Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Emphasis with a Minor in Chemistry, Minor in Psychology, Certificate in Elementary Spanish and Certificate in +Business
Future Plans: Attend medical school to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon
Honored Faculty: Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, Interim President and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Biography
Sydney Leitch is a Division I student-athlete, scholar and aspiring physician whose journey reflects resilience, compassion and a deep commitment to serving others. As a member of the Boise State gymnastics team, Leitch balanced the demands of a rigorous training schedule with academic excellence, earning recognition as a Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-American. Her experiences as both an athlete and a patient, including recovering from a season-ending ACL injury at a young age, sparked her passion for medicine and shaped her understanding of the patient experience.
Beyond athletics, Leitch has demonstrated a strong dedication to leadership and service. She served as a student representative on the Presidential Search Committee, where she advocated for student well-being and the student-athlete perspective in university leadership. She has also been actively involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), collaborating with peers to enhance the student-athlete experience and foster a supportive, connected athletic community. Her commitment to patient-centered care is reflected in her clinical and volunteer experiences, including working alongside orthopedic surgeons and providing companionship to patients in hospice care. Through these roles, Leitch has come to value listening as a powerful form of healing, recognizing the importance of being present for patients not only physically, but emotionally.
Leitch’s passion for medicine is grounded in both science and human connection. She strives to become a physician who supports patients through every stage of life, combining clinical knowledge with empathy, advocacy and meaningful relationships.
Leitch is from Irvine, California.
Scholarships and Awards
- Alston Award
- Honors College Nonresident Scholarship
- Langroise Honors College Scholarship
- Nancy A. Cameron Davidson Pre-Med Scholarship
- Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship
- Women’s Gymnastics Athletic Scholarship