By Julie Weller
MCC Alumni Relations Manager
You’re not going to find a busier person than Dr. Randy Pearson. With at least five job titles, it might be difficult for him to decide which hat he’s wearing on a daily basis. And it all started at MCC!
After receiving his associate’s degree from MCC in 1974, he transferred to Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor in Science degree. In 1981, he received his Medical degree from Wayne State University. But, apparently just being a doctor wasn’t keeping him busy enough.
Dr. Randy Pearson consults on the Spartan sideline
“After residency and a brief stint in private practice, I joined the faculty at Michigan State University in 1986, where I am currently a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education for the MSU College of Human Medicine,” he wrote. “I always wanted to be a teacher — in fact, I originally had planned to be a high school science teacher until I was steered toward medicine by my high school counselor.”
Pearson was awarded a scholarship from the Frauenthal Foundation while he attended MCC, which provided more influence for his teaching dream. “While at MCC, I remember being favorably influenced by my organic chemistry teacher, Mrs. Roach, who succeeded in keeping our attention through a year of very difficult material. I also have good memories of Mr. Rice, who was the consummate educator in Western Civilization,” said Pearson. “While at MCC, I served as a chemistry and physics tutor, so I was interested in teaching even then!”
Pearson was not involved in sports while attending Muskegon Heights High School, but got involved with intramural basketball while at MCC. “I have a subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine and served as team physician for the U.S. delegation to the 1999 World University Games in Spain,” said Pearson. “I’ve also served for the past 21 seasons as team physician for MSU’s football team.”
Pearson family members at the MSU Rose Bowl (from left): daughters Abby, Alli and Ashley, wife Chris and Dr. Pearson
Pearson has received many awards and honors along the way. He maintains a practice with the family medicine residents at the Sparrow/MSU Family Health Center in Lansing, and was recently named the 2014 College of Human Medicine Outstanding Clinician. He maintains membership in several medical organizations, and is also active with a number of community service interests.
