Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) is proud to announce that Student Doctor Schafer Paladichuk, PNWU-COM Class of 2025, has been named our 2025 Student Doctor of the Year. Selected from a competitive pool of accomplished nominees, Student Dr. Paladichuk will now represent PNWU on the national stage as a candidate for National Student Doctor of the Year.
“Student Doctor Schafer Paladichuk was selected from a deep and accomplished applicant pool, from which all were deserving of consideration for this prestigious honor,” said Thomas Scandalis, DO, Dean of PNWU-COM. “He will now represent PNWU for the National Student Doctor of the Year award. We will be well represented at the national level.”
“I’m grateful for the incredible support system I’ve had throughout my journey.”
“It was a bit surreal,” said Student Dr. Paladichuk, reflecting on the recognition. “There are so many talented and deserving students at PNWU, and I never imagined I’d be selected for this honor. I’m grateful for the incredible support system I’ve had throughout my journey.”
A standout in both academics and service, Student Dr. Paladichuk’s commitment to PNWU and the Yakima community has been a cornerstone of his medical education. In an email announcing the honor, PNWU’s SDOY Selection Committee highlighted Student Dr. Paladichuk as “incredibly hard working,” “deeply involved in many forms of community engagement,” and “a wonderful representation of the fourth-year class and the PNWU student body as a whole.”
Paying it Forward
As an anatomy scholar this year, the Committee added, he’s not only excelling in his scholarly activity, but also stepping up as a mentor to others. “His commitment to holistic care truly reflects the DO philosophy, and he represents our school with so much heart,” wrote the group.
“I arrived at PNWU with a desire to grow and give back,” said Paladichuk, “and the mentorship I received here made me want to do the same for others.”
As the current President of PNWU’s Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) at PNWU, and a PNWU Academic Scholar in Anatomy for the 2024-2025 academic year, he has been deeply engaged in fostering a culture of service and academic excellence. He also serves as a Yakima/Walla Walla Rotation Site Liaison, facilitating communication between students and faculty in these key clinical rotation sites.
In addition to his leadership within the COM, Student Dr. Paladichuk has found fulfillment in mentoring younger students. “Being able to guide the OMS-1s and DPT-1s has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time here,” he shared. “I’ve had great mentors who helped me through my first year, and now I’m proud to pay that forward.”
Committed to Service
The honor also recognizes Student Dr. Paladichuk’s dedication beyond the classroom, which extends into the Yakima community, where he has played a critical role in revitalizing the Yakima Special Olympics program.
“Joining the Yakima Special Olympics was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Student Dr. Paladichuk. “Since starting in 2021, we’ve seen incredible growth in the program, both in athletes and teams.”
As Yakima Special Olympics Area Coordinator, Paladichuk has been instrumental in expanding the program, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant setbacks. His leadership helped reinvigorate the program, which now includes a strength and conditioning program for the football team, developed in collaboration with current DPT-3 students. “It’s been amazing to work alongside my peers and make a lasting impact on these athletes,” he added.
Paladichuk’s selection as Student Doctor of the Year came during a pivotal moment in his health sciences journey. While on a cardiothoracic surgery rotation in Billings, Montana, he received the news from Nikki Zamani, OMS-2 and chair of the SDOY selection committee. “It was a surreal moment,” he recalled. “I was scrubbed into my first open-heart surgery when I got the call. It was an amazing day all around, and learning I had been selected for this honor just made it even more memorable.”
Driven by Values
As he prepares to represent PNWU in the national SDOY competition, Paladichuk is committed to showcasing not only his personal achievements but also the values that PNWU instilled in him. “I’m excited to represent PNWU at the national level,” he said. “I hope my application highlights the incredible community here and the way PNWU supports its students in pursuing leadership and service in osteopathic medicine.”
The support Student Dr. Paladichuk has received from faculty and peers at PNWU has been essential in shaping his aspirations and guiding him toward his goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. “PNWU’s support has been unwavering,” he explained. “From Dr. Walser in Anatomy to Dr. Oestreich and Dr. Scandalis, the faculty here have given me the guidance I needed to pursue a challenging specialty. I’m proud to carve out this path for future students who might share my ambitions.”
The emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and service has fueled Student Dr. Paladichuk’s passion for patient-centered care.
“I’ve learned that healthcare is not just about treating the patient, it’s about connecting with them and making a real difference in their lives.”
“PNWU has nurtured my leadership skills and deepened my interest in surgery,” explained Student Dr. Paladichuk. “What’s been most impactful is the focus on service and how it’s ingrained in everything we do. I’ve learned that healthcare is not just about treating the patient, it’s about connecting with them and making a real difference in their lives.”
Expressing Gratitude
While Paladichuk is deeply honored to receive this recognition, he is quick to acknowledge the role others have played in his success. “This award is a reflection of the incredible support system I’ve had,” he said. “I want to thank Alex Downs, OMS-IV, my best friend, who has been a constant source of academic and personal support. He’s been with me through it all.”
He also extended his gratitude to his family, mentors, and peers, all of whom have been instrumental in his journey. “I can’t express enough how thankful I am to everyone who has supported me along the way. This award is a testament to the people who have helped me grow, both personally and professionally.”
As Student Dr. Paladichuk continues his journey toward a career in cardiothoracic surgery, he remains focused on providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
“In the end, it’s all about the personal connection with patients.”
“In the end, it’s all about the personal connection with patients,” said Student Dr. Paladichuk. “I’m excited to continue my medical education and to have the opportunity to serve my community in meaningful ways.”
