Dr. Joseph B.

Dr. Bigham holds a BS in public health from the University of Washington and has been actively involved in orthopedic and anesthesiology research for over nine years. As a research assistant in the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, he has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, focusing on biomechanics, surgical outcomes, and wearable technology applications in medicine. His research excellence has been recognized with the prestigious Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Seed Grant.

Recognized for his contributions to medicine and service, Dr. Bigham is a recipient of the UW Medicine Community Service Endowed Scholarship and a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is also affiliated with the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Evelyn E. Henley Anesthesia Society, reinforcing his commitment to the field of anesthesiology. 

His contributions have been recognized in 25+ peer-reviewed publications, scientific abstracts, poster presentations, and podium presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Bigham has actively contributed to medical research by designing a wearable device to reduce neck pain in surgeons and developing a groundbreaking endoscopic surgical device that can suction and grasp tissue simultaneously. 

Beyond research, Dr. Bigham is an innovator in medical technology. As a fellow in the Engineering Innovation in Health Program, he collaborated with engineers to develop an endoscopic surgical device capable of simultaneous tissue suction and grasping, securing a U.S. patent for this groundbreaking invention.

Dr. Bigham’s leadership extends into community service and medical education. He is the Founder and President of the CandleLight Foundation, Co-Founder of the Black Men in White Coats UWSOM chapter, and has served as President of the Student National Medical Association. He has also played an active role in medical school admissions as an ambassador, ensuring a welcoming experience for prospective students. His dedication to mentoring future medical professionals is evident in his work with the Doctor for a Day program, where he helps high school students from underrepresented backgrounds navigate the path to a medical career.

As a coach, Dr. Bigham’s greatest strengths lie in his ability to help candidates break down complex processes into manageable steps. He excels at identifying individuals' strengths and helping them craft compelling personal narratives, drawing from his own experiences of perseverance, resilience, and determination. His coaching approach is grounded in empathy, as he understands the systemic barriers that many students face and is passionate about helping them overcome these challenges.

Dr. Bigham is committed to creating systemic change by mentoring and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals, especially those from marginalized communities. His unique combination of personal experience, academic achievement, and research expertise makes him an invaluable guide for students seeking to achieve their goals in medicine.