Allen H. Tanner II
A. PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Home Address St. Charles, MO 63303
Marital Status Married, 2yo daughter
Salt Lake City, Utah
Citizenship USA
B. EDUCATION:
Undergraduate Degree University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
B.A. in Mathematics, 2005
Graduate Degree Saint Louis University School of Medicine
(M.D. degree anticipated in 2009)
C. PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
4/08 – 12/08 Researcher
Dr. Keith Naunheim, Dr. Charlene Prather
Department of Surgery/Gastroenerology
Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO
Responsibilities included: Investigated abnormal anatomical changes in post fundoplication cases.
5/06 – 8/06 Researcher
Dr. Katherine Virgo
Department of Surgery
Saint Louis VAMC Saint Louis, MO
Responsibilities included: Investigated long term complications of 5FU in colorectal cancer survivors.
1/05 – 8/05 Researcher
Dennis Elkins, supervisor
Evans & Sutherland Salt Lake City, UT
Responsibilities included: Researched and designed ultra-flat piezo-controlled optical mirrors. Manufactured and assembled collumators and piezo-mirrors for laser device.
1/02 – 1/03 Researcher
Dr. Dave Gard
Department of Biology
University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Responsibilities included: Researched MAP215 in Mus musculus. Experienced in RT-PRC, PCR, primer design, southern blotting, cloning/sequencing.
D. VOLUNTEER WORK
2/04 – 12/04 Volunteer
Jill Angerbauer
Cancer Wellness House Salt Lake City, UT
Responsibilities included: Led welcome group meetings. Assisted cancer patients/survivors become involved in support programs.
6/04 – 12/04 Volunteer
Curtis Ivins
Director of Physical Therapy
Salt Lake City VAMC Salt Lake City, UT
Responsibilities included: Assisting physical therapists in both in-patient and out-patient therapy.
5/99 – 7/01 Missionary
President Marc Hall
Russia Yekaterinburg Mission
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Yekaterinburg, Russia
Responsibilities included: Planned daily missionary work. Taught weekly English classes. Volunteered weekly in humanitarian aid efforts.
E. PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS:
1994 Eagle Scout, BSA
2005-Present Phi Beta Kappa, National Honor Society, May 2005
2005-Present Pi Mu Epsilon, Mathematical Honor Society, May 2005
2005-Present American Medical Association
2005-Present American Medical Student Association
2005-Present Missouri State Medical Association
2006-Present American College of Surgeons
F. INTERESTS:
Mountain Biking
Sailing
Guitar
Pencil, charcoal, watercolors, oil painting
History
Spending time with wife and 2 yr old daughter
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Personal Statement
Sitting around a large dinner table, I listened only passively to the conversation. I was watching my wife’s uncle, a general surgeon at a small rural community hospital. I was curious about the life of a surgeon, and later I had a chance to shadow him. The operating room was amazing. Observing a mastectomy, a cutaneous tumor biopsy, and a small bowel resection, I was astonished. The surgeon pinched a nerve with his forceps and muscles twitched, he pointed out sections of peristalsis in the small bowel. I was further enchanted watching the artistry of his hands as he sutured the skin closed. Anatomy changed from textbook and cadavers to living breathing individuals, composed of exquisite mechanical parts which could be repaired by the hands of a knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. The combination of science and art was perfect. At that moment, I knew that I had to do surgery.
There are many reasons that I believe I am a strong candidate for surgery. I believe I have the right disposition for surgery. I am a hard worker, enthusiastic, and cooperative. During a rotation in transplant surgery, I learned that I had both the endurance and avidity that surgery demands. After a long day of work which had started at 5 AM, things slowed down around dinner time. The chief resident gave us the choice to stay for a liver transplant late that evening. I was quick to volunteer. As I helped set up, I was astonished at the array of tools ready for the transplant. Around 9PM the surgeon arrived and we scrubbed in. As the patient was readied, I assisted the other surgeon preparing the liver. I saw the artistry and analysis needed to reconstruct blood vessels so the patient’s blood vessels could feed her new liver. The new liver was placed in the abdominal cavity, and the drama peaked as the vessels were sewn and unclamped. A few bleeders were tied off, and we finished around 2AM. It had been a long, hard day, but I was alive with excitement and enthusiasm.
