ΦKΦ Member Spotlight

Hailing from Watkinsville, Georgia, Chip Chambers was initiated in April 2017 at the University of Georgia. In 2019, he received a bachelor’s degree in biology and economics with a minor in health policy and management, and he is currently enrolled in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Chip has been recognized for his academic accomplishments and service to his community with multiple awards, including the Deer Run Fellowship, Tucker Dorsey Memorial Award, University of Georgia Mid-Term Foundation Fellowship, and the Marcus L. Urann Fellowship.

Chip has a passion for volunteer work and credits his volunteer experiences with changing his view of our health care system. He previously served as the night clinic manager at Mercy Health Center, a faith-based health clinic that provides comprehensive health care to uninsured patients, and currently volunteers with Esperanza Health Center, a similar clinic located in Philadelphia.

When asked to share a short bio, Chip replied that he loves Phi Kappa Phi, puns, people, podcasts, the pigskin, propitiation, process improvement, peaches, Planet Earth (the TV series and the place), and his grandma’s jalapeño cornbread muffins.

Let’s get to know Chip!

1. What are your three favorite podcasts?
   1) "Ask Pastor John" is a podcast in which one of my favorite theologians, John Piper, answers crucial questions about faith in under 15 minutes. 2) "The Drive" is produced by Dr. Peter Attia, in which he delves into the complex physiological underpinnings of nutrition, exercise and wellness. 3) "Planet Money" is an entertaining and engaging introduction to pop economics


2. What’s your favorite holiday?
   As a UGA football fan, I can only answer “Saturdays in Athens.” These are the days we have home football games each fall.


3. What’s the last thing you read?
   I’m currently reading 3 books. The first is The Second Mountain by David Brooks. The second is What is Reformed Theology? by the late R.C. Sproul, a wonderful primer on a systematic view of doctrine known as “reformed theology.” Lastly, I am reading Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development, a seminal work that seeks to lay out both academic and practical frameworks for what effective holistic charity work does, avoiding the common pitfalls of savior complexes, dependency and the like.


4. Who do you admire most in the world?
   I most admire my mom. She homeschooled me and my three sisters and is the shining example of both work ethic and compassion. She is both brilliant and thoughtful, and there is definitely a difference between the two.


5. What’s the best vacation you have ever taken?
   Two summers ago, I rented a van with eight of my best friends and we toured about a dozen national parks. I love spending time outdoors and the sites were absolutely stunning. I think that as people we experience deep joy when we can stand before something majestic and just feel wonderfully small. I think we were made to feel that way.


6. Do you have a favorite type of exercise?
   I enjoy anything with people. While I sometimes run or exercise on my own, my discipline isn’t quite strong enough to really get me going most of the time! Once people are gathered though, it’s not hard to convince me to play some basketball, Frisbee, soccer, Spikeball, etc.


7. What's your favorite board game?
   I absolutely love board games of many types. A few of my favorites include Codenames, Fish Bowl and Mastermind (an old family favorite). I’ve also been playing Pandemic since before it became unfortunately ironic.


8. A genie gives you three wishes—what are they?
   1) Lead an integrated health care system with emphases on patient-centered, evidence-based, value-driven, whole-person care for everyone. (Is that enough buzzwords?) 2) Be a kind, curious person who thinks of others more than himself and glorifies his God. 3) Watch UGA’s football team win a national championship.


9. What's your go-to midnight snack?
   I consider myself a semi-professional snacker, so I am ready for this one. In my healthier moments, I love blueberries, blackberries and bananas. But normally I’m turning to ice cream, sour gummy worms, and chips and salsa. One of my roommates and I have started a tradition of eating popsicles and watching TV the night before a medical school exam, so you could say med school is really making us role models of healthy behavior.


10. What was the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up?
    My mother tells the story of walking into my bedroom one night when I was about five years old to find me sobbing in bed. Upon asking what was wrong, I confessed through tears “Mom, I don’t know how I’m going to decide whether to go to the NBA or NFL.” I still haven’t been able to make that decision.

To learn more about Chip and connect, visit his profile within our online member community, here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org and be sure to include basic information for the nomination.