MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Roots and Early Inspiration I grew up in New Baltimore, Michigan, on Lake St. Clair, in a family of five children living in the house our mom grew up in. Our family has always been very close, including several generations of extended family, friends and neighbors. Back then, New Baltimore was transitioning from a very rural to a suburban area as the Detroit Metro area expanded north, and to this day, it maintains a small-town feel. People know each other, and no matter how far I have traveled or what I have accomplished, I will always be “Frankie Powers” when I return home. The Road to Medicine Both of my parents are healthcare workers: my father, a dentist who built enduring relationships in our town over 40 years, and my mother, a nurse on labor and delivery known for her empathy and clinical expertise. I witnessed firsthand the dedication, purpose and humility inherent in the healthcare profession. While I was encouraged to take any career path, I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine. I attended De La Salle Collegiate, a high school with a strong foundation in education and service to others. During the summers, I worked in landscape construction alongside Mexican-American men working 70-hour weeks to support their families. I went to Kalamazoo College, a liberal arts college in Michigan, where I majored in biology, ran cross-country, lived in Ecuador for a study abroad, performed research in biochemistry on cytochrome P450 metabolism, created a Spanish interpreter service for the pediatric hematology-oncology clinic and worked at Bell’s Brewery with some eclectic characters. I considered various career paths in science. Ultimately, my upbringing, my high school education encompassing service to others and my experiences at Kalamazoo College regarding human rights, social justice and diversity solidified my desire to practice medicine. It’s as a way to contribute to community, engage in people’s lives and impact health while treating all people with dignity, respect and compassion. Frank Powers, MD 23
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