Coming Full Circle.

Dr. David C. Neal, a 2008 graduate of Coram Deo Academy Flower Mound and current CDA parent, is an orthopedic surgeon who earned his biology degree from Texas Christian University and his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School, graduating first in his class. He completed his residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a Fellowship at Carilion Clinic. Dr. Neal now serves the community at Orthopedic Associates where he has been voted Best Doctor at Flower Mound Presbyterian Hospital for multiple years in a row. He is also the Medical Director of the Total Joint Replacement Program for Texas Health Presbyterian Flower Mound. Dr. Neal continues to pursue excellence in medicine while valuing time with his wife and daughters and enjoying an active lifestyle.


Graduating first in your medical school class requires both discipline and resilience. What habits and experiences helped you reach that level?

Consistency and determination. Early on I helped form a study group of motivated individuals who would review all of the material prior to exams. This group included Jack O’Brien who also graduated from CDA and UT Southwestern Medical School. In addition to studying on my own, the study group allowed us to discuss difficult concepts and teach one another. It is difficult to succeed alone in medical school, and this study group allowed for students to identify blind spots in our understanding of the material.

In such a demanding field, how do you continue to draw on the values or worldview that your parents and teachers helped you develop during your time at CDA?

Studying medicine and the complexity of the human body provides an excellent opportunity to marvel at God’s creation. The intricacy of the design is astounding and points to our loving Creator. Medicine is also deeply human and personal. Patients and their families are potentially dealing with one of the most difficult times of their life. Our Christian values and worldview inform the interactions with these patients and families with the goal of bringing glory to God and trying to reflect his character. Faith is the foundation and purpose of my role as a physician and, more importantly, every aspect of life.

What do you remember most about your home days within CDA’s collaborative model? Are there any rhythms, moments, or experiences that stand out to you?

I remember the learning in the classroom that was reinforced through diligent study at home. It was a great opportunity to prepare for college by balancing academics, extracurriculars, and leisure time. The discipline required to succeed at CDA proved a critical foundation to the years to follow in medical school and beyond.

What has it been like to experience CDA from both perspectives—as a student and now as a parent? What stands out to you?

When I first enrolled at CDA as a 6th grader, the school had a different name (Flower Mound Classical School) and a different look; but, it stood on the core principles of the faith as it does today. We bounced from building to building, attending class in gyms, churches, and temporary buildings. It is remarkable to see CDA expanded to a beautiful campus with places for students to gather, study, and grow. CDA served as the cornerstone of my education and the springboard for success through each of the following steps of my journey. It’s a dream to know my daughters will attend a school that is stable not only in its facilities, but also in its Biblical curriculum that has been the heart of the school since its inception.

What would you say to a family considering CDA for their child?

Now more than ever, it is critical to ensure that Biblical truth is woven into the fabric of your child’s life. We are in a cultural war that seeks to undermine our faith and values. We need to actively ensure that our children are equipped with the full armor of God so that they can build their life on the Rock. This mission is the core of CDA and has not wavered in the 25 years since I started here as a student. There is no better way to invest in your child than to provide them a strong education with Biblical truth as its foundation.