Bio: Tim Williams is currently a student at University of Western States in the doctor of chiropractic program. He is originally from Chicago, Ill., but spent a majority of his childhood in Washington state. He has lived in Seattle, Renton, Kent, North Bend, Bothell and Marysville. Williams is very grateful for his parents, because they really pushed his family to pursue higher education as a means to living a better life. He comes from a big family, so there were many challenges his parents had to face being working class people. “Though finances were tight, I think my parents more than made up for it by teaching us skills and values that would allow us to be successful in whatever we do,” said Williams. “I am the only one in my family interested in medicine and will be the first in my family to pursue a doctorate degree.”
Growing up, Williams found he had a passion for helping people and knew very early on he wanted to become a doctor. One of the biggest takeaways after earning a bachelor’s in public health was that there are so many factors that determine an individual’s health and well-being. As a doctor in the making, Williams wants to be able assess and address as many of those factors as possible and helping patients take charge of their own health. He wants to show patients how their body works and how they can utilize that information to use their body effectively, eat efficiently, work safely and have a better quality of life.
Why did you choose UWS? Why did you choose your program/concentration?
I chose UWS, because of location here in the Pacific Northwest. Family is very important to me and it is especially important that one has emotional support, because pursuing a doctorate degree is no easy feat. It was important to me for my skills to be evidence-based, so it worked out that this is the embodiment of the education here at University of Western States. I am very much a Pacific Northwest guy, so I appreciate the scenery here in Oregon. I also appreciate the small campus, because it’s a very tight community and I like that my instructors and the administration are easily accessible.
I chose the DC program, because chiropractic physicians seem to have the most autonomy in medicine when it comes to treating patients. They also learn a lot more about body biomechanics than most traditional primary care doctors.
Sports medicine is my chosen concentration in order to gain as many tools as I can in my tool belt. There is a necessity in sports to be on top of the latest research on anything that improves body function and mechanics. I feel that by being steeped in that field will help me to provide my patients with the best methods worthy of our finest athletes.
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
I would have to say physiology and adjusting classes have been my favorite, because I can see the application to my future patients.
What is your favorite part about attending UWS as a student?
The transformation process. There is so much that I am learning and so much of it I am applying to myself. I am utilizing my education to build better habits, to do things effectively, and to learn what I like and don’t like. I am excited to see how much I will have changed at the end of this program.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I hope to work with athletes to start; I want to be involved in as many sports as possible. I then want to bring that knowledge to a practice.
Favorite way to get some stress out from school?
I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite, but I hit the gym pretty regularly. I think it minimalizes stress. Otherwise, it’s just getting to know my campus community as individuals.