COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2020

52 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE GRADUATION SPOTLIGHT GRADUATION Spotlight a child, my aspirations changed frequently, but never included becoming a doctor. As Larrimore began to interact with patients enrolled in clinical trials and colleagues who were considering going to medical school, he began to question his future. “I decided I no longer wanted to be at a lab bench some- where, so I sought a career where I could directly influence the well-being of others,” he explained. Although he was excited to begin a new academic chapter at NSU-KPCOM, numerous uncer- tainties lurked in his mind. “I had taken such a gamble in leaving my previous life to pursue medicine, and a part of me doubted that I could get through school,” he admitted. “After completing the first year, I realized that I, indeed, was where I was meant to be. It felt good. With each subsequent year, I felt a renewed sense that I was on the right path.” To maximize his KPCOM experience, Larrimore involved himself in activities that fostered his love of research. “I entered the college as a nontraditional stu- dent, with the understanding that education is not restricted to the classroom,” he said. “For that reason, I sought opportunities that could help me grow as a person.” Larrimore served as president of the Student Advocates Associa- tion. He also served as a peer mentor for the college’s Turner Society, which earned him a leadership award at the end of his second year for being a supportive and involved society member who exemplified the traits of participa- tion, community service, and professionalism. Larrimore’s research efforts, however, earned him even more acclaim. And Back Again “My goal now is to start my own research center,” said Larrimore, who published several manuscripts and case reports and was one of two students selected to participate in the one-year KPCOM Predoctoral Research Fellowship in 2017–2018. Due to his research achievements, Larrimore accepted an invitation from the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association to become a manuscript peer reviewer and was named editor of EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports . Among the many points of pride during Larrimore’s KPCOM education, however, he says one achievement towers above the rest. “What I am most proud of was my ability to design and complete a clinical study, which was not an easy task,” he said of the project he did as a KPCOM predoctoral research fellow. “Having study participants scattered across the country and coordinating testing with Quest Diagnostics, while also working with the NSU Pharmacy to manage the placebo and testing compound, was challenging,” added Larrimore, who balanced his clinical study tasks while facing board exams and juggling numerous other academic responsibilities. “Fortunately, the study was a success.” Beyond establishing a research center, Larrimore expressed a desire to apply to the NASA Artemis program—the new lunar explora- tion program that will send the first woman and the next man to the moon. “A lifelong dream of mine is to enter into space, so why not try?” he concluded. o Above: In the fall of 2016, Larrimore and his family had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama in the Oval Office thanks to Larrimore’s oldest brother Zachary, who served as a director at the White House. Pictured, from left, are John Larrimore, Tatyana Larrimore (holding Sofia Larrimore), Zachary Larrimore, President Barack Obama, Diane Larrimore, Wayne Larrimore, and Christopher Larrimore. (continued from page 50)