Compassionate, People-Centered Care

March 2026

Ryan Walker’s academic path hasn’t been linear, but it has been intentional.

After one semester at BYU, he paused his studies to serve a Spanish-speaking mission in Chile, with a one-transfer reassignment in Texas. His experiences serving Hispanic communities prompted him to pursue a path toward medical school.

That sense of purpose led him to the College of Humanities, where he now studies Spanish translation. “It’s all about understanding people and becoming more compassionate,” he explains.

“The College of Humanities keeps me laser focused on what the Savior would focus on: others.”

Alongside his coursework, Walker volunteers and trains others in the emergency room at Utah Valley Hospital, works as a medical interpreter, and helps lead MyHometown Provo in providing free English and Spanish classes. Through these experiences, he’s seen firsthand the need for healthcare providers who can communicate with empathy and understanding.

Faith has also sustained Walker during times of financial uncertainty. After returning from his mission, he used his savings on tuition and books, then prayed for help. Better employment followed, along with a partial scholarship. When funds again ran low, he received another scholarship. “I just started crying,” he recalls. “God is good. I felt that the Lord would provide a way to make it to medical school, and this is an event in a string of miracles that are materializing the Lord’s promise to me.”

Looking ahead, Walker hopes to be a physician who cares deeply for patients, remains present for his family, and serves faithfully. For him, medicine is more than a profession—it’s a way to live out his faith through compassionate, people-centered care.

“I am so thankful,” Walker says. “The generosity of donors, who give so freely of what they have, has inspired me to want to give back when I have the means.”

Learn more about how you can help BYU students in the College of Humanities here.