April 16, 2025
Class of 2025 graduate Jacob Tiell is from Mount Vernon, Ohio and double majored in biochemistry and biology at Otterbein University. He also was a four year letterman and linebacker for the Otterbein Cardinals football team. He matched in orthopedic surgery at OhioHealth.
What are you most excited about as you take your next step in your career?
I'm most excited for a gain in autonomy where I feel like I will truly have the chance to make changes and decisions that can drastically change and improve patient outcomes.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. When times get tough, lean on those closest to you, but never lose faith in your own capabilities.
What led you to a career in medicine?
I didn't think there was another career choice out there where you could more significantly impact someone's quality of life. I have always had a strong interest in science, the musculoskeletal system and surgery.
How would you describe your time at the Heritage College?
Incredible. I met some of my best friends at HCOM and never went a day without seeing a smile on the face of every student and staff member I passed.
Looking back on medical school, what were you most important experiences?
A couple experiences come to mind. First off, our simulation labs with actors/actresses for patients (we termed CTAC) were crucial for gaining confidence and skills in the clinical setting. It was always fun to reflect on how far we each came from our very first to our very last CTAC experiences. Second, our clinical rotations were without a doubt a very important part of medical school. This is where we got to actually practice with real life patients and get a taste of the future we have all been dreaming of -- one of, if not the most important learning steps as a medical student.
Tell us about your inspirations in life.
My parents - both incredibly hard workers with unwavering support. They made me into the person I am today. I would be nowhere near where I am without them.
Were you involved in research? If so, can you share more about what you worked on?
I was. I had a few different projects that I worked on titled:
- Fixation of One End of a Segmental Rib Fracture is Enough
- Medicaid as an Independent Risk Factor for Increased Length of Stay after Total Joint Arthroplasty
- Chronic Deltoid Insufficiency in Stage IV Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity: Do We Have a Good Answer?
- Recurrent Lateral Ankle Instability - Common Findings
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - Anomalous Vertebral Artery Case Study
- Vertebral Artery Variation in the United States: A Cadaveric Study
Who has helped you along the way? Is there anyone you want to recognize?
I would like to recognize my parents again. I would also like to recognize my mentors Dr. Jarrett Helming and Dr. Nicholas Cheney. As well as Dr. Caroline Gundler for assisting me with various research roles.
What hobbies do you have?
I really enjoy all things related to sports, specifically golf, the NFL, the MLB, college football and college basketball. I enjoy getting outdoors and hunting, fishing and camping when I can.