Alumni giving comes in all forms. There are gifts of time, talent and treasure. George Wang, DO (Class of 2005) has given all three and then some. When Dr. Wang began his medical school journey, he was already a Doctor of Chiropractic. He wanted to do more for his patients and decided to become an Osteopathic Physician. He was accepted to the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) and began classes in the fall of 2001. One month after he began, the tragic events of 9-11 occurred. Many of his classmates were deeply affected by this news but remained focused in their studies.

Later in that school year, one of their classmates succumbed to the pressures of medical school and took his life. That classmate, who was also Dr. Wang’s study partner, was John Merrill. Dr. Wang realized that because medical school is a stressful time, having a support system in place is critical. Years after graduating, Dr. Wang started playing ice hockey and found joy (and stress relief) from being on the ice. He rented an ice arena in Ontario and invited all COMP students to come out and skate, free of charge.

Every year in May (Mental Health Awareness month) Dr. Wang hosts the John Merrill Memorial Family Skate Night. It is an opportunity for students to step away from their studies and enjoy an evening of ice skating and community. During the event, Dr. Wang shares his story about his classmate and tells the students that we are a family, and we must turn to one another during the challenging times. We must be present for one another and ask for help when needed.

Dr. Wang is a generous alum and a very good friend to the COMP family. As a wound care specialist, he heals his patients’ who experience physical pain. With his creation of the Skate Night event, he is healing emotional pains that some are afraid to discuss. We are incredibly grateful for George Wang, DO.