Empowering and Supporting Women Through Medicine

Elizabeth Pelzer '00

Elizabeth Tigges (then Pelzer) graduated from Cardinal High School in 2000 with aspirations to help others as a doctor. Now a physician (obstetrician/gynecologist), Tigges’ motivation in her work has changed to focus more on women’s health. 

“I chose to be a doctor initially because of my desire to work with people and help people,” Tigges explains. “This has completely evolved in my years out. Now, my goal is to empower and support women in their lives, meet women where they are, and move us collectively and in solidarity forward.”

The educational journey to become a doctor is not easy. Tigges is thankful that Cardinal’s small class sizes provided her with individualized attention early on in her school days.

“I appreciated the attentiveness of leadership, teachers, and staff,” Tigges says. “Cardinal was a healthy environment, meant for students to thrive and grow. A healthy, supportive environment is the best environment for learning, and for adjusting to the experiences and circumstances that life will bring.”

One teacher in particular still stands out as a favorite: Mr. Duncan, both for the lessons he taught her and for the fun she had in his class with Cindy Green. 

“He taught me a very important lesson about my own learning, which was that if I write things down, I remember them much, much better,” Tigges says. 

One of her favorite memories from her time at Cardinal occurred in Mr. Duncan’s class. She and Cindy would wait until Mr. Duncan’s back was to the class. Then they would stand up and see how many times they could turn around before he looked their way again. 

Her other favorite memories include volleyball games and summer practices, driving around with friends in her ‘89 Ford Escort blasting rap music, and everyday adventures. 

“Standout memories are working on homecoming floats, prom and after prom, toilet papering Matt McCombs' house, and journaling back and forth with Cindy in our ‘notebook,’” Tigges remembers. 

Tigges’ favorite grade overall was her freshman year at Cardinal High School. 

“I didn't see it then, but life was so simple,” Tigges says. “Cindy and I just had so much fun together! We were all young and carefree!”

While life may be more complicated than it was at 14, today Tigges’ hard work and dedication to her job help make a difference for others. Like her student years in a smaller district, Tigges now works for a small hospital. 

“Small does not mean inferior,” Tigges says. “The Ivory Towers in Medicine, like the Ivory Towers in Education, glow strong and mighty. However, some of the very best, most talented, humanistic people I've met and/or worked with are those from small, more obscure places.”

Though Tigges has since moved away from the area, she is glad to see how Cardinal has changed since her years as a Comet. 

“I think Cardinal has evolved quite a lot since I left and in good ways,” Tigges says. “I think any institution that is capable of change and positive growth, that is adaptable and progressive, ought to be honored and recognized for that effort. I think Cardinal has done that!”