Tyla Risucci, EMT on the Path to Neurosurgery

Chicopee, MA - Tyla Risucci '21, a double major in biology and chemistry, can pinpoint the exact moment she wanted to become a physician. 

She was studying abroad in Pavia, Italy, having received an Atlantis Fellowship for intellectually adventurous premedical students. Over winter break as a sophomore, Tyla shadowed doctors on the internal medicine unit at Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, a hospital located south of Milan.

"Watching a surgeon as he performed a cochlear implant was the defining moment for me," said the Watertown, CT, resident. "It really gives you a rush being able to help people like that."

At Elms, Tyla focused on growing her leadership skills in and out of the classroom. As a teaching assistant (TA) for undergraduate biology classes, she supported professors by preparing materials for experiments, an experience that reinforced her understanding of biochemistry fundamentals. She also worked as a science tutor in the Center for Student Success, helping her peers break down complex topics in human anatomy, chemistry, and genetics.

"The sciences come naturally to me," said Tyla. "Through the years here, I've grown to be more confident in myself. I learned to follow my own path and not to worry about what others think about it."

To strengthen her applications to medical school, Tyla began volunteering as an EMT during the summer of her junior year, working for twelve hours every week in the Plymouth, Connecticut area. Working in a fast-paced medical environment was hugely beneficial, she said, because it amplified her love of patient care.

While Tyla is considering several career paths within medicine, her interest in neurosurgery is guiding her decision-making process for now.

"In order to cure diseases or develop technological advances, it's important to have a solid understanding of science," she said. "Neurology is my favorite subject, so I would like to do something within that field."

Tyla is a three year member of the softball team. She has appeared in 71 games and has a career batting average of .275 with 35 runs scored and 50 hits. Her junior year was cut short due to COVID-19, but she is excited to be back for her senior season this spring.

"Playing softball is a way to take my mind off of academics and focus on something else, which is a stress reliever, "Tyla said. "My coach is super helpful with managing academics, practices and games."

"The opportunity to coach such a talented, driven and focused student athlete such as Tyla, has been a wonderful experience for me," said Coach Condon when asked about Tyla. "She epitomizes the role of being a Blazer student athlete, as she has balanced both her athletic and academic responsibilities with excellent results."

Coach Condon went on to say, "I am extremely proud of Tyla's commitment to excellence in all that she has accomplished to date and we are looking forward to watching her continue her journey in her senior year as a Blazer softball student athlete."