Graduating Biology Student Follows Sister’s Footsteps in Dentistry

Graduating Biology Student Follows Sister's Footsteps in Dentistry

Peter Tsatalis and his sister have a close bond; so close, in fact, that he is pursuing her career in dentistry nearly a decade apart.

Growing up in Dayton, Tsatalis often visited his sister, Dr. Andrea Tsatalis, at UToledo while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree.

"I have such fond memories of those times and was always attracted to the warmth present at UT," he said. "The same warmth I was attracted to as a child continued to radiate during my interactions with admissions officers and ultimately drew me to become a Rocket."

Despite their eight-year age difference, Tsatalis said Andrea has always been a guiding light in his life. He learned from her as she brought home her assignments and got an early start on his career goals.

"I vividly remember my sister coming home from dental school on weekends and showing me the wax models and instruments she was learning to use," he said. "The duality of the dental field in being equally composed of both science and art excited me."

But his sister was not the only inspiration that led him to UToledo. During the application process, Tsatalis said he "was very impressed with the ample opportunities provided by UToledo: research opportunities both on Main Campus and at UTMC, the UToledo/Case Western Pipeline dental program and a diverse array of clubs."

Graduating Saturday, May 4 with a bachelor of arts degree in biology, Tsatalis said he has enjoyed the challenges he has faced in his major.

"The excellence of education present at UToledo, the challenging material, and the instruction by quality professors enabled me to grow as a student," he said. "I am confident that my academic pursuits at The University of Toledo have laid a strong foundation for future academic success in dental school and beyond."

Tsatalis also has experience working as an orthodontist assistant at Buckeye Orthodontics in Dayton, which he said he felt fortunate to gain experience from.

"I have always dreamed of a career that fulfills me both in the work I do as well as the impact I can have on people's lives," he said.

Tsatalis has forged his own way at UToledo: excelling in his classes, gaining work experience and forming connections with faculty including Dr. Deborah Hendricks, director of the Pre-Health Advising Center.

"Early on, Peter stood out as a leader who embraces challenges with positivity and optimism. He embodies what a UToledo Rocket stands for," Hendricks said. "It only takes a minute of talking with him to notice his gift of listening; he listens to hear. He does this because he genuinely cares for others and is intentional about making them feel like they matter.

"I am confident he will be an amazing dentist someday, who listens mindfully to his patients and provides extraordinary care. I feel blessed to have been part of his journey here at UToledo."

Following graduation, Tsatalis will pursue his doctorate of dental surgery degree at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, just like his sister did almost a decade ago. Perhaps he'll even join her in Tampa, Florida, where she works as an endodontist and lecturer.

"Hopefully one day life will bring us together as coworkers so that we can continue to motivate and enrich each other, as well as our patients, on a daily basis," Tsatalis said. "My sister and I are extremely grateful for the supporting environment and opportunities offered by UToledo to make our career and personal dreams a reality."