ATSU-KCOM bringing the best out of students, preparing them to become outstanding physicians
Posted: March 26, 2025
When Benjamin Grant Tinker, OMS I, was seeking advice on where to go to medical school, he didn’t need to look far. In fact, he didn’t even need to look outside his own family for an endorsement on A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM).
“I chose ATSU-KCOM because my brother (Jacob Tinker, OMS III) was a student here, and he impressed upon me how well the curriculum and faculty here at KCOM prepare their students to become physicians,” Benjamin Tinker said. “I want to be the best doctor I can be, so it was important for me to pick a school that would bring the most out of me, like KCOM.”
Tinker is from Johnston, Iowa, and has a bachelor’s of science and engineering in industrial and systems engineering from University of Iowa.
He’s a highly involved student, serving as chair of Student Government and member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons-Medical Student Section (ACOS), American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM), Student American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (SAOAO), Sigma Sigma Phi, Gamma Beta Phi, and more.
“I joined the Student Government Association because I wanted to be involved on campus and all the events that happen here at ATSU. I also wanted to be able to advocate for my classmates and serve to improve their experience here at ATSU. My position as chair allowed me to grow my communication and leadership skills and I’m very grateful for that experience,” Tinker said. “I am a member of the ACOS, AOASM, and SAOAO because of my interest in becoming an orthopedic surgeon. These clubs allowed me to follow that interest and learn more about that field as well as develop relevant skills.”
In addition, Tinker serves as a student ambassador, saying he’s grateful for all ATSU has done for him and eager to share his story with prospective students beginning their own journeys.
“I enjoy the positive atmosphere and strong class bond that has developed among my classmates,” Tinker said. “Student Life provides us with many events and opportunities to mingle outside of class, which is where that bond really developed. I also enjoy being challenged by the curriculum, knowing that I am becoming a better version of myself every week.”
In his free time, Tinker enjoys working out and going on walks, as well as cooking, watching sports, listening to country music, and spending time with his girlfriend, Justine Farrell, also an ATSU-KCOM student.
In the classroom, Tinker is working toward becoming an orthopedic surgeon who helps people resume their normal lives.
“I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon who helps people get back to doing the daily activities that they enjoy, which will improve their overall health, as well as getting athletes back to playing condition,” he said. “ATSU is preparing me for that career by preparing me for my board exams and developing clinical skills, which will allow me to excel on clinical rotations.”
The first two photos are of me and my girlfriend Justine Farrell who is also an Osteopathic Medical Student at KCOM. Then their is a photo with my brother Jacob Tinker at my white coat ceremony, and a picture with my parents Dennis and Susan Tinker at my white coat ceremony.