Stritch School of Medicine 

Michael Hutz

NCAA athlete. Stellar student. Tireless volunteer. Michael Hutz has been all of these at Loyola—and now he’s just a few months away from adding one more impressive title: medical doctor.

Hutz, who as an undergraduate served as captain of the Rambler men’s volleyball team, is a fourth-year medical student at the Stritch School of Medicine. While at Stritch, he served as president of the Medical Student Union and also attended a prestigious Vatican conference on adult stem cell research.

Here, he talks about his commitment to helping others, why learning should always be fun, and what it felt like to see his little brother win an NCAA championship.

What’s your favorite Loyola memory?

Last year, I got to watch my younger brother, Peter, win the NCAA men’s volleyball national championship on Loyola’s home court. He and I grew up playing volleyball together, and to be able to watch him hoist the championship trophy for Loyola was so special for me. I’d like to think I taught him everything he knows (but I would be kidding myself).

Talk a little about a professor or mentor who inspired you.

I have been truly blessed to be able to work with many wonderful faculty and staff at the Stritch School of Medicine. But one mentor who has been particularly influential is Dr. Linda Brubaker. Not only is she an exceptional dean, she is also an outstanding surgeon, researcher, teacher and above all, a wonderful person. If I could in some small way emulate her as a physician and person, I would consider that to be a successful career.

Tell us about your volunteer/service work and what it means to you.

I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles during my tenure at Loyola, but one thing I have never done was participate in an international service immersion trip. This February I will be traveling on a medical mission trip with the ENT department at Loyola to the Dominican Republic. I couldn’t be more grateful to have the opportunity to use my time and talents to help others, and I look forward to serving those less fortunate than I who are in dire need of medical care.

Any advice you would give students about how to get the most out of their education?

You need to make learning fun. Surround yourself with people who you enjoy being around who also work hard. I have been blessed with some amazing friends in my medical school class with whom I’ve studied and excelled with over the last four years. I don’t think I would have been as successful—or had nearly as much fun in school—without them.

Any spots on campus or in Chicago that you’ll miss?

I have been able to spend the last nine years of my life in Chicago between the Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus and the medical campus. It has been a wonderful experience. If there is anything I will miss most, it will be Lake Michigan and summers in Chicago. It’s always magical to watch the entire city awaken from its extended hibernation every year.

And finally, what do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I absolutely love teaching and seeing the joy that others receive when that proverbial light bulb goes on. I would love to be at an academic medical center where I can not only see patients and operate, but also teach and help form the next generation of physicians who will be taking care of this great country.