Federal Way Public Schools Alumni of Note
Eddie Lo
Podiatrist
Federal Way High School
Graduate, Class of 1989
Dr. Eddie Lo has made a career helping people put their best foot forward. A podiatrist at Allenmore Foot Care Center in Tacoma, Lo works with his wife, Natalie Chu-Lo, who is also a podiatrist. Motivated by the determination and achievement he saw in his class president his senior year at Federal Way High, Lo knew he could easily conquer the years of schooling needed to fulfill his goal of becoming a foot doctor.
After graduating from the University of Washington, he attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, Calif., and then returned to Washington to complete a two-year surgical residency at the former Puget Sound Hospital in Tacoma.
With the aging baby boomer population, Lo sees a greater demand than ever before for podiatrists, who evaluate and treat disorders of the foot and ankle. He is one of only 13,230 doctors of podiatric medicine practicing in the United States today.
In high school, what activities did you participate in?
I was on the swim team and also enjoyed fencing.
What are your most recent or significant accomplishments?
My wife Natalie and I have three children – Caitlyn, 5, Brandon, 3 and Christopher who is a toddler.
Please describe an experience, event or individual in your public education experience that inspired or motivated you.
Our class president, Chris Nisco, was a very motivated individual and the determination and achievement that I saw in him motivated me and pushed me forward.
What advice would you like to share with teachers in schools today?
Don’t teach to just the lowest denominator but rather push the envelope of learning. These children are our future. Continue pursuing your profession with enthusiasm.
Is there any coach, teacher or other Federal Way school district personnel who especially stands out in your mind? Who? Why?
Coach Al Hoppenrath, our high school swim team coach, was the embodiment of individual and team achievement. He was always spirited and enthusiastic.
What advice would you like to share with students in schools today?
In these economic times you cannot sit idle and expect or feel entitled because you live in the United States. You must achieve the highest goals to survive. High school is a stepping-stone and should not be the end of your education. Pursue a career and not just a job, that way you will always have something no one can take away from you. As jobs are shipped overseas, this is the only way to protect your future --take the time to care.