Kevin Driver ‘03 - Biochemistry and Philosophy double major, currently a resident in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center

In the spring of 2007, Messiah College Honors Program alum Kevin Driver received his medical degree from Columbia University’s highly regarded College of Physicians and Surgeons. Kevin grew up in suburban Philadelphia and came to Messiah from Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. He chose to attend Messiah largely because of the College Honors Program. “The honors program at Messiah,” he says, “was a place where I could feel comfortable but would still provide social, intellectual, personal and spiritual challenges as well as opportunities to grow.” During his four years at Messiah Kevin was involved in a host of academic and co-curricular programs. Besides double-majoring in Biochemistry and Philosophy, he performed with the Messiah College Singers and in the Mainstage Theatre. He also helped to design and implement an cancer-immunology project through the Department of Natural Sciences. Kevin’s Messiah memories are full and extend beyond the lab and library. When asked about his fondest memories, he cites “cheering and throwing marshmallows at the E-town soccer game, working one on one with faculty, like biologist Dr. Larry Mylin and philosopher Dr. Robin Collins, and engaging in many late night discussions with roommates and friends about history, religion and Christian faith.”

Following graduation, Kevin began his medical studies at Columbia. Kevin was drawn to medicine, he says, “as a way to practically benefit other people by providing healing.” Asked if he felt academically prepared for one of the nation’s top ranked and most challenging medical educations, he replies, “Absolutely! I started out on an equal footing with students from many well known, prestigious colleges.”

Kevin’s years in medical school have also been a time of spiritual growth. He has been actively involved in New York’s dynamic Redeemer Presbyterian Church where, along with other young professionals, he participates in a small fellowship group. Redeemer’s commitment to diversity and service is something that Kevin’s finds very appealing. Kevin has also had opportunities to put his medical skills and knowledge to work, serving with Messiah alums Drs. John Spurrier and Phil Thuma at Macha Mission hospital in rural Zambia. “Treating common global diseases such as Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and rheumatic heart disease at Macha was challenging both because they are so relatively exotic in the US and the available resources are insufficient to meet the tremendous needs in the developing world” he notes, “but it was rewarding to care for patients who have little to return in compensation other than appreciation and who can’t find another doctor by flipping through the phonebook.”

Kevin is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, with the goal of eventually settling into a career in academic medicine, possibly Cardiology, at a major university hospital. As a Messiah College honors program participant and now as a resident physician, Kevin embodies Messiah’s commitment to educating young men and women for lives of leadership and service.