After graduating from McMurry in 1994 with a degree in computer science and a minor in chemistry, John Parker embarked on a career as a software engineer. His ability to communicate technical concepts effectively led him to transition to a professional services role, eventually landing him in sales support engineering. Soon after entering this role, Parker was asked to join the professional services team as director of consulting services for the eastern US and Canada.
While working full-time, Parker pursued a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the University of Texas at Dallas and co-founded a successful software company where he developed an award-winning laboratory simulation with Lon Outland ‘93 and Dr. Gary Wilson, retired McMurry faculty.
In 2002, Parker had earned a sabbatical with his employer and used that time to prepare for the MCAT. He also applied and started medical school at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2003. Following his passion, he completed his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2007 and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in 2011. He practiced in Texas for three years before he was recruited back to OhioHealth in Columbus, OH.
In 2020, Parker was asked to join the faculty of the Ob/GYN residency program where he had trained. While serving in the role of associate program director of the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital OB/GYN residency program, Parker also completed an accelerated fellowship in healthcare quality and safety.
Currently, Parker serves as the Chief Medical Officer at PeriGen, where he works alongside pioneers in machine learning to interpret fetal heart rate tracings. His role involves applying analytics to artificial intelligence algorithms, aiming to standardize care and enhance safety on labor and delivery units.
Parker’s career journey is a testament to his resilience and pursuit of passion. He advises McMurry students and alumni to persevere, learn from failures, and never stop pursuing their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying each day along the journey, reflecting on the unexpected turns that led him to a fulfilling career as a chief medical officer, a role he couldn’t have imagined during his college years.
From coding to caring, Parker’s story underscores the value of embracing unexpected paths, what it means to be a lifelong learner, and finding fulfillment in the pursuit of one’s passions.
Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We’d love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at alumni@mcm.edu to schedule an interview.