Hero Ducks
There are many former Oregon student-athletes that are doing their part on the front lines every day and we want to recognize a few of these Duck Heroes below.
CRISTAN HIGA - SOCCER (2002-2005)
Cristan graduated from Oregon in 2006 with a business administration degree, concentrating on sports business. She is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Beach Cities Health District where she is responsible for managing communications efforts, including health promotions, public relations, community engagement, partnerships, I.T. and marketing.
This photo is at a testing site, where she worked a few days. Since then, she has spent most of her time doing health promotions and communication around COVID-19 health guidance and updates.
This photo is at a testing site, where she worked a few days. Since then, she has spent most of her time doing health promotions and communication around COVID-19 health guidance and updates.
ANDREA VALADEZ - SOCCER (2002-2005)
Andrea graduated from the UO in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science. Dr. Valadez graduated from medical school at the St Georges University in 2012 and completed her pediatric residency at University of California, Irvine/Children’s Hospital of Orange County (UCI-CHOC). Andrea is now working as a pediatrician at Ardmore Medical Group, Clínica Humanitaria in Maywood and Koreatown, Los Angeles.
RYANN DAVIE - SOCCER (2011-2014)
I am a third year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). Unfortunately, all healthcare professional students across the country have been ordered to learn from home and not participate in patient interaction at this time. My medical student class has come up with ways to raise money and give back to the local hospitals in Georgia. I personally have joined a task force responsible for collecting PPE and sewing face masks for different workers on the front line.
CAROLINE FEDERIGHI - LACROSSE (2007-2011)
I am a physician assistant specializing in orthopedic spine in which we diagnose and surgically treat neurologic conditions like spinal stenosis, sciatica, disc herniations and treat skeletal deformities such as scoliosis. During these uncertain times, my supervising physician and I are working to minimize risk to our staff and patients of contracting COVID-19 while not delaying necessary care to our patients.
MELISSA GERGEL - TRACK & FIELD (2007-2011)
I'm a physician assistant working in general surgery outside of Chicago. I work as a first assist in the operating room, I see new consults and round on patients in the hospital, and I see patients in clinic for their post-operative follow-up appointments. While our elective cases are cancelled until next Monday, we've been completing urgent and emergent cases throughout the last few months.
KATHRYN WEGNER (BLUMHARDT) - LACROSSE (2014-2017)
I work at St. Anthony Hospital. It is a Level 1 Trauma Center in Lakewood, Colorado. I work on the Trauma/Oncology floor.
CAM NORRIS - TRACK & FIELD (2007-2011)
I’m a former Oregon track & field athlete and human physiology major. I graduated from OHSU medical school last year and am now a first year anesthesiology resident at the University of Utah. I’m currently working on the general medicine wards where we’re screening all patients for COVID-19 and taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus while treating our patients. I’ve been overwhelmed with the support and love from our community and feel grateful to contribute to the cause where I can.
P.S. Shout out to Mario Cristobal and Justin Herbert for beating the Utes in the PAC-12 Championship... I’ve enjoyed bragging rights all year! Goooo Ducks!
P.S. Shout out to Mario Cristobal and Justin Herbert for beating the Utes in the PAC-12 Championship... I’ve enjoyed bragging rights all year! Goooo Ducks!
TONY BORBA - FOOTBALL (1986-1987)
An Honorable Mention All Pac-10 selection his senior year on the football field, I moved back to the Bay Area after graduation and started my career in Corporate Health and Wellness with Lockheed Missle and Space Co. A career inspired by Jim Radcliff. During my years at Lockheed, I went back to school and got an MBA from Golden Gate University. Also, during this time, I was an assistant football coach at Div. III Menlo College for 3 years. I started working for Kaiser Permanente 20 years ago and have had a fulfilling and successful career in management and administration.
ANISSA MEASHINTUBBY - SOFTBALL (2001-2004)
Originally from Monroe, Oregon, I am currently a nurse at Springfield Family Practice.
GREG PHILLIPS - FOOTBALL (1990-1991)
A two- year letter winner in football, he was a scholar athlete at the U of O and was chosen to receive several academic and athletic achievement awards including; the Ray Farmer Family Scholar Athlete Award, Oregon Club Student Athlete Award, State of Oregon Scholar Athlete Award, and the Sports Fever Student Athlete Scholarship Achievement Award.
He completed medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. He then completed an internship in General Surgery at Robert Packer Hospital and a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Washington.
He is the co-program director for the Pacific Sports and Spine fellowship program. He served as the managing partner of his medical group practice. He is as a team physician and consultant at the high school, college and professional level. He has served as a physician for the US Olympic Committee and the USA Track and Field Association during track and field events in Eugene, OR. He has been a consultant for athletes of the Canadian National Track Federation.
He completed medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. He then completed an internship in General Surgery at Robert Packer Hospital and a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Washington.
He is the co-program director for the Pacific Sports and Spine fellowship program. He served as the managing partner of his medical group practice. He is as a team physician and consultant at the high school, college and professional level. He has served as a physician for the US Olympic Committee and the USA Track and Field Association during track and field events in Eugene, OR. He has been a consultant for athletes of the Canadian National Track Federation.
