Before I left for Australia, Dawn Perrin interviewed me and my parents. She wanted to write an article on Neal for the next University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Bulletin. Dawn was so thoughtful sending me copies of the Bulletin all the way to Australia. I just wanted to share this article with everyone.
Aileen Aquino
……..
Neal Aquino, MD
1977-2007
On August 27, 2007, the UC College of Medicine lost a young, vibrant alumnus. It is difficult for his 2001 classmates to fathom that only ten years ago, Neal had become the youngest student to receive a white coat at the ceremony on August 1997.
Neal was a brilliant man. A member of Mensa, he began reading at age 3, skipped two grades to graduate early from Covington Latin School, and earned double degrees from Xavier University before enrolling at UC COM.
In meeting Neal’s family and hearing from friends, the traits that stand out above all were Neal’s contagious smile and his zest for life. He traveled the world, visiting 20 countries. He experienced exotic foods, climbed mountains, amassed an eclectic art collection, savored time with friends, family, and continually sought challenges. From primary school, he knew that he wanted to be a physician. Neal practiced as an emergency medicine physician in Cincinnati–his beloved hometown.
Dawn Perrin
Director of Development, Educational Initiatives, UC College of Medicine
