TYLER SEXTON

What was your occupation prior to medical school?
I am a motivational speaker.  I have had the amazing privilege to travel the country and motivate people to move past barriers in their own lives, and realize that there is hope in life and people may limit you in this life. I have learned and tell people all the time that “People say no, but God says YES!”

Did you have any medical experience prior to attending USESOM?
I worked for Shriners Hospital for Children in the Child Life Department and spent many hours with the kids. My job entailed helping them cope with pre- and post-operative medical issues. My job was amazing; I was a counselor in many ways. I went into surgery with these kids and facilitated a medium for emotional and recreational therapy. That job was most rewarding and affirms my calling as a physician, as I have a real gift of impacting children with my service dog and my personality.

Any other outstanding experiences?
I have done many seminars on Disability awareness, Service and Guide Dog work and  my motivational speaking career.

Why did you choose USESOM?
I was accepted to many other programs in the US and Caribbean. I chose USESOM because due to my "disability", I found it difficult to find acceptance in some of the other schools. Also, as a child with a disability, I took part in hyperbaric medicine and now as an adult, I want to explore that field of medicine. USESOM has the hyperbaric medicine program and that was a major reason for choosing the University Of Sint Eustatius School Of Medicine.

Did you apply to any US medical schools?
I did, and I was accepted to many DO programs.

What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
The single greatest achievement I have done is having the privilege of traveling the country to tell people about the restoration and hope they can find in Jesus Christ. Being born with cerebral palsy, I have never let any medical diagnosis or negative attitudes of others stop me from dreaming and achieving my goals. I have had the privilege of letting people know that you only handicap yourself by choice, and that 10 percent of life is what happens to you, but 90 percent is how you react to it!! As a speaker, I am able to motivate people of all ages to move past barriers in their lives and develop renewed hope through the power of Christ. I have been seen on many television broadcast and featured in numerous books, and magazines and articles, as well. I will be completing my own book at the end of April.

What is your dream in life?
Every day that we live, we have a chance to affect someone’s life. My goal is to continue to bring hope to people. My desire is to work in pediatric anesthesiology. I want to help children that have different disabilities. Pediatric medicine is a great avenue to impact not only the child, but also the parents. It will be one of the greatest compliments when my patients talk about me and say “Guess what, my doctor has a doggy.” I look forward to that! 

What hobbies do you have?
I did Tae Kwon Do for many years when I was younger; I also did some judo, just to learn some better ways to fall (tumble), since I do it often! I also do underwater photography, as I am an Avid Scuba Diver! I also have a website www.tylersexton.com

Do you have a significant other on island with you?
I have many friends on this island, but no significant other as of yet. I am still praying and searching for that!

Tyler Sexton was named the Tampa Bay area Hero of the Year for not allowing his cerebral palsy to keep him from work at Shriners Hospital, with migrant families, and attending medical school.
Tyler Sexton is a first term medical student at the University Of Sint Eustatius School Of Medicine.

Catch up on previously featured students in the Student Spotlight Archive.