Alumni Profile: Davis Opel, B.S. Health Sciences ’24

During my time at Butler, I had the chance to take BSHS 280, an emergency medical technician course offered in conjunction with Indianapolis EMS. Throughout the semester, I attended class at the IEMS training center and participated in hands-on skills and other interactive learning. At the end of the semester, students had the opportunity to sit for the National Registry, the licensing exam for EMTs and Paramedics. I now work for an ambulance service in my hometown that provides 911 response, medical transport, and standby services to the citizens of my county. The opportunity to take this class for college credit is an added bonus, on top of jumpstarting my clinical and field experience, which will only set me up for success in the future.

During the summer between my sophomore and junior year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Spain for two weeks of healthcare immersion. I was able to apply my Health Science knowledge to real healthcare experiences while also shadowing four different specialties within the hospital. My greatest takeaway, though, was the immersion that I had in a Spanish-speaking country. As a Spanish major, I left Spain with a greater appreciation for bilingualism and a greater passion for integrating a second language into my future career as a PA. I have since enrolled in a Health Science course that enabled me to serve as a medical translator at an off-campus clinic. My time abroad was an extension of the classroom that taught me the value of my Health Science degree and the impact my education will have on my career path.

The Butler Health Sciences program was instrumental in building a solid foundation for PA school, the Butler Doctor of Medical Science Bridge Program, and paving the way for me to land a dream job. The knowledge I gained from courses such as biostatics and healthcare communications became very useful in PA school and the DMS bridge program as it allowed me to be a step ahead due to prior exposure to the same topics. The Butler BSHS program also gave me an opportunity to become a TA for Anatomy and Physiology lab. In this lab, I was able to refine my Anatomage Table skills which became extremely useful in PA school since we also used the Anatomage table in the PA program A&P lab. The BSHS program taught me not just the science behind medicine, but the teamwork, critical thinking, and dedication needed in this field. Lastly, the biggest takeaway I have from the BSHS program were the relationships I built with each professor. Throughout my four years in the program I felt that every professor knew me on an individual level and genuinely cared about how I was inside and outside of the classroom. It was amazing to see how proud my BSHS professors were of me when I graduated this past May with my MPAS degree. I currently practice as a General Hepatology PA, and I am so grateful for Butler and specifically the BSHS program for helping me get to where I am today. 

During my senior year in high school, I visited Butler University, and unexpectedly, I met a tour guide who had attended my high school. He shared the charm and friendly energy of the Butler Way, and immediately, I was captivated by the school. I knew Butler was where I belonged.

Fast forward to my junior year in college, I recalled that encounter. Motivated by the profound impact that guide had on me, I decided I wanted to pay it forward and became a tour guide myself. With each tour I led, I fell more in love with Butler as I was able to share my passion and enthusiasm about the school. I worked hard to demonstrate the unique spirit that defines Butler.

In a beautiful full-circle moment, I reflected on my transformation from being a curious visitor to becoming the one sharing the hidden gems of the university. I could not be more grateful for the friendly face from high school that guided me through campus, and in turn, I hope I inspired others in the same way.

Butler brought me countless memories, friendships, and opportunities. The one for which I am most grateful is meeting my current fiancé and soon-to-be husband as we completed the Physician Assistant Program together. We are forever thankful for the experiences we shared.

When I first decided to attend Butler, I told myself this narrative that I was only going for the Physician Assistant program so I could attain a meaningful career in healthcare like I always wanted. I had bias to other schools because of parental legacy, friendly recommendations, or other preconceived notions. I thought, “if you don’t like, transferring wouldn’t be a big deal.” However, after only a few weeks, I knew that that would no longer be in consideration, and I had found a home away from home.

While at school, I was blessed with many opportunities to grow and find my way through campus involvement. The organization I owe so much to is Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM). Being a Riley Kid myself after sustaining a blood infection as a teenager, I had found a way to pursue my passion and give back to the hospital that helped save my life. During my tenure, I went from committee member to then sitting on the executive board for 2 years, helping shape BUDM with an amazing group of colleagues and raising money for an amazing cause. FOR THE KIDS!

Another goal for myself while attending college was to study abroad. When first trying to figure it out, many told me that with my intended major, it would be very difficult to achieve. Several others encouraged me to make it happen, so I loaded my credits properly, took a summer course, and collaborated with counselors and the study abroad office. I’m very grateful to have spent my Fall 2017 semester in Madrid, Spain. A quick recap: Living with a host family, learning Spanish, making a group of friends on the fly, having the opportunity to travel to 9 different countries, my parents flying over to spend their 30th anniversary with me in Europe, spending my birthday in what would become my favorite place on earth. All of this was possible thanks to Butler.

It’s easy to tell that I believe I owe a lot to Butler University. My career, my fondest memories, my future spouse Sarah, and my growth as a human being are all thanks to this small school in Indy. Go Dawgs!

Through my connections at Butler, I started an internship my sophomore year with a local non-profit. I am currently the Assistant Director for this non-profit. In this position, I have learned so many valuable skillsets and I feel like I am making a real impact in the community. In May of 2023, we hosted an event at a local high school where we aimed to educate others about the experiences that many refugees and IDPs face. We also launched something called the Youth Allies Initiative, which aimed to involve the youth in the community. We had over 50 student volunteers who attended trainings to educate over 300 individuals who attended this event. This experience was something that will always stick with me. I am grateful to Butler because my connections and the knowledge that I have gained while at Butler have made this job a possibility. Butler has provided me with so many great learning experiences apart from this as well, especially through study abroad and as an International Diversity Ambassador at Butler. However, I feel like working for this non-profit has been my greatest experience so far because of how much I have learned and been able to give back to the community.

Something I take great pride in is creating the Business in Healthcare Club (BHC) here on campus. As the founder, I saw a need to create a welcoming and educational community at Butler University for students interested in learning about the business of healthcare, including non-clinical healthcare careers, by connecting and providing accessible resources that foster personal and professional development. This student organization has pushed me outside of my comfort zone as a leader, and it has been incredible to see its impact on campus!