved in almost anything he wanted to at Tabor.
“I appreciate the opportunity to get to know a lot of people and know them at a deeper level,” Pierce said. “Hillsboro almost feels like one big family, and I love how relational it is.”
Pierce noted his friendships and the opportunity to work alongside fellow PLP scholar Tara Sheets (SR, Azle, Texas) and Joshua Gaede (g’22, Klamath, Ore.). Sheets is also preparing for medical school, while Gaede started last summer.
With long hours of studying, especially preparing for post-graduate work, Sheets said relationships like these are invaluable.
“We supported each other by relying on each other’s experience and knowledge of the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test),” Sheets said. “It was so nice having someone in your class who is going through the same intense, anxious process, knowing they could understand how daunting the application process was and what it would mean to be accepted into medical school.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to get to know a lot of people and know them at a deeper level,” Pierce said. “Hillsboro almost feels like one big family, and I love how relational it is.”
