Each year, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recognizes one student from each campus in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program as the Student DO of the Year. The recognition is sponsored by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, which is a part of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. 

The award honors and recognizes an osteopathic medical student who is committed to the principles of leadership, community service, dedication and professionalism. Each Student DO of the Year has been nominated by their peers for this recognition.

This year, Katie Bombly (DO ‘24) is the PCOM South Georgia Student DO of the Year.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on the gulf coast of Florida, but I lived and practiced medicine in Jacksonville from 2006-2020. I worked as a nurse and nurse practitioner in the Jacksonville area. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a doctorate of nursing practice from The University of North Florida.

I miss working directly with people, so I like to reach out and work with our community members who may be in need. With that, I’ve participated in an array of community service projects in our area.

In my downtime, I like being outside and staying active and spending time with my great dane at local parks in Moultrie!

Describe your leadership experience and other ways you have distinguished yourself among your classmates.

I have a handful of official and unofficial mentees from the DO Class of 2025. I recognize that it’s hard to leave home and make these huge decisions for the first time, so I try my best to help them make that transition. We have a huge group chat with a lot of our female students, so I like to remind them that medical school is not the only thing that defines us. Our patients want real people, so we talk about how to keep a work/life balance. Especially during COVID, we made efforts within that group to encourage one another during those isolating times. I never want anyone in my class to feel like they’re alone. Camaraderie and friendship are extremely important to me.

What does this selection as the Student DO of the Year from your campus mean to you?

It’s really rewarding to know that my campus community is impacted by my actions. It shows that I have made an impact on at least one person—and that’s really special to me. To receive this recognition makes me feel like I’m in the right place—where I need to be.

What advice would you give to prospective DOs coming behind you?

Have a strong sense of why you want to be a physician. Medical school is challenging, so remembering and knowing why you’re on this journey is extremely important. Be authentic from day one. Don’t compare yourself to others.

What kind of clubs/organizations are you involved in?

I’m the president of our surgery club. With my past surgical experience as a nurse practitioner, I wanted to expose other classmates to the field of surgery. I absolutely love that specialty, and there are many students who may not have had any experience in that area. I’m passionate about introducing them to that possibility.

I also serve as a class representative for the DO Class of 2024. I understand how challenging it can be to speak up on what you think, feel and believe—especially if you have an unpopular opinion. One of my strengths is that I don’t mind speaking up for people who don’t feel comfortable using their voices, and I want to encourage others to use their voices.

One of my passions is volunteerism. The students at PCOM South Georgia want to be really involved here because we’re here for a long time, and we may eventually practice medicine here, so we want to support and help the Moultrie community as best we can. One initiative that I served on is "Service Saturday." It is a day when we do small tasks around the community like picking up trash or visiting nursing home residents. I’ve also helped to organize a clothing drive for those in need, especially during the colder months.

How do you feel that campus leadership/faculty members have supported your journey thus far?

Dr. Jennifer Shaw is one of my faculty mentors, and she’s always given me an optimistic view on challenges and experiences. She helps me understand other perspectives and helps me to see challenges as opportunities to grow. It’s really helped me to face obstacles and come through successfully. 

Dr. Nikita Mirajkar has been extremely open to hearing the students’ opinions and providing an ear to listen. She gives us direction and insight to feel more confident in our decisions as future physicians. They create a space that allows us to share ideas and then be supported in our journeys.

• Learn more about Katie Bombly and her student research at PCOM South Georgia.