A medical student from OUWB recently was recognized for his “exceptional passion for medicine, steadfast compassion, and strong leadership” during his family medicine clerkship at Corwell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital.
Nicholas Petrykowski, M4, received the 2025 Paul Misch M.D. Doctor of the Future Award.
Petrykowski was honored during a medical staff meeting on Nov. 20.
He was introduced by Elie Mulhem, M.D., professor and vice chair, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
“Nick distinguished himself as an outstanding student; engaged, enthusiastic, and forward thinking,” Mulhem said when introducing Petrykowski. “(He) exemplifies the qualities we hope to see in every future physician; curiosity, initiative, compassion and deep commitment to patient care in an evolving health care landscape.”
The award was established in 2022 in honor of Paul Misch, M.D., who worked at the hospital for nearly 40 years. (Recipients are nominated by clerkship directors.)
Prior to what he called a “semi-retirement” in 2001, Misch also served as founding chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, had a significant role in establishing OUWB as a member of the school’s planning team, and chaired the OUWB executive committee.
Mulhem called Misch one of the hospital’s “original pioneers” and “an extraordinary physician whose influence cannot be overstated.”
“(Misch) led with quiet strength, humility, and unwavering dedication — qualities that shaped (Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital),” he said.
Petrykowski spoke briefly to the medical staff and called the award “an incredible honor.”
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| Petrykowski spoke briefly to the medical staff and called the award “an incredible honor.” |
He thanked his parents for teaching him “the values of empathy, compassion, having a strong work ethic and for all of their love and support, which has carried me through my medical journey.”
He also thanked Srikala Yedavally, D.O., Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and clerkship director for Family Medicine Undergraduate Medical Education, as well as “the many physicians that I’ve worked with here at Corewell Troy over the past couple of years.”
“You all taught me so much about the heart of medicine and contributed so much to my professional development as a physician — thank you,” he said.
Later, Tony Petrykowski — Nick’s father — said he felt “extremely proud” of his son.
“It’s such a long journey and to see him get this award is truly an honor,” he said. “His pure dedication to medicine and to his education is amazing.”
Nick added that it’s especially meaningful because he grew up in Michigan’s Macomb County and that he considers Corewell Troy his “home hospital.”
“It means the world to get an award like this in the very community that I was raised,” he said. “In terms of future career goals, this is where I want to practice and continue to provide exceptional care for my community.”
He also thanked the “amazing community at OUWB for much of my success.”
“Being surrounded by intelligent, caring, and ambitious individuals who constantly pushed me to be the best version of myself,” he said. “This is what makes OUWB and Corewell Health such a special place to train.”
For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].
To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.
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