COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2020

50 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Innate curiosity was a virtue Christopher Larrimore, D.O., M.Sc., displayed at an early age when he was growing up in a rustic area of eastern Maryland. Fortunately, Larrimore’s intrinsic intuitiveness would serve as a harbinger for his current professional pursuits. “My favorite activities were exploring the surrounding forest and tinkering with household objects—dissecting any electronic or mechanical device I found lying around,” he explained. “I was also obsessed with learning about Native Americans, including their spiritual beliefs and herbal remedies. This led me to mail handwritten letters to just about every tribe in the United States asking for information. I was obsessed with learning all I could.” In addition to being intrinsically curious, Larrimore was service centered. “This foundational aspect is likely what motivated me to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard, become a researcher, and attend medical school,” he explained. “In hindsight, I think I had the core traits of a physician, but needed life experiences to provide me with clarity.” Larrimore began to gain that clarity during a four-year stint in the Coast Guard, which included stretches spent in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in Puerto Rico. In fact, it was during his Coast Guard days that his passion for scientific research was kindled. From Sea to Science “It may seem odd, but after seeing firsthand the struggles of illegal immigrants captured at sea and experiencing unsuccessful rescue missions, I wanted to find a way to help a greater number of people,” said the 2020 Nova South- eastern University (NSU) Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) graduate. “Because I’m introspective and curious, I decided to capitalize on these traits in an effort to make a difference. I figured that if I could make a scientific discovery, then I could change the lives of many.” After completing his service in the Coast Guard, Larrimore turned his attention to advancing his education. In 2010, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical and Research Technology from the University of Maryland. Then, in 2012, he followed that with his Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. While he was pursuing his master’s degree, he also completed a very competi- tive research fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. During the next few years, Larrimore worked at various research institutes, including serving as a gene toxicology consultant at BioReliance in Rockville, Maryland, and pub- lishing peer-reviewed journal articles. “I was fortunate enough to work at amazing institutes with brilliant scientists,” he said. “However, it wasn’t enough. Something was missing.” From Bench to Bedside “The thought of becoming a physician did not enter my mind until I had already completed graduate school and had reached my goal of becoming a researcher,” said Larrimore, whose parents were public school teachers. “As GRADUATION SPOTLIGHT GRADUATION Spotlight BY SCOTT COLTON, B.A., APR CHRISTOPHER LARRIMORE USES HIS IMAGINATION TO ASSIST OTHERS CURIOUS CHARACTER (continued on page 52)