GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rod Fontem
[Garden City, KS] October 3, 2022 -- Rodrigue (Rod) Fontem, MD, was born and raised in Cameroon, West Africa, and moved to Garden City in January 2005 on an F1 student visa to attend school. He started his academic journey at Garden City Community College and walked on to the men's soccer team. He continued his athletics career for two years while he earned his Associate in Science in Pre-Medicine. Rod spoke highly of his time at GCCC, "The size of the college, the small class sizes really allow your instructors to get to know you on a personal level. That and the sense of community and friendliness of everyone on campus was a huge benefit compared to a larger school," he said.
Rod then continued his education at Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, Illinois) where his Broncbuster soccer skills earned him nearly a full-ride athletic scholarship as he completed his bachelor's degree. With his hopes set on medical school but an unknown financial future, Rod returned to Garden City Community College and completed his Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate. The affordability of GCCC and the academic scholarships he received would help him achieve his dreams of working in the medical field--one way or another.
Fortunately, in 2010, Rod was able to attend medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine. He then completed an internship in Houston at the University of Texas, followed by a general surgery residency in Bethlehem, PA at St. Luke's University Hospital. Dr. Fontem also completed a colorectal surgery fellowship at Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Fontem has now returned to Garden City and works for Siena Medical Clinic at St. Catherine Hospital as a Colorectal and General Surgeon. He was very excited to move back to Garden City, "It was a no-brainer. The Garden City community has always been good to me and is my home in the United States," he shared. Dr. Fontem visited the GCCC campus on September 27th and took a tour of the Dennis Perryman Athletic Complex, where he met Head Soccer Coach, Corey Bryant, and Dean of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Scott Kedrowski. Dr. Fontem also had the chance to catch up with long-time Broncbuster, Greg Greathouse, during his visit to campus.
Dr. Fontem's hobbies include soccer, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Paola, and their two-year-old and ten-month-old daughters. He is now available for appointments by calling 620-275-3740.
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a role in Dr. Fontem's success. From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.