We are looking to share Successful Student Outcomes from our Tyler ISD Alumni. Our goal is to inspire current students with the endless possibilities for career and life success. Learn more and share your story.
Dr. Azael Arizpe is an orthopedic surgeon at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute in south Tyler.
As a proud product of Ramey Elementary School, Hogg Middle School, and John Tyler High School, Class of 2009, Dr. Arizpe is one of the many successful student outcomes in Tyler ISD.
Dr. Arizpe went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from The University of Texas at Austin and a medical degree from the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center. From there, Arizpe spent his residency in Miami, Florida, at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Orthopedic Surgery, followed by a year in Houston doing The University of Texas Sports Medicine and Shoulder Fellowship.
Dr. Arizpe said his love for football and sports also played a deciding factor in his future.
“I was particularly drawn to the field of Orthopedics because I felt it would be the most beneficial way to use my knowledge of human anatomy while incorporating my passion for sports. Being an immigrant and Hispanic only strengthened my drive to pursue a medical career; it felt like a way to integrate my culture and language into the medical field.”
When not helping patients, Dr. Arizpe likes to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. He likes to work out and play basketball and soccer. He also enjoys cooking and grilling with family and friends.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memories all come from being involved in football. Friday night football games in Texas are among the most exciting times for any high school football player. There is something special about having your community root for you and cheer you on. Now, as a team physician, I get to relive the excitement by covering football games and standing on the sidelines, cheering students on.
What teacher made the biggest impact on your life and why?
Allison Rogers was the teacher who had the biggest impact on my life. She was my high school English teacher and helped prepare me to be a competitive student in all fields because she changed how I thought about academics. She also helped me write and perfect some excellent personal statements for medical school and my surgical residency.
Advice to current Tyler ISD students?
If I had to give some advice for current Tyler ISD students, it would be to seek out the resources you need to get you where you want to go because they are there. In grade school, you often find yourself following a predetermined path, but to be great, you must put in the extra effort. You can do that with the resources that Tyler ISD offers. Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of extra work and determination.