Alex Grimaldi ’09

Born in Ashland then raised in Springfield through his freshman year in high school, Alex Grimaldi ’09 was able to return to Ashland and graduate a Grizzly in 2005. For Alex, looking at opportunities across Siskiyou Boulevard at SOU meshed well with his idea of a great education in an intimate and personal setting.

Though he grew up in Ashland, Alex wanted the full collegiate experience and moved into the Greensprings residence halls his freshman year. He was able to become a Resident Assistant for the next two years, which covered his room and board costs. “Being an RA as a student really provided me a leadership opportunity during my university experience that I did not expect. The tuition and room and board coverage were added pluses,” he said. In addition to his work in the university housing system, he also was involved with the Associated Students of SOU for one year and volunteered with the Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol every winter. 

Academically, he enjoyed the challenge of his biology and chemistry courses. Chemistry professor Greg Miller was a great mentor for pre-med students, biology professor John Sollinger was a great teacher and advisor and challenged Alex to go the medical school route, while chemistry professor Doug Chapman provided sound advice to support his goals. Pushing through his demanding degree program, he graduated June of 2009 with a bachelor of science degree in biology with an emphasis on biomedical science. He took the MCATs, passed and then proceeded to apply to medical schools and settled on the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, WA.

Alex pushed through his medical school program, earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) in 2013, and did his residency in Detroit, MI, at the 400-bed Henry Ford Hospital from 2013-17. While he was in residency in Michigan, he met his future wife Jen, also a doctor. They made the move to the Rogue Valley where both practice at Providence Medford Medical Center. He is an adversity medicine specialist and works in the emergency room (ER). “The ER is challenging and we see everything you can imagine that happens to our human population,” said Grimaldi. “It’s definitely a safety net for society and every day is exciting here.” Recently, Alex and his wife Jen adopted a child, who keeps them on their toes both at work and at home. 

“SOU provided me with the leadership opportunities that I would use for future success in my career as a physician.  It was always my passion and goal to serve the community that I live in. My experience at SOU was more than just the classroom.  It was the community involvement I could be a part of both on and off campus. It gave me the opportunity to build relationships with professors and students who ultimately were influential in supporting my personal growth and future career.”

Learn more: Providence Medford Medical Center