A Q&A with NEOMED’s new student trustee
Trinity Kronk, an M.D./Ph.D. student, was appointed in June by Gov. Mike DeWine to the NEOMED Board of Trustees as a student member. She will serve a two-year term that runs through June 29, 2026. Kronk sat down with The Pulse to discuss her new role and some of her priorities as a student trustee.
How did your appointment to the Board of Trustees come about?
My interest in serving as a student member of the Board of Trustees came about because of my deep connection to NEOMED and my active involvement in various academic, research and entrepreneurial initiatives at the University.
After transferring to NEOMED during a challenging time in my family’s life, I fully immersed myself in opportunities that allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the institution. Through leadership roles, such as founding the Journal of Medical Sciences at NEOMED, and co-presiding over the NEOvations Bench to Bedside program, as well as being both an M.D. and Ph.D. student, I demonstrated my commitment to both the academic and student communities. My engagement in research, innovation and institutional development positioned me as a strong advocate for students, making me a fitting candidate to represent their perspectives on the Board of Trustees. It is my passion for NEOMED’s growth and my desire to give back to the institution that has supported me that led to this appointment.
What are you looking forward to most in this role?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to give back to NEOMED and serve as a voice for the student body. NEOMED has played a pivotal role in my journey, providing me with invaluable opportunities for growth and leadership. I am eager to use my experiences to help shape policies that enhance the student experience and contribute to the University’s continued success. I am especially excited about the chance to collaborate with University leadership, faculty and fellow board members to support initiatives that foster institutional and student growth. I look forward to advocating for students, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are heard, and working to create an environment where they can flourish. I am honored to have this opportunity and excited to make a meaningful impact on the institution that has given me so much.
What is your biggest goal as member of the board?
My biggest goal is to create an environment that fosters student success. I have personally experienced the value of NEOMED’s supportive environment, and I want to help ensure that future students have the same opportunities to thrive academically, personally and professionally.
Given my involvement in leadership roles, I’ve seen firsthand how opportunities outside the classroom can significantly impact a student’s education and growth. I want to continue expanding these types of opportunities, while advocating for student needs and ensuring NEOMED’s continued success as a leader in health care education and research. I am committed to being a proactive voice for the students and ensuring their perspectives are considered in decision making at the highest level. Overall, my goal is to help strengthen NEOMED’s community, support its mission and ensure it continues to be a place where students feel empowered to achieve their goals.
What inspired you to enter the health care field?
My inspiration stems from a lifelong desire to serve and care for others, a value deeply ingrained in me from a young age. Growing up, my mother’s dedication to charitable work taught me the importance of service. These experiences reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. As I grew older, I sought out ways to serve independently, first by teaching free ballet classes to underserved children through the Urban Impact Foundation, and later by pursuing hands-on clinical experiences as a volunteer Advanced EMT. Serving in emergency medical situations, successfully resuscitating patients in the field, and working under high-pressure conditions solidified my passion for medicine. I also developed an interest in research, recognizing its power to extend the reach of medical advancements beyond individual patient care. My path to medicine has been further shaped by personal experiences, including my father’s health struggles. Seeing the impact of compassionate, patient-centered care firsthand has strengthened my resolve to become a physician who prioritizes both medical excellence and human connection. Even in the face of challenges, I remain steadfast in my commitment to medicine, eager to contribute to both patient care and scientific advancement in the field.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the NEOMED community?
The sense of support, collaboration and shared commitment to advancing medicine and science. From the moment I transferred to NEOMED, I felt welcomed and valued—not just as a student, but as a person. The faculty, staff and my fellow students have created an environment where innovation, education and personal growth are nurtured. I particularly appreciate the opportunities NEOMED provides to go beyond the standard curriculum and actively contribute to meaningful projects. Whether it’s founding the Journal of Medical Sciences at NEOMED, working on medical device innovation through the NEOvations Bench to Bedside Program, or helping to support other dual degree students in the Dual Degree Society, I have been able to take initiative and make a significant impact. The encouragement and mentorship I’ve received here have been instrumental in my development as both a future physician and researcher. Most importantly, NEOMED has allowed me to stay close to my family during a challenging time while continuing my education. The community here is not just about academics; it’s about people lifting each other up and working together to make a difference in health care. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive institution.
Are you originally from Northeast Ohio? What’s something you enjoy about your hometown?
I am originally from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Pittsburgh. While I may not be from Northeast Ohio, NEOMED has truly become a second home to me, and I feel deeply connected to this community. One of my favorite things about my hometown is the beautiful outdoor spaces. Sewickley is surrounded by nature, and I’ve always loved hiking and exploring the trails nearby. My passion for the outdoors even led me to hike half of the Appalachian Trail!
What’s a fun fact that most people may not already know about you?
A fun fact that most people may not know about me is that I played the banjo when I was young, stopped for a while, and recently started playing again! It has been exciting to relearn and reconnect with something I enjoyed as a child. I’ve always loved the banjo’s unique sound and upbeat energy. Playing again has been a great way to unwind and challenge myself in a different way outside of medicine and research.