Carrollton native Andrew Gotschall begins MD-PhD program to fight Type 1 diabetes

Andrew J. Gotschall of Carrollton received his first doctoral white coat during the John G. Clarkson Freshman White Coat and Pinning Ceremony Aug. 22 at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.

Gotschall was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 14, and from that point forward, he resolved to dedicate his life to medicine and diabetes research. “My white coat is dedicated to my younger self,” Gotschall said. “That 14-year-old who was in critical care was really uncertain about what was next and would never have imagined reaching this milestone.”

Gotschall graduated from Carrollton High School in the top 3% of his class in 2020. He served as class president and was the first to earn a STEM Honors Diploma. Gotschall credits his parents, Gregg and Wendy, for their constant support and motivation. He also recognized his Carrollton teachers at the time, Wes Frew and Sue Incerpi, for propelling him into science. “I don’t fail to acknowledge that I couldn’t have done this alone,” Gotschall said. “Above all, it is important that I emphasize that God has opened so many doors for me.”

In August 2020, Gotschall began his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University. He was one of only 20 students admitted to the highly selective biomedical science program in the College of Medicine. 

In Columbus, Gotschall excelled as an honors student and STEM scholar. He spent much of his time in Dr. Daniel Gallego-Perez’s laboratory, where his thesis focused on reprogramming skin cells into insulin-producing beta-like cells for Type 1 diabetes treatment.

Concurrently, Gotschall served as president of the Doctors Without Borders student chapter, co-founded a medical volunteer initiative to Ghana, West Africa, and co-presided over the biomedical science major. 

He received several competitive fellowships and awards, volunteered at local hospitals and even recruited athletes for the Ohio State football team. In May 2024, Gotschall graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, earning honors in medicine and distinction in research.

After graduation, Gotschall continued as a research associate and laboratory manager at The Ohio State University to finalize his diabetes research for national publication. He also led his fourth medical volunteer trip to Ghana, West Africa, where he delivered donations and assisted local medical professionals in providing free healthcare and malaria testing to underserved patients. “Reflecting on my fond memories in Ghana serves me very well, even to this day. My experiences give me the mindset and perspective of who I’m really working for,” Gotschall said. “And that’s underserved populations and people that need type 1 diabetes treatment the most, which, believe it or not, isn’t me. I could live a very healthy life with the resources I have, but there are people worldwide who need far more than I ever will.”

While ultimately rewarding, Gotschall admits that the toughest part of his journey was having the courage to forge his own path. Without doing so, many opportunities would not have presented themselves, including his advanced research and service experiences that enabled him to enter the next phase of his education.

In June 2025, Gotschall was one of only 11 students to matriculate into the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this program is widely accepted as the most competitive graduate medical education program in the United States. It provides full tuition, benefits and a living stipend for students pursuing both MD and PhD degrees. Over the next eight years, Gotschall will focus on Type 1 diabetes, combining clinical care with research to serve patients and advance progress toward a cure.

“My white coat is also a symbol of hope. I want patients with chronic disease to know someone is fighting for them and that they, too, can excel and attempt to make an impact that is greater than themselves,” Gotschall said. “It’s really not about wanting to cure myself of type 1 diabetes, but instead to eliminate Type 1 diabetes from the entire world, so that no one has to struggle in the same way that I do every day.”