Mitch Crawford -- A profile of a nursing frog

Fort Worth, TX

12/11/2008

Q: How do you like the Nurse Anesthesia graduate program so far?
A: I love how intense and demanding the program is. I enjoy living up to the high expectations because I feel like I am accomplishing my dreams.

Q: What made you select the program (versus other schools)?
A: TCU program has a great reputation in just the few short years it has been open. The school has a 100% pass rate on their boards, which demonstrates the excellence of the program, teachers, and students.

Q: How do you like TCU?
A: I love TCU! I completed my undergraduate here, so I was more than excited to return for my masters. I am a Horned Frog through and through. Being apart of TCU is a family tradition. TCU is a nationally recognized school, but has that small school feel to it. I don't feel like just a number here.

Q: What makes TCU special and why did you select TCU?
A: TCU is special to me in so many ways. My father came here and was quarter back for the football team from 1971-74, my brother received his undergrad here, my mother works in the Nutrition Department, and I met my wife here. I have such wonderful memories here at TCU. TCU has become a part of my family.

Q: What makes TCU’s program special in your opinion?
A: The two main things that make the TCU CRNA program so special are: having some of the same professors I had in undergrad school and embarking on this journey with some of my fellow colleagues from the Cardiovascular ICU at Harris Methodist Hospital. I am enjoying building on previous friendships and making them stronger.

Q: Where do you see the future of the industry going?
A: By the year 2020 all CRNA programs will be transitioned to doctoral programs. Because of Kay Sanders’ ambitions, TCU is well on its way to starting this doctorate program. I am excited about what the future holds for all CRNAs.

Q: How are you able to managing all your studies, along with being a new dad?
A: Well, I am not doing it alone! I have the help and support of my wife and parents. I have a strict study schedule that I adhere by so I can have time for my family. This helps me to stay focused on the task at hand so I can have quality time with my wife and son. Also, my wife and I talked extensively before I started school about what was to be expected when the baby came. This helped us with the transition of bringing Isaac home.

Q: What is your favorite memory so far of the NA program?
A: This is my first semester in the Nurse Anesthesia program. As of the present, my memories consist of spending long days and nights studying Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Pharmacology and Chemistry over grande triple shot lattes from Starbucks with my study group.

Q: What is your favorite memory so far of TCU?
A: The best memory I have at TCU is meeting my beautiful wife! We met on a Wednesday night in our Anatomy & Physiology lab class. We were married at Robert Carr Chapel 3 years later.

Q: If you have time, do you have other hobbies, interests?
A: There are only a few things I have time for when I am not studying. I love to run and work out. It helps relieve some of the stress of school. My family and I are also apart of a new church that meets on Monday nights. And, of course, I love to spend time with my new baby boy!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: My plans after graduation are to pass my boards! Next, I plan on working in a large hospital to perfect all the skills I learned in school. Who knows where the Lord will take me and my family, but we are up for anything!