Brookfield East Class of 2015

Christopher Selzer was a member of the very first AVID class at Brookfield East, and this May, he will receive his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine before beginning his Anesthesiology residency at UW Health in Madison. His path to this remarkable accomplishment reflects not only academic determination, but also the lifelong impact of the AVID program and the strong foundation provided by the Elmbrook School District.

Christopher began his educational journey at Tonawanda Elementary and Pilgrim Park Middle School before attending Brookfield East. In high school, he immersed himself in a wide variety of clubs and activities—AVID, Alpine Ski Team, Cross Country, Track and Field, Best Buddies, and National Honor Society. He was a leader among his peers and found both support and purpose through his extracurricular experiences. 

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program designed to close opportunity gaps and support students in preparing for college and careers. For Christopher, AVID offered much more than academic strategies—it provided him with mentorship, encouragement, and a strong peer network. “AVID was incredibly impactful for me,” Christopher shared. “It helped me with study habits, staying organized, and having a community that motivated me. I don’t know if I would’ve made it through undergrad or medical school without those foundational skills.” He credits the program with giving him not just academic tools, but also the confidence to pursue his goals and tackle challenges head-on.

Christopher especially remembers the powerful mentorship and encouragement of his AVID teachers - Kristi Simek, Sarah Stoecker, Renee Seppa, and Kathryn Ryan - as well as coaches and teachers like Coach Jason Kasmarick and Madame Amy Kosmider, who played influential roles during his high school years.

After graduating from Brookfield East, Christopher attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a certificate in Business in 2019. During his time at UW, he participated in club athletics with the Alpine Ski and Sailing Teams, served on the board of the UW Hoofers Sailing Club, and conducted cancer research at both UW and the Medical College of Wisconsin. He also volunteered in the Emergency Department at Meriter Hospital and worked as a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross after graduation.

In 2021, Christopher began medical school at Kansas City University. After completing his initial years of rigorous classroom learning and board exams in Kansas City, he returned to Wisconsin for clinical rotations at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc. He is currently finishing his final year of medical school and looks forward to beginning his Anesthesiology residency at UW Health following the completion of his doctorate in May 2025.

Christopher’s passion for medicine stems from personal experiences of loss and a desire to make a difference. “My initial inspiration to pursue medicine came from losing friends and family members to cancer and my hope to join a field where I could make a positive impact in the lives of those suffering in illness,” he said. “That inspiration has been fueled by a passion for science, human anatomy and physiology, and supporting others during their moments of greatest need. My favorite part about working in medicine is the ability to give others comfort and support during their greatest challenges.”

Even as his career accelerates, Christopher remains grounded in service. He volunteers at affordable healthcare clinics and hopes to join international medical missions in the future, inspired by mentors like his surgical preceptor, Dr. Matt Campbell.

Reflecting on his Elmbrook experience, Christopher added, “I’m incredibly grateful to the educators and the AVID program at Elmbrook. They helped lay the groundwork for everything I’ve accomplished.”

With a heart for service, a passion for learning, and a future in medicine, Christopher Selzer continues to represent the very best of Brookfield East and Elmbrook—driven, compassionate, and ready to make a lasting impact.