About Me

My photo
My name is David Charles Kurtmen, but my friends call me Dave. I was born in Santa Cruz, California in 1987. I am currently in medical school at St. George's University. I graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2011 with a B.S. in Biology. While in college I played lacrosse and served as a course assistant for one of the most popular courses at my university. My dream is to become a doctor and work internationally towards improving healthcare in the developing world. I am a passionate adventurer and traveler.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

From Tanzania to Grenada and a little in-between



It has been a while since I have posted anything. I will be posting more regularly from now on.
 My last year and a half has been filled with many blessing and amazing experiences. I wish I could share them all! I will try and share as many as I can.
Since my last post:
·      I did a lot of fishing on and around Monterey bay (Dad, David, Cooper, Ben, Ryan, Brianna, Lauren, Daniel, Trent, Logan and Tyler)







·      I raced dozens of weekends with Dad and Richard Beach on Leprechaun  (Santana 22)
Went Bungee jumping with Aaron, Kellock, Johny and Jamie. 










·      Climbed the 8 pitch, insanely run out “snake dyke” on the southwest face of Halfdome in Yosemite, with Reese Hodges




·      I studied for and took the MCAT
·      I applied to medical school with invaluable help and advice from Lada Kratky, Mary George, Profs John and Janice Baldwin, Prof Armand Kuris and India Howell

(No pictures sorry)

·      I coached lacrosse at Stevenson with my mentor and coach Jeff Young, Ed Lawrence and my high school teammate, college opponent and good friend Cooper Kehoe. 

·      I spent some serious time at the ranch and learned a great deal about solitude and living off the land



·      Had many visitors to the ranch  (Reese, Dan, Kenny, Taylor, Aaron, Ryan, Ben, Megan, Jordan)





·      I raced in two offshore races on the Cal 40 Redhead with Walter Smith, Mark Chandler, Peter Baldwin and Tim Sherer



·      I attended my 5 year high school reunion


·      I backpacked part of the John Muir Trail, caught fish above where trees grow and summited Half Dome with Kelloc, Megan, Jeremy, Kioyome and Sevina





I played in the Tahoe Lacrosse Tournament with The Mountaintop. 


·      I went on a weeklong spearfishing and fishing trip to southern baja





·      I completed the the Spartan Beast Sacramento ( Klimo, Cooper, Krista, Christy, Jordan and Ashton)

·      Ate many lunches with my aunt Sima and spent hours discussing politics, the meaning of life and the story of our family as well as the most recent episodes of Dancing with the Stars (her favorite show).

·      Had a great time ringing in 2013 in Tahoe with Lauren, Ben, Ryan, Nick, Christian, Bently, Katie, Taylor, Courtney, Parker, Katy, Shellsea and Briana




In January of this year, I moved to the island of Grenada in the southern Caribbean. I am now a little over half way done with my first semester of medical school at St. George’s University. (www.sgu.edu)

As with any new place, Grenada  took some getting used to, but I have come to love this small tropical island, with its friendly people, warm crystal clear water and sandy beaches.

I was overjoyed to have my Dad come visit in February. Its inspiring to see how quickly he adapts to new cultures and always finds the good in places especially when it comes to bargain hunting! ; )

I am so grateful to my loving Family for their continued love and support.
Mom, Dad, Brian, Chloe, Darla, Beverly, Patrick, Mark, Fred, My beautiful aunt/grandma Sima, Ara, Herman, Jackie, Nick, Natalie and the Meyers. 
And to all my friends, for sharing each new adventure.

I hope wherever this finds you, you are well and happy.
Looking forward to our next adventure.


Dave