Eithan Kotkowski (United States, WK 07-08)
What years did you attend Waterford Kamhlaba?
I only attended WK for the year 2007, but was part of the 2008 graduating class.
Please tell us what you have done or are doing at the moment?
I am currently a 6th year MD/PhD student (an 8-year-long program) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience Imaging (focusing on the neurocognitive effects of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and Type II Diabetes) and an MD with a focus on Neurology and Dementia. Thus far I have obtained National Institutes of Health funding through a Translational Scientist Training grant (TL1) and have one first-author publication to my name in the journal NeuroImage: Clinical titled “The Hippocampal Network Model: A Transdiagnostic Metaconnectomic Approach.”
Before attending the UT Health Science Center, I worked as a dual language (Spanish-English) primary school teacher in a low SES community in South Austin, TX for two years after having obtained a bachelor’s of science in Psychology in 2011 from the University of Texas at Austin.
Could you tell us what inspired you to pursue your career path.
My inspiration to pursue a career in medicine stemmed from my time at Waterford Kamhlaba, specifically working in the Community Service project headed by Carla Cabrita with the Baylor Pediatric HIV Clinic. During my time spent there, I helped lead a team of students to create educational videos for HIV+ mothers who needed to take care of HIV- children. This experience motivated me to pursue a pre-med program at university with the goal of one day becoming a “Doctor without borders”. However, I was exposed to the world of scientific research while working in a breast cancer research lab at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso TX. Needless to say, I fell in love with basic science and its application to human health and wellbeing. The combination of the worlds of medicine and research, with my added experience as a primary school teacher motivated me to pursue my current path to obtain both an MD and PhD in order to fulfill a career goal in academic medicine.
Did Waterford in any way play a role in your career path choice?
Yes, as I mentioned in the previous answer, WK was a huge influencer in the career path that I chose. Although my time at WK was short compared to most people, my experience with the community service projects I was a part of, the people I met, and the life lessons I learned have stuck with me over the years. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my very supportive friends, teachers, advisors, and mentors at WK.
What advice would you have for aspiring students who would want to be involved in
similar areas of expertise?
The world of academic medicine is long and grueling. It not only takes brains, but passion for patient care, passion for science and the pursuit of truth, and patience. It is not an easy career path, but it is fulfilling if you love to care for others, love to teach, and love the scientific process. I would advise students pursuing a career in academic medicine to be involved with basic science research while at university, specifically in laboratories that work on understanding human disease and treatment as well as volunteer at a clinic or shadowing a physician of your choice. If you end up loving the work you do in the lab and the clinic, you will be a great physician scientist academician.
Do you have any fond memories of Waterford?
It is hard to pick one or two fond memories from Waterford since I have so many from just the short time I was there. However, I feel that my most fond memories are those I shared with my friends. Hanging out in the different QBs where we would often discuss life, politics and philosophy over cheese sandwiches and Mexican candy that my parents would send me on occasion. It was inspiring to be surrounded by fellow students who were so passionate about the world, so articulate, and at the same time, so fun to be around. I also have a special fond memory of my advisor Ann Huysmans and her husband Rolf. I remember loving to sit in their tiny house in the middle of Emhlabeni discussing my ideas for what would become my Extended Essay. Rolf was so full of knowledge and wisdom with regards to the origin of religion, that I found his insight almost sage-like in nature. Both he and Ann were role models to me. They’re a power couple who have pursued their passion in life and raised a beautiful, loving family. I heard of Rolf’s passing when I was at uni, but his memory and the love I have for him and Ann will remain with me forever.
Most embarrassing moment at Waterford?
(sigh)…. This may or may not be in your records of who I was. But, I was one of the “Moonflower” boys of 2007. That night in August after having lost the election for SRC Chairman, I was discussing the topic of hallucinogenic influence on religious experiences with a South American IB2 who knew of a plant growing on campus that was used by the Inca as an “elixir for communicating with the gods”. I cannot point to one reason for why I did what I did. I suppose in part it was curiosity, in part it was feeling down for having lost the election, and in part it was the excitement that another IB2 friend had for trying the tea concocted from the plant, whom I told about that same night. Needless to say, myself and three others were sent to the hospital for overdosing on atropine (the moonflower’s active ingredient). The shame and humiliation I felt after that incident led to my eventual withdrawal from WK. And yet, my short time at WK remains probably the most consequential experience of my life. I kept in touch with my friends at WK and was even invited to attend the 2008 graduation ceremony during which time I shed tears seeing my friends obtaining their IB diploma. I felt so proud of them, so welcomed by them with their love and support, including me in all of the festivities.
WK crush?
Hahaha… Well, I did have several crushes. But I was too shy to pursue anything with any of my classmates for fear of the inevitable WK gossip that went around. That being said, I did have a crush on a red-head named Claudia Evans, who was a Form 5 at the time.
What’s your favorite ’90s jam?
I can’t pick just one. But every time I hear House music, I am transported back to my time at WK. I do remember hating the Rihanna song “Umbrella” because literally EVERYONE played it all the time.
Who was in your WK squad (friend group)?
Robin Bartolini, Jaap Ruoff, Alexandre Mballa, Shirley Fidalis, Rachel Mueller, Felicia Kirk, Sharon Ramarini, Ivan Tommasini, Fernando Soto, Marietta Peter, and Raisa Ramalho. Not all of these friends mixed all the time, but they are the people I spent most of my time with.
Favourite teacher/Most hilarious teacher?
I loved all of my teachers, but I think Mr. Storer and Mr. Pugh were the most enlightening and entertaining of the bunch.
For more information on what I have done and my accomplishments see the following:
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