Adam Hoch

Adam Hoch knows that self-understanding and integrity are essential to leading a purpose-driven life.

His road to medical school was longer than he would’ve imagined as an undergraduate, but along the way, he learned exactly why he wanted to be a doctor. It took four MCAT tries, a master’s degree, and years of immersing himself fully in the healthcare of his community, but when he started medical school, he did so with a clear sense of himself and his purpose.

Adam said, “There were plenty of moments when it would’ve been easier to quit, but I held onto the belief that I could become the kind of doctor who shows up for people, who listens, understands, and makes patients feel cared for.”

To Adam, self-understanding means sitting with yourself honestly, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses while giving yourself grace. Integrity is what helps him stay anchored to his values, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Adam has deeply impacted the Virginia Tech medical community, inspiring others to become advocates for causes they champion.

His nominator said, “As medical students, it’s often tempting in our professional environment to bite your tongue and tolerate negative behaviors. Adam defies this temptation by consistently speaking up on behalf of those who need it.

He understands the value of integrity and provides a shining example to the rest of us.”

As his work has deepened his understanding of how structural barriers shape patient outcomes, Adam has strengthened healthcare communities to help underserved populations.

An avid volunteer, Adam serves at a Roanoke free clinic and co-leads ScholarDocs, a program that enriches understanding of science and medicine among high school students in Southwest Virginia.

He said, “Seeing their confidence build as they practice reinforces why I chose medicine — to help others grow and feel capable in spaces where they might not have seen themselves before.”

The pre-health internship program that Adam founded in Texas now has had 75 interns and has helped multiple students get into medical school.

Adam is a second-year medical student at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Still deciding on a specialty, he knows he wants to be a doctor who advocates for his community and treats his patients with compassion, empathy, and dignity.

He said, “I want to keep building programs and pathways that make medicine more accessible, especially for those who may feel like they don’t belong.”

For living his values, standing up for those he serves and for those who serve alongside him, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Pursue SELF-UNDERSTANDING and INTEGRITY to Adam Hoch.