Cameron Lincks graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry and enlisted with the Missouri National Guard.
He has now returned to MSU for a doctoral degree in anesthesia.
“It has been a 7-year journey, and I could not be more grateful to be where I am,” Lincks said.
Soldiering on in health care as a nurse anesthetist
Lincks served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a medic with the National Guard. He worked in a clinic providing medical support to his unit, as well as all other components stationed there.
“Without experiencing that deployment, I would probably have decided on a career in paramedicine, because I grew up with my dad being a paramedic and allowing me to ride on ambulances as a kid."
One day while working in the clinic, Lincks performed a full procedure for a minor chronic illness, including the anesthetic block.
“I just remember how gruesome it appeared while performing it,” Lincks said. “I looked back up at the patient to ensure he was doing ok, and I saw him smiling and videoing the whole thing.”
Lincks said that is when he was drawn to the field of anesthesia.
“I thought it was very interesting that the patient was able to experience that [the procedure] and still be pain free because of the lidocaine block,” he said.
When Lincks returned to the states, he started shadowing anesthesiologist assistants to see what it would be like in the operating room.
One of the A.A.’s suggested to him to be a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).
He did more research which ultimately led him to pursue a career as a CRNA at MSU's School of Anesthesia.
As a freshman, Lincks started the three-year Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia program in summer 2023.
Back on the home front
Lincks is married with two young children. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and raising his kids.
He and his wife also enjoy weightlifting and regularly playing in sand volleyball leagues.
He thoroughly enjoys being outdoors in the woods, whether that is hunting, shooting, etc.
