COSAM News Articles 2024 09 COSAM alumnus reflects on how he has made a difference through countless life-saving surgeries at Golden Eagles event

COSAM alumnus reflects on how he has made a difference through countless life-saving surgeries at Golden Eagles event

Published: 08/30/2024

By: Maria Gebhardt

At this year’s Golden Eagles event, 14 alumni from the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) celebrated their 50^th anniversary of graduating on the Plains. These alumni gathered at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center to reconnect with friends and celebrate.

Gregory Windham, a double major of biology and chemistry, has helped thousands of patients during his four-decade career as a surgeon.

“I always knew I wanted to be a surgeon and COSAM prepared me to make a difference in the operating room,” he said.

And in hospitals, he has saved lives and made a difference to the entire community.

“I have had the honor to help some of the most critical patients,” he said. “One patient had a ruptured aneurysm, and I had to replace their aorta, which is a daunting procedure.”

Over his 40 years, he has helped patients when they need medical treatment most.

“I remember another complex procedure to remove part of the pancreas due to a tumor and reconstructing the organ so the patient would fully recover,” he said. “It was an extremely difficult task, but I was determined.”

Even if his dream was not always to become a surgeon, he said he would still stay on that path.

“You know, a degree in biomedical sciences opens the doors to great opportunities,” he explained. “Even if you decide not to go to medical school, you are well prepared for a future wherever you want to go.”

His advice to students today.

“First, really know why you want to go to medical school,” he said. “Know in your heart that this is what you really want and why it means so much to you.”

But he encourages students to gain as much hands-on experience as possible.

“Then, spend as much time as you can with local physicians. Not only will you learn what it is like, you will know you are preparing for the job you were destined for.”

As he reflects on marrying his high school sweetheart who is also an Auburn alumna as well as his wonderful family in addition to a rewarding medical career, he is overjoyed.

“I have been truly blessed being able to help people when they need it most—truly blessed indeed,” he said.