APMA News - May/June 2020 - 42

Development Update

Highlighting Today's Most Outstanding Student
Scholars: 10 Minutes with Zachary Hill
am today if it weren't for the support of family
and friends.

Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation
awards scholarships to exceptional third- and
fourth-year podiatric medical school students. In
this issue, we sat down with Zachary Hill, Kent
State University College of Podiatric Medicine,
Class of 2021, recipient of the DARCO
International, Inc., scholarship. Hill received his
bachelor's degree in Biology Pre-Medicine from
Walsh University in Canton, OH.

APMA News: What made you decide to
pursue podiatric medicine?
Hill: I have a great family friend who
inspired me. I was able to get in the office
and shadow him, and the rest is history.
The way he interacted with his patients was something I
knew I wanted with my future patients someday.

APMA News: What makes you stand out
from others?
Hill: I'm not certain it makes me stand out
necessarily, because I know so many great
people who possess this attribute, but a trait
I'm most proud of is resiliency. I pride myself
on the ability to adapt to new, different, or
difficult situations.
APMA News: What qualities would you say
make a great physician?
Hill: Someone who can empathize with
their
patients and truly has their best
Zachary Hill
interests in mind. Often the [patient] can be
lost in the different problems they present
with, and I think the truly great physicians can effectively align
themselves with the patient.

APMA News: Where did you grow up?
Hill: Zanesville, OH, about an hour east of Columbus.
APMA News: Are you working on any medical projects or
research?
Hill: Currently I am undertaking a literature review for the
Roto-Glide first metatarsophalangeal joint implant and its effectiveness.
APMA News: What are some challenges you've overcome or
accomplishments you've achieved?
Hill: I've already fulfilled my dream of getting into medical
school. It had been a goal of mine ever since I was in high
school. But now on to becoming a Doctor of Podiatric
Medicine and wearing those three letters proudly!
APMA News: What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Hill: I'm a big sports guy. Most of my free time involves
watching, playing, or attending some sort of sporting event.
APMA News: What's the hardest part about being a student,
and what's the best?
Hill: The hardest part about being a medical student is
definitely trying to find the time to get everything accomplished
that you need to get accomplished in a day. The sheer amount of
hours it takes to put yourself in a successful situation is daunting
at times but can be overcome. The best part is the relationships
you can form. Nothing builds a team mentality or friendships
quite like overcoming struggles. I couldn't have gotten where I
42 APMA News May/June 2020

APMA News: How do you stay motivated as a student?
Hill: My family keeps me motivated every day. I just want to
make them proud and be the best version of myself for them
and future patients.
APMA News: Is anyone else in your family in the medical field?
Hill: I have a few nurses and a radiation therapist in my
family. Seeing their love for their professions and the impact
they have on a day-to-day basis is truly amazing.
APMA News: What do you look forward to as a podiatric
physician?
Hill: I look forward to the journey itself and all it entails.
The patients, the relationships, the hardships, the grind-I
look forward to it all! n

The APMA Educational Foundation recognizes that these
are challenging times. If you are in a position to give,
please consider making a contribution to help support
students like Zachary Hill. Visit www.apma.org/donate.
Your contributions are deeply appreciated.
http://www.apma.org/donate
APMA News - May/June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - May/June 2020