I believe I also have the right skills for surgery. My major in mathematics has developed and honed my problem solving skills, which were invaluable during my third year clinical clerkships. Work in laboratory and clinical research further added to my problem solving skills. I also have a natural artistic ability. Working with watercolors, oil paint, pencil and charcoal drawing, I have not only refined my manual dexterity, but also developed sharp visuospatial skills. Playing strong safety in high school football developed physical and mental endurance. Doing missionary and humanitarian aid work in Yekaterinburg, Russia for two years not only gave me a better understanding of humanity, but also taught me how to serve my neighbor, to work hard, to prioritize and to plan. I also learned a lot about myself, my priorities, my wants and needs in life. Volunteering in physical therapy and at cancer support groups has further taught me sensitivity and insight into human struggle. My relationship with my wife has taught me how to love and enjoy life, and how to work through problems. Being a father to a vivacious little girl has taught me great patience and has brought me great joy. Sailing, mountain biking, playing the guitar and other hobbies keep me balanced and help build relationships with coworkers. Ability of analysis, dexterity, hard work, compassion, problem solving, planning, and patience will help me become a better physician and surgeon.
I anticipate surgical training at an academic institution which will allow for furthering both a clinical and research career. It will also present more opportunities for fellowship positions. I would also enjoy the aspects of teaching and training students at an academic facility, not only to help them learn the nuances of surgery, but also keep me informed of the newest studies. Lastly, and once again, it is surgery’s marriage of artistry and analysis that draws me. It is who I am. Surgery will be a satisfying and rewarding career.
There are many reasons that I believe I am a strong candidate for surgery. I believe I have the right disposition for surgery. I am a hard worker, enthusiastic, and cooperative. During a rotation in transplant surgery, I learned that I had both the endurance and avidity that surgery demands. After a long day of work which had started at 5 AM, things slowed down around dinner time. The chief resident gave us the choice to stay for a liver transplant late that evening. I was quick to volunteer. As I helped set up, I was astonished at the array of tools ready for the transplant. Around 9PM the surgeon arrived and we scrubbed in. As the patient was readied, I assisted the other surgeon preparing the liver. I saw the artistry and analysis needed to reconstruct blood vessels so the patient’s blood vessels could feed her new liver. The new liver was placed in the abdominal cavity, and the drama peaked as the vessels were sewn and unclamped. A few bleeders were tied off, and we finished around 2AM. It had been a long, hard day, but I was alive with excitement and enthusiasm.
I believe I also have the right skills for surgery. My major in mathematics has developed and honed my problem solving skills, which were invaluable during my third year clinical clerkships. Work in laboratory and clinical research further added to my problem solving skills. I also have a natural artistic ability. Working with watercolors, oil paint, pencil and charcoal drawing, I have not only refined my manual dexterity, but also developed sharp visuospatial skills. Playing strong safety in high school football developed physical and mental endurance. Doing missionary and humanitarian aid work in Yekaterinburg, Russia for two years not only gave me a better understanding of humanity, but also taught me how to serve my neighbor, to work hard, to prioritize and to plan. I also learned a lot about myself, my priorities, my wants and needs in life. Volunteering in physical therapy and at cancer support groups has further taught me sensitivity and insight into human struggle. My relationship with my wife has taught me how to love and enjoy life, and how to work through problems. Being a father to a vivacious little girl has taught me great patience and has brought me great joy. Sailing, mountain biking, playing the guitar and other hobbies keep me balanced and help build relationships with coworkers. Ability of analysis, dexterity, hard work, compassion, problem solving, planning, and patience will help me become a better physician and surgeon.
I anticipate surgical training at an academic institution which will allow for furthering both a clinical and research career. It will also present more opportunities for fellowship positions. I would also enjoy the aspects of teaching and training students at an academic facility, not only to help them learn the nuances of surgery, but also keep me informed of the newest studies. Lastly, and once again, it is surgery’s marriage of artistry and analysis that draws me. It is who I am. Surgery will be a satisfying and rewarding career.
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