Brett Schuhler: In Medicine and In Motion

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This story is from the 2026 issue of Discoveries, a UC San Diego Health Sciences magazine. A version of the story also appeared online in “A Year to Explore Something New.”

For first-year medical student Brett Schuhler, the term “jumping for joy” has literal truth. From a kindergarten talent show to professional events, he has jumped recreationally and competitively for most of his life.

Schuhler qualified for a national championship every year from middle school through his first year as an undergraduate at Purdue University and even turned his love for jumping into a stint as a cheerleader in college. After graduation, he moved from his home in the Midwest to Seattle to join a professional jump roping team. As a professional, Schuhler has performed at basketball halftime shows for both NCAA and NBA games. Schuhler said that in addition to the obvious cardiovascular benefits, the lifelong friendships he has formed are unmatched.

“Beyond those benefits, it is also incredibly accessible to anyone — all you need is a jump rope and you can get started,” Schuhler said.

Schuhler and two classmates — who picked up jump roping with his help — recently placed first in the UC San Diego School of Medicine talent show.

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