Dr. Tom Ferrara ’56

Dr. Tom Ferrara ’56 has led a remarkable life marked by pivotal decisions, a passion for medicine and a commitment to service. His journey, filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons, offers a compelling narrative of passion and openness to change.

 

Following his graduation from Gilmour, Dr. Ferrara initially entered the Catholic Seminary in Baltimore. However, after only a month, he realized this path was not for him. This early turning point led him to Georgetown University, with the help of his father, where he pursued pre-med studies and later attended medical school.

 

In his second year of medical school, a formative experience significantly altered his career trajectory. Dr. Ferrara had secured a position at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, where he worked alongside surgery residents. This experience revealed two crucial things: his affinity for surgery and his aptitude for it. But, later, after returning to Georgetown, he was given an unexpected opportunity. "The doctor I was working with asked me to scrub in on a patient that was going to have a baby. I had never seen a baby, let alone a delivery, but the doctor allowed me to deliver the baby. At that moment, I decided that's what I'm going to do for the rest of my life," he recalled.

 

This revelation marked the beginning of a lifelong passion. Dr. Ferrara completed his internship and residency at Indiana University. After serving in the army for two years, he returned to Indianapolis, where he practiced for approximately 35 years. During this time, he taught and established a care center, ensuring that pregnant patients, regardless of their insurance status, received the care they needed.

 

Even after a hospital restructuring led to the elimination of his job, Dr. Ferrara continued to pursue his passion. He became a laborist at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, where he currently works eight 24-hour shifts per month. In this role, he delivers babies and cares for pregnant women who come to the emergency room, ensuring they receive the best possible care. “As long as I'm doing a good job and having a good time, I'm going to keep delivering babies,” he said.

 

Gilmour Academy played a significant role in shaping Dr. Ferrara's character and values. John Gale, his Latin and English teacher, served as a mentor. “He changed me 180 degrees: taught me that I could think, taught me that I could make decisions, taught me how to make those decisions, and then taught me how to defend them," Dr. Ferrara said. Encounters with other figures, like Brother Ivo and Brother Albertus, presented challenges and imparted important life lessons. Brother Albertus, for example, taught him that ‘Life ain't fair. Live with it.’”

 

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Ferrara has pursued a variety of personal interests. He earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, became an advanced open water scuba diver and is a competitive ball- room dancer. He also cherishes his role as a dedicated father.

 

Dr. Ferrara maintains connections with the Gilmour community, primarily through Facebook. He fondly remembers past reunions with classmates and the unique traditions of Gilmour. "I couldn't be happier with the education I got at Gilmour, with the opportunities that it opened up. I learned how to learn and that's what I was really, really happy for," he said.

 

His advice to current Gilmour students and young alumni is to take full advantage of the opportunities Gilmour offers. "Take advantage of every opportunity they give you. Do whatever you can, whatever suits you and make sure it suits you, and then go ahead and dig into it. But, above all, be honest, be fair and do your best."