2010 Distinguished Alumni

David N. Pickering, D.O.

Class of 1992
Outstanding Professional Achievement

Dr. Pickering began his professional career after graduating in 1992 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical engineering technology. He immediately went to work at Pickering Associates engineering firm in Parkersburg, West Virginia. A short while later, he left the area for a few years to work at two other engineering firms in Columbus, Ohio. In 1996, he returned to Pickering Associates where he assumed management roles. It was during this period that he developed a high voltage testing panel for multi-conductor cables which has become widely used across the United States for the pre-fabrication of modular wiring systems.

Over the years, Dr. Pickering continued his close relationship with Washington State where he taught Introduction to Programming Logic and Programmable Controllers I and II at the college for eight years, rewrote a class syllabus, and served on the Engineering Department’s advisory committee.

Even though he was part of the third generation in his family’s business, Dr. Pickering felt a lingering need to make a more significant contribution to society. Coupled with his long-time interest in medicine, he decided to prepare for medical school. Once again, he turned to Washington State where he completed nearly all of his pre-med courses to prepare for the Medical College Admissions Test. As one award reference noted, “It is through institutions like Washington State that people like David are able to grow and develop new high-value career opportunities while at many diverse stages of their personal and family development.”

In 2004, upon successfully completing the required prerequisites, Dr. Pickering was accepted into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in Lewisburg, WV. He is one of only one percent of applicants nationally who are accepted into medical school without first obtaining a baccalaureate degree.

In 2009, Dr. Pickering earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree after completing the distinguished and intense problem based learning track curriculum at WVSOM. This was no small feat, considering Lewisburg is three hours away from Williamstown, where his wife and four children stayed while he worked to realize his dream.

After graduating from medical school, Dr. Pickering began his three-year internal medicine residency program at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital in Parkersburg, where he was recently named chief resident.

Throughout his career success, Dr. Pickering has never forgotten his roots at Washington State. To give back to the college, Pickering donated all of his medical college admission test preparation supplies. He publicly affirms that Washington State provides a great educational experience and he is always willing to offer the college his full support in any way. He maintains relationships with several professors and stops by occasionally to visit with them and encourage students. Pickering has said he would love to return to Washington State to teach again.

Dr. Pickering is an extraordinary Washington State graduate. His career success stands as a positive example of life-long learning and determination to Washington State students and serves as proof of the quality of education the college provides. He has been said to be a man of “honor, dignity, and compassion who can serve people at whatever point they are in life and assist them with meeting their future goals.” “A man who is a good example of what drive and motivation can do coupled with the quality education he found at Washington State College of Ohio.”

Dr. Pickering is indeed worthy to join the ranks of the Distinguished Alumni who have been named before him. All of these inspiring men and women have exceptional leadership qualities that are symbolic of the mission of Washington State. They promote excellence. They inspire others to reach their potential. They encourage personal growth; and they promote the enrichment of life through education and community service.