Passion for service leads student on journey to ATSU-KCOM’s osteopathic medical program
Posted: April 3, 2025
For a long time, Christina Vu wasn’t sure becoming a physician was in her future. As a child of two immigrants who’d dedicated their lives to bettering their communities, she knew she wanted to live a life of service.
But during an internship at a medical examiner’s office in college, she pretty much ruled out medicine.
“I puked at my first autopsy,” Vu said, “and genuinely almost ruled out a medical career for good.”
The chief pathologist, Larry Czarnecki, DO, ’96, and other staff members, however, took time to mentor Vu and nurture her interest in public health. Those interactions helped change her view on what was possible, and what she wanted to do with her career, and led her to A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM).
“Dr. Czarnecki graduated from ATSU-KCOM, and seeing his passion for medicine and civic service really inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” Vu said. “Plus, I thought it was really cool that he still remembered his OMM (osteopathic manipulative medicine).”
Vu, OMS II, is from Chandler, Arizona, and has a bachelor’s of science in biomedical science and minor in chemistry from Northern Arizona University, graduating with honors, and a professional science master’s in forensic science from Arizona State University.
Her past experiences are shaping her future goals.
“My passion lies in public service and there is a huge need for forensic pathologists in our justice system,” Vu said. “There are about 700 medical examiners in the U.S. right now, but more than 1,200 are needed to handle the rising caseloads. ATSU’s mission lies in serving the underserved; I’d argue that this includes the people who, quite literally, cannot speak for themselves.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work under some pretty phenomenal doctors passionate about bringing justice to victims, to addressing the opioid epidemic, and contributing to public health education. Just two years ago, I watched my boss, the chief medical examiner of Fort Bend County, Texas, drive to the state capital to participate in hearings and advocate for change. I believe the culture of ATSU is one that cares deeply about service and selflessness. I see the same culture among forensic pathologists, who deal with the ramifications of violence, overdose, and public health daily to bring closure to families and justice to victims. Being at ATSU not only means that I receive a well-rounded education, but also that I am around like minded individuals who constantly drive me towards service, as well.”
Vu is president and founder of ATSU’s Pathology Club, president of Alpha Phi Omega, co-president of the MEDleys a capella group, vice president of practicals for the Wilderness Medicine Club, and secretary of the Sexuality in Medicine Club.
“As a medical student, I think it’s important to take time away from academics to recharge and ground myself,” she said. “School takes a lot of time, but I’ve still been able to participate in the things I really love, like being outdoors, choir, and service. I’m really proud of being able to start up Pathology Club with so many cool friends, too. We were just awarded the ‘Sparking Interest in Pathology’ award from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and I’m hoping to use the award money to continue bringing attention to the field as a whole.”
Outside of class, Vu enjoys hiking, climbing, and volunteers with the Humane Society.
On campus, Vu appreciates how ATSU embraces individuality and the unique views, styles, and skills everyone brings to the community.
“ATSU strengthens individual learning styles through recorded lectures, hands-on labs, and online textbooks, and they encourage individual interests through the variety of clubs on campus,” Vu said. “I’ve never felt looked over because of my blue hair or tattoos or dorky interests. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to medical school, and more than anything I appreciate that ATSU supports our individuality and nurtures our strengths.”
