WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — As a child, Joshua de Waal experienced his dad’s accident, which only made one thing clear to him: quality health care can change lives and he wants to be part of that change.
De Waal, a Spring 2026 graduate of Midwestern State University, said he has always been interested in health and science. A childhood accident involving his dad highlighted the difference that having a quality health care provider can make.
At MSU, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, de Waal found the environment and support system that helped shape his path toward a career in medicine.
“My family has continued to have medical problems and I just think, man, people have continued to give back to me. I see how good providers have made that difference for me, so a part of me just wanted to give back,” de Waal said.
He decided to pursue his degree at Midwestern State University after having friends in the science department there. Growing up in Frisco and being a Memorial High School graduate, de Waal was searching for a smaller, more personal campus — and appreciated being close enough for quick trips home.
He was also looking for an affordable school to attend. During his time at MSU, de Waal pointed to professors Elizabeth Machunis-Masuoka, Ph.D., and Candice Fulton as influential to him.
“Getting past that check-box mentality is really what did it for me,” de Waal said. “I really just fell in love with the experience. It was almost like a coincidence that I really enjoyed everything as much as I did and that everyone was just absolutely great.”
De Waal knew he needed to perform well to have a realistic chance of getting into medical school. He stayed highly involved on campus, serving as president of Health Sciences, participating in Model United Nations (MUN) and joining several honor societies.
Even with a demanding schedule, he makes time for interests such as photography and staying physically active.
He encourages current and incoming students to get involved at the University, saying that it is the best way to make the most of college. Staying involved provides resources, builds friendships and opens doors for opportunities after graduation.
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De Waal said that school can be stressful, even with a full schedule, but his passion for his goals and the support of those around him kept him motivated.
“In a lot of orgs, I made really great friends and that’s really what’s gotten me through, just the people that I’ve met here,” de Waal said.
He credits building strong relationships with his professors as a key source of support. He says at a smaller campus, students have the opportunity to connect with faculty and feel recognized as individuals rather than being “just another number.”
“For me, it’s always been about the relationships. For one, being able to help other people and just being able to interact with a wide variety of people. MSU has that,” de Waal said.
De Waal said he plans to travel over the summer before starting a Physician Assistant program in Abilene. He hopes to visit New York and fit in a hiking trip while continuing to practice photography.
After finishing PA school, he strives to work in general surgery or a related field. He is particularly interested in serving rural communities, which can often be underserved in health care.
His main goal remains the same: giving back. He has also considered teaching later in his career to instill that same commitment to helping others in future generations.
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