Pre-med graduate established career, network through study

Trevor Fingerle struggled a bit in high school, lacking a specific goal to work toward.

When he was introduced to the field of medicine by his grandmother, his path forward suddenly became clear.

“I don’t want to sound cliché, but I’ve always had a passion for helping individuals in their most vulnerable moments,” Fingerle said. “I’m very intrigued by preventative care, and the lifestyle changes we can make to avoid needing medical intervention at all.”

A resident of Ellensburg since age 5, Fingerle knew there was an entrance point into academia waiting for him right in his own neighborhood, 15 minutes from his house.

“I was looking for a stepping stone into a career in medicine, and that’s what Central Washington University has been for me,” he said. “Being able to live at home and pay an affordable tuition has made taking that step much easier.”

Fingerle started at CWU as a biomedical science major in 2018, but took a break from school during the Covid-19 pandemic. While returning to his studies presented some challenges, his comeback was met with kindness and open doors.

“Coming back was a little tough, but I had tremendous support from my professors, and developed healthy competition among some classmates,” Fingerle said.

Since his return to CWU in 2023, Fingerle focused more on building his relationships with his peers and professors, finding connection through their shared love of the field.

“I’ve made some amazing friends here,” he said. “Even though it sounds funny, I have some great memories of studying organic chemistry with them, just poring over synthesis and the like for hours on end.”

In connecting with his classmates through study, Fingerle was able to glean new techniques for broadening his own horizons and preparing for the years of hard work between him and his doctorate.

“We have such a diverse student body, and I’ve met so many people who have widened my worldview, as I look into both education and medicine,” he said. “I’ve picked up many new study habits from people who were willing to share and work with me on getting those nailed down.”

In addition to his studies, Fingerle has spent his time at CWU developing his skillset through field experiences with various local organizations.

“Pre-med students here have so many opportunities to get experience,” he said. “There’s a free clinic in town to volunteer at, the FISH food bank, multiple job opportunities at the local hospital, and of course the ER in Yakima where I ended up working, which was really busy.”

Following his graduation, achieved with Summa Cum Laude honors, Fingerle is headed to the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in Spokane, which places emphasis on medicine in rural and underserved communities. He knows that the experience and self-discipline he acquired during his time at CWU will serve him well in his studies to come.

“Being at Central set me up to get exposure to the rural underserved side of medicine, which is what the Floyd College of Medicine focuses on,” he said. “That has been tremendously helpful in preparing me.”

As he prepares to kick his career in medicine into high gear, Fingerle hopes that other students like him find their perseverance through passion, and dedicate themselves to chasing their dreams.

“When somebody tells you you’re not smart enough to do something, that’s great encouragement to go and do something very difficult,” he said. “College isn’t as difficult as it might appear, especially here at Central, so study hard, and don’t cheat yourself out of your own education.”

With his future ahead of him, Fingerle found himself sneaking occasional glances in the rear-view mirror on his way out of town, remembering the hard work that got him there.

“Right before I graduated, I walked up to the science building one evening and just sort of stood there looking at it,” he said. “I knew where some of my professors’ windows were, and I looked back on the sweat, tears, and white-knuckling I put in there, and I thought ‘here we are, I’ve graduated, I’ve done it.’”