Introducing Jacob Warner-Palacio, a second-year medical student at Noorda-COM!
1. When/how did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?
I never planned on becoming a doctor. I started as an engineer, switched to law, then spent three years as a social worker. It wasn’t until a two-year religious sabbatical in Brazil—where I saw medicine in action daily—that I realized it combined everything I loved: the mind (psychology), the body (neuroscience), and the spirit (faith). Osteopathic medicine became the perfect blend of all three.
2. Why did you choose Noorda-COM?
Medical schools all teach the same curriculum, so I wasn’t worried about learning different anatomy or pharmacology. What mattered was the environment—a place where I could grow, connect, and be happy. Noorda-COM’s pod-based learning, research emphasis, and student-focused approach made it the right fit. I don’t want to be an “I’ll be happy when…” doctor—I want to be happy now, and Noorda-COM makes that possible every day.
Jacob performing osteopathic muscle manipulation (OMM).
3. Who has had the greatest impact on your medical journey?
My high school Spanish teacher, Señorita Taylor, shaped the way I see the world—always curious, always learning. While I was in Brazil, she passed away due to complications from surgery. Her passion for discovery still inspires me to understand people, cultures, and medicine in a deeper way.
4. What has your HPSP/military experience been like?
HPSP has been life-changing. The scholarship lifted a massive financial burden, letting me focus fully on medical school. Every training and military event reminds me why I chose medicine—to serve people in need and my country. The sense of community in the military is unlike anything else, and I feel privileged to be part of it.
Jacob in uniform.
5. What is one thing you wish people knew about osteopathic medicine?
Osteopathic medicine isn’t about choosing between traditional and holistic care—it’s about balance. DOs are trained in both, giving us a broader scope to treat patients. It’s not “less scientific” than MD training—it’s more comprehensive.
6. What is your go-to wellness activity?
Running while listening to audiobooks—I have several mountain trail routes all around Provo that are perfect for running while listening to Brandon Sanderson novels.
7. How do you find balance in medical school?
Balance is definitely not a static thing for me. My balance often comes from feeling the dynamic shifts in school, where some weeks will be completely school-heavy, while other weeks will be focused on family and wellness. I try to schedule out my days so I always have time to spend with my spouse and personal time to read books, go on a run, or work on personal projects.
8. What are you currently looking forward to?
I got married in July 2024, but I had to plan the ceremony in 2 weeks, and it was during the first week of school, so we didn’t have any time to plan a honeymoon. We then planned a reception and party for December of 2024 to celebrate with all our friends and family who couldn’t make it with 2-week notice. We had planned to go on our honeymoon right after, but due to immigration issues, we weren’t able to leave the country to go on our honeymoon cruise as planned. Now, I’m really trying to study to do well on Boards so that I have a chance to go on my honeymoon cruise for our 1-year anniversary in June or July. Third time’s the charm, right?
Jacob with his husband Julian.
