College of Natural Sciences Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Holden Wagstaff
Posted: October 14, 2024 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
Dr. Holden Wagstaff is an alumnus making a big impact in his career field. Holden completed his degree (BS in Biology/Zoology with a minor in Chemistry) in the fall of 2014 and graced the graduation platform during the 2015 ceremony. A graduate of Riverton High School, Holden came to SUU to pursue his dream of becoming a physician.
Known for our pre-medical programs, Holden’s choice to attend SUU helped propel him into a very successful future. After graduating from SUU, Holden attended medical school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, followed by an Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Utah. He then completed an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fellowship at the University of Utah. Currently, he is an academic, tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Utah and also serves as EMS medical director for Mountain West Ambulance in Tooele County.
When asked to share one notable activity or experience from SUU that made a big impact on him and his career trajectory, Holden wrote, “The amazing time I had at SUU wasn’t defined by a single event, but rather by a compilation of many small, meaningful experiences that contributed to my growth both personally and professionally. The close-knit learning environment allowed for deeper connections with professors and peers, creating a strong sense of community and support. The values of collaboration, personalized attention, and encouragement that I experienced at SUU continue to shape how I work with EMS clinicians, medical students, and residents, helping them to achieve excellence just as I was taught to do.”
Several faculty played notable roles in Holden’s development. He specifically mentioned Professor Mary Jo Tufte, who “...provided a mentorship template focused on excellence, honesty, kindness, and grit. I strive to emulate her example in the mentorship I provide to EMS clinicians, medical students, and residents in my current positions.” Holden also mentioned Dr. Matthew Weeg, who “...was an exceptional lecturer, and the foundation he helped me build in complex physiology and other advanced biology topics was critical to my success in medical school. I still remember texting him during medical school to let him know I was ‘kicking Ivy League butt’ thanks to the strong foundation he helped me build.”
While Holden’s academic achievements are only beginning, this young faculty member has already received two grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in support of his research in emergency medical services and dispatch systems. He also publishes his work in emergency medical care in national journals such as The American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Outside of his busy professional life, Holden and his wife Jill have three children Wyn, Stevie, and Hank. As a family, they enjoy biking, fishing, camping and just being outdoors together.
Tags: College of Natural Sciences Career and Professional Development Alumni Biology Chemistry
