Gregory T. Walker Jr., MD, is an orthopedic surgeon who recently finished an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Washington/Harborview and is also doing a fellowship at UC Davis and the Reno Orthopedic Center. Dr. Walker is a former student-athlete, well known for his time as a football player at University of Washington. Learn more about Gregory T. Walker Jr., MD…
Hometown: Chicago, IL
First job: Server, Coldstone Creamery
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Trout and salmon fishing, river floating, watching the Huskies play, rooftop restaurants and bars.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Hands down, marrying my wife and having two beautiful children. Second to that, I was able to publish an opinion piece on police brutality and systemic racism in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery titled “What’s Important: Take a Knee, Our Collective Responsibility to Dismantle Systemic Racism.”
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I was a collegiate student-athlete on a football scholarship at the University of Washington. I majored in biology on a pre-med track while playing in 38 straight games. Despite a grueling schedule, I was accepted to the Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Someone who inspires you and why: Lebron James. He grew up in poverty in a single-parent household. He was touted as the next big superstar then overcame the odds and immense pressure to be one of the greatest basketball players ever. But his social activism is more impressive. He has opened a school and has put hundreds of kids in college. He appears to be a great husband and family man.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Keep grinding. It’s a long road, but it’s worth it. Utilize the resources around you. Ask for help and guidance from those that have done it before.
Favorite quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m a Christian. I was also the lead role in a musical in high school. We did three shows at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who has not just amazing talent but also unbelievable work ethic and a positive attitude. Someone who uses their influence to help others.