Embracing the Detours
After starting at the College of Medicine – Tucson at just 16, Tadeusz Borowski’s curiosity has led him to unexpected roles as a resident assistant and lab research assistant.
Chris Richards
Ask Tadeusz Borowski about his path to college and he’ll probably mention his lifelong mission to “know the whys.”
That curiosity drove him to graduate from high school at 15 and enroll in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s bachelor’s degree program. Now 18 — his birthday was in June — he’s a rising junior minoring in Spanish and studying in the W.A. Franke Honors College.
When he arrived on campus from New River, just north of Phoenix, Borowski was focused on understanding giftedness — why some students, like him, moved quickly through school.
But his curiosity has led him toward other questions and experiences. He stepped into leadership as a resident assistant and in student clubs, and he joined a lab doing research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and health care.
He’s also preparing for the MCAT and applying to the Honors Early Assurance Program, which offers early admission to the medical program at the College of Medicine – Tucson. For Borowski, who goes by TJ, it’s all his idea of fun.
“I still have interest in understanding the whys behind gifted minds,” he says. “But in general, I’ve always had an interest in the whys of everything. Since arriving on campus, I’ve found a lot of opportunities to ask why in broader contexts or found new and interesting things that I just want to dive into.”
DEDICATED TO KINDNESS AND SERVICE
Borowski grew up in New River, racing through Advanced Placement and college- level classes to earn a high school diploma three years early.
He also showed an early penchant for kindness.
In third grade, he began handing out goodie bags to recognize the hard work and service of his classmates and teachers. By high school, he was fundraising and organizing COVID-era relief efforts for families in need.
He came to the U of A on several scholarships, including a Phoenix Alumni Club Scholarship.
Living in the Honors Village his first semester, he was drawn to dorm events and quickly got involved. Last fall, he was a resident assistant at Likins; this fall, he's at Árbol de la Vida.
Originally planning to focus on neuroscience and psychology, Borowski has branched out academically. One favorite class walked students through clinical case studies on the social determinants of health disparities. He later served as a preceptor for the course, helping teach his peers while working closely with faculty.
Borowski also serves in three student clubs. He’s a founding member of the upcoming Honors Medicine Academy, supporting honors students in the B.S. in Medicine program. He also participates in the Franke Honors Service Club, which focuses on community service, and the Medical Directive Club, which supports medical and pre-med students through events and programming.
“I don’t see a reason not to help other people when we can all just come together to support each other to reach our goals,” he said. “Especially in health care, that’s how we make that field better.”
EXPLORING THE WHYS OF AI AND HEALTH
Last year, while looking for a lab to join, Borowski discovered the university’s Vertically Integrated Projects, which gives undergrads a chance to join long-term, faculty-led research teams. He applied for a spot.
He was soon working in a lab with Allan J. Hamilton, a U of A Regents Professor and renowned neurosurgeon. One project the team is working on involves developing a computer program that analyzes photos of students’ suture pads and offers feedback on their stitching. Borowski began teaching himself to code after a coding workshop hosted by his research lab sparked his interest.
As a future medical student, he’s motivated by how useful a tool like that could be across health professions.
“That is a very key skill, and having the ability for students to have their own suture pad, upload a picture and get immediate grading and suggestions would be huge,” Borowski says.
Looking ahead to his remaining undergraduate years, Borowski plans to keep diving into research, service and leadership — and to remain open to whatever sparks his curiosity.
“I just keep those end goals in mind — becoming a physician — to figure out where something fits in my future career,” he said. “I’m always looking for ways to make that connection so I can enjoy what I’m learning even more.” ❖