Alumni, Class of 2025
Hometown
Florida
Michael Trump's journey is a powerful example of how mentorship and resilience can lead to success while balancing family life.
Michael's path wasn't easy. He faced significant challenges early in his education but later earned his GED with one of the highest scores at his testing center. Initially, he aimed to become an architect but encountered obstacles at his community college registrar's office. A pivotal moment came as he exited, he saw a billboard about heart health, and he took a picture. Interestingly, Michael's decision to pursue echocardiography was influenced by one photograph. He initially thought that taking pictures of hearts might be a way to make money, which sparked his interest in echocardiography.
He pursued this new path, earning an associate degree and becoming a registered cardiac sonographer. Mentorship played a crucial role in Michael's new journey. His first mentor Najam Javees MD, at the small clinic, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue further education, was instrumental in his early career.
His journey then took him from a small clinic to a hospital, and eventually to the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), where he found bigger opportunities and support. Michael has achieved significant professional success. He has worked at UAB for nearly ten years, where he helped establish and grow the structural heart echo lab. His second mentor, Jennifer Anderson, an Oregon Tech Alumna and now an executive at UAB, encouraged him to pursue his bachelor's degree at Oregon Tech.
This opened new doors for him and highlighted the impact mentors can have on an individual's life. Michael's experience with being mentored energized him to become a mentor himself, offering guidance and support to young sonographers. This inspired him to pursue and conduct non-product speaking engagements for companies like Edwards Life Sciences and Abbott Medical, sharing his expertise on diagnosing and imaging heart conditions. Michael has since published papers, including one as the first author on "Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Sonographer Perspective," which is set to be printed in February 2025.
Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoys spending time on his Onewheel, a unique electric skateboard that allows him to unwind and have fun. This hobby reflects his adventurous spirit and his ability to balance work and family. Despite his busy schedule, he prioritizes spending time with his family. He shared a heartwarming anecdote about taking his family to the beach, even while managing work commitments. Michael is a proud father of six children, and his dedication to both career and family showcases his ability to find harmony between the two.
As Valentine's Day approaches, Michael's work in the field of echocardiography takes on a special significance. His dedication to heart health and his efforts to improve cardiac care resonate deeply with the themes of love and care that Valentine's Day represents. Michael's story is a reminder that with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success. His journey from a slow start in education to becoming a leader in his field is an inspiration to many. Through his experiences, Michael continues to give back, mentoring others and helping them realize their potential.
Currently, Michael is still a student at Oregon Tech, with just a few months left until he graduates. This makes him a student alumnus, adding another layer of relatability and inspiration to his story.