by Jennifer Kowalewski

Tyree Winters III anticipates the day he begins practice as an osteopathic physician, following in the footsteps of one his inspirations, William Anderson, D.O.

The third-year OU-COM medical student was the first recipient of the William G. Anderson, D.O., Minority Scholarship Award for 2005. The $5,000 scholarship from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) will help Winters pay for his medical education. Anderson is the first African American to serve as president of the AOA and was a part of the civil rights movement, working side by side with Martin Luther King Jr.

Winters says he is proud to be the first to receive the scholarship. Winters says Anderson continues his practice today in Detroit, Winters’ hometown.  

“I was excited,” he says. “I was truly elated. I was nearing the limit I have for loans. The Anderson scholarship allows me to finish medical school without taking out additional loans.”

“It is truly a blessing from God,” he says. 

When he first saw the announcement of the scholarship, he thought it was perfect for him.

“It allowed me the opportunity to show I was putting everything — financial and otherwise — into completing medical school.” He attended the University of Michigan in Dearborn, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology before heading to OU-COM.

He learned of the scholarship while working with Gillian Ice, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of social medicine. Under Ice’s direction, he was conducting research on blood glucose levels and their effect on depression.

Winters has developed into a true leader at OU-COM, says Pat Burnett, Ph.D., director of student affairs. Winters co-founded and chaired the Student Pre-Medical and Dental Association, co-founded the Association of African American Student Scholastic Scholarship Fund and served as volunteer chairman of the National Society of Black Engineers.

He also has served in the community with Meals-on-Wheels and as a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer.

“He’s a very, warm loving individual,” Burnett adds. “You feel comfortable with Tyree.”

De-Anthony King, academic enrichment administrator, says these attributes will make him a good doctor.

“Tyree is passionate about everything,” King says. “He is passionate about school. He is passionate about his friends. It highlights him as an individual. He puts his heart into everything he does.”

Lynne Chapman, administrative assistant for alumni affairs and development, recalled the first time she met Winters, she thought of him as a big, lovable teddy bear. She also remembers him talking about God blessing him by allowing him to come to OU-COM.

“He is hardworking and concerned for others,” she says.  “He goes that extra mile. He is always there to help out. What will make him a good doctor is his caring. I really think people are looking for doctors who are concerned with their whole well being. That is what a D.O. stands for — and Tyree will meet that expectation as a D.O.”

Currently, Winters is completing a clerkship at South Pointe Hospital in Warrensville Heights. He hopes to specialize in pediatrics or family medicine.

“One day I hope to start a scholarship similar to this one,” Winters says. “I want to pay back the help I have received.”

Following graduation, Winters would like to move to an urban area, such as Detroit, to help the African American community.

“My goal is to work with an urban community and develop preventive programs for minority children who are high risk for diabetes and other diseases,” he says. “I want to be able to give them healthier choices and to help them be physically fit.”