A 1984 Teen Challenge of Arizona Graduate, Patrick Flyte, was honored with Special Recognition at the May 1, 2004 Graduation.  Patrick is the first Teen Challenge student in the nation to become a medical doctor.  Here is his story:

My name is Patrick Flyte and I am a 1984 graduate of Arizona Teen Challenge. I was raised by wonderful, loving parents and had all the opportunity in the world.  But after starting my undergraduate career at NAU in Flagstaff, I soon became involved in keg beer parties and smoking marijuana.  I was diagnosed with manic depression and was prescribed medication but refused this help.  My life continued to be chaotic and I no longer could function in the classroom or with any friends or family.  The only help my parents could offer me was to enter Teen Challenge.   I accepted the Lord into my life while being counseled over the phone by a church staff member and two friends drove me to Teen Challenge.  It was there that I became highly motivated to complete my Bachelor’s degree.  Flowing Wells Assembly of God was an accepting church family to me during all my years in Tucson and Chi Alpha campus ministry also provided strong support and good friends. 

Eventually I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology with minors in Math and Chemistry.  After working as an account executive in retail management, I realized this was not the vocation for me.  During a Sunday night service at Casa Grande Assembly of God I sensed a revelation from the Lord that I was to pursue medical school to become a primary care physician.  This thought excited me.  Then I attended Ross University School of Medicine in the Caribbean and continued my studies in Dominica, West Indies, followed by two years of hospital clerkship in London, England, and New York City.  My three-year family practice residency was performed at Louisiana State University in Monroe, Louisiana.  Now I’m back in Arizona, living and working in Casa Grande.  I work at Harvest Medical Clinic as a board certified family practice staff physician.  I have returned to Casa Grande Assembly of God. 

Life is good!

Patrick Flyte, MD.

(Patrick works at the Harvest Medical Clinic and is the physician for the women and children at the Teen Challenge Home of Hope in Casa Grande, Arizona).