Christopher L . Pankey , Ph . D .
Assistant Professor , West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
KENZIE DYE TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Pankey on location at the exhilarating Aerial Challenge Course .
Christopher Pankey , Ph . D ., assistant professor at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine ( WVSOM ), learned early in life the secret to getting anything he wanted — work for it .
A northwest Colorado native , Pankey is no stranger to the rural way of living that exists throughout West Virginia . His family raised cattle for multiple generations , and he grew up on a ranch with his younger brother , Michael .
For Pankey , family is everything . His mother ’ s and brother ’ s guidance and support , especially after his father ’ s passing , was pivotal in Pankey finding his purpose . Seeing his brother ’ s success , he contemplated quitting school and joining his crew at the coal mine .
“ After giving me a hard time about how I was too soft to work in the mines that I would never make it , he also shared some heartfelt advice and encouraged me to just keep showing up on time working hard ,” Pankey shares . “ That conversation was a big moment for me , and it kept me grinding toward my education .”
Pankey has always held himself to high expectations , so accepting that he failed college as an undergraduate was a difficult yet imperative part of his journey to success .
“ I don ’ t even think my family knows . I think I may have even made up a lie at the time that I was taking a break or something similar to spend time with my family ,” he says . “ Looking at where I am now , I think it ’ s important for me to share this experience and demonstrate that failing doesn ’ t make you a failure .”
Pankey ’ s journey to becoming an assistant professor took several years . Through hard work and discipline , he earned his undergraduate degree and Ph . D . and eventually earned an opportunity with WVSOM .
As an assistant professor , Pankey has the privilege of mentoring medical students . He works with them on research projects and has witnessed them win cash prizes for their work , win research competitions , publish scientific manuscripts and find success in other ways .
“ I ’ ve never experienced a more powerful motivator than the connections I ’ ve made with these students , and the deep satisfaction of watching my mentees stand out among their peers keeps me highly motivated ,” Pankey says .
While Pankey considers the moments he shares with his students to be his greatest success , he also succeeds in serving his community — contributing to Mus cles for Miracles ’ fundraising efforts , volunteering for WVSOM Day of Service , providing physical activity consults to community members and WVSOM affiliates , providing educational seminars for student clubs such as OB-GYN Club and Medical Student Pride Alliance and volunteering for organizations that provide local , economically disadvantaged families with school supplies or Christmas gifts , such as Heart of the Holidays , Adopt a Student , Fill the Bus and Toys for Tots .
“ I try to stay active in community service because you never know how far your contributions may go ,” Pankey says . “ We have a lot of great people in this community , and I feel like community service shows people that they are important and appreciated .”
While he initially moved to West Virginia with a five-year plan to move back out West , Pankey decided to settle in the Mountain State with his wife , Meghan , because they fell in love with the area .
“ The climate is wonderful , the outdoor activities are almost endless and the scenery is beautiful ,” Pankey shares . “ West Virginia has all the things we love and all the things we love to do .” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
sport team :
Colorado Avalanche
pet :
My golden retriever , Mikko
video game :
Gears of War
small local restaurant :
Stardust Café
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