Student Ambassadors: Arkansas

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Meet Our Student Ambassadors

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Kian Ghodrati

kghodrat@nyit.edu

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Wilfrid Laurier University (Psychology and Neuroscience)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, DCV

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM for its location and mission. The mission statement really stood out to me and aligned with my personal values. After visiting NYITCOM, I felt invited to the community and knew Jonesboro would be my home.

What is special about NYITCOM? This school goes out of their way to connect you to wherever you want to be and works hard to achieve your goals. Everyone on campus is always willing to help out.

What are your future plans and goals? I am hoping to become an Internal Medicine Physician. I want to serve in an underserved community and help change the lives of patients for the better.

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Karen Nguyen

knguye20@nyit.edu

she/her

Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Texas at Arlington (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Government Association Executive Council (SGA Exec), Student Ambassador, Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), American Medical Women Association (AMWA)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its strong commitment to patient-centered care. The school’s focus on serving both patients and the broader community creates an ideal environment for students to develop the skills, empathy, and values essential to becoming a compassionate and effective osteopathic physician.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM special to me is its close-knit student community. Medical school can be demanding, so it’s reassuring to have supportive classmates who are always willing to help one another. The faculty are equally committed, creating a welcoming environment and offering mentorship and guidance to every student. Even though I’m far from home, the sense of belonging here makes NYITCOM feel like a second family I can rely on during challenging times.

What are your future plans and goals? With the medical degree that I receive from NYITCOM, I hope to become a compassionate physician who is actively involved in the community and empowers patients through health advocacy. I have always been interested in Pediatrics or Family Medicine, but I will remain open-minded as I continue learning and gain more experiences during clinical rotations.

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Lily Figgins

lfiggins@nyit.edu

Hometown: Kennett, MO
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major):Mississippi State University (Biochemistry)
Clubs and Activities: SGA Executive Secretary, SGA Morale Committee Representative, Student Ambassador Internal Communications Chair, Orientation Leader, Project H.E.A.R.T Counselor, ACOP First-year liaison

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM-AR due to it being so close to home. The school’s mission to train physicians for rural, underserved communities aligned with my own values due to the place I grew up. I also know several physicians who graduated from here. Their positive experiences and strong endorsements encouraged me to apply, and everything they said has proven to be true.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM fosters a strong sense of community and family, which is something I deeply value. Medical school can often feel isolating due to the intense time commitment it demands, so coming to a school with a positive, supportive environment was essential to me. At NYITCOM, professors, staff, and peers genuinely strive to create meaningful relationships with one another.

What are your future plans and goals? I plan to complete a residency in Pediatrics or Med-Peds, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Oncology. My dream would be to work at a children’s hospital where I can care for patients with complex medical needs and build long-lasting, meaningful relationships with my patients and their families.

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Lawrence Nguyen

lnguye22@nyit.edu

He/him

Hometown: Houston, TX
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Arkansas (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: President of ACONP (Neuropsych) Vice President of SIMs Secretary of ACOFP-RM (Family and Rural Med)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? Hey everyone! I decided to choose NYITCOM because I wanted to be closer to family, but also because of the great community here. It was super important for me to have friends and a support system that could get me through stressful times!

What is special about NYITCOM? The faculty is super special to me at NYITCOM! Everyone here is super friendly and I love being on the A-State campus.

What are your future plans and goals? My specialties of interest are Psychiatry, Neurology, or Internal Medicine currently. We’ll see though, maybe I will do something super easy like Neurosurgery!

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Andre Smith

asmith72@nyit.edu

He/him

Hometown: Tylertown, MS
Highest Education: MBS, MHS
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Mississippi (Biological Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: Class of 2028 SGA Vice-President, SAOAO Secretary

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM-AR because of its strong commitment to serving underserved and rural communities, which directly aligns with my roots in Tylertown, Mississippi. The opportunity to train at the Arkansas campus—close to communities that mirror where I grew up—was the ideal environment to grow into a physician who understands and addresses healthcare disparities firsthand.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM-AR is special to me because of its mission-driven culture, its emphasis on producing compassionate, community-focused physicians, and its support for students who come from underrepresented backgrounds. Being part of a community where leadership, service, and innovation are encouraged has empowered me to grow both personally and professionally.

What are your future plans and goals? I plan to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery, with a focus on improving musculoskeletal care in rural and underserved populations like my hometown in Mississippi. In addition to clinical practice, I aspire to work as a medical school professor and lead a research lab focused on surgical innovations and health disparities.

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Emma Fowler

efowle03@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Vilonia, AR
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Arkansas State University (Biological Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: ACOEP, LMSA, Orientation Leader, Project HEART counselor

Why did you choose NYITCOM?I chose to attend NYITCOM largely because I’ve been living in Jonesboro and was familiar with the area, but the mission of our school is what truly stood out to me. I come from a very rural town in central Arkansas where many of my friends and their families had to choose between going to school/work or driving an hour to receive the medical care they needed. NYITCOM at Arkansas State sees that need and is working to provide residents in towns such as mine the access they deserve.

What is special about NYITCOM? One thing that I love most about NYITCOM is how accessible the faculty is. They are always asking for our feedback so that they can improve our learning experience and create a better understanding of the material. Even Dean Speights, who is a very busy man, makes an effort to talk with students and genuinely listen to our needs.

What are your future plans and goals? It’s still very early days, but as of right know I am looking to go into Emergency Medicine. However, OB/GYN and Internal Medicine are still in the running.

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Ali Burianek

aburiane@nyit.edu

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Bioengineering)
Clubs and Activities: Class of 2028 Student Government Association (Academic Affairs Representative), Orientation Leader, Student American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (National Liaison), Delta Population Health Institute Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM at A-State for its close-knit feeling among students of all grades combined with the resources of a larger institution. Coming from a Big Ten school, I enjoyed the opportunities Illinois provided for academics and entertainment but saw how tough finding mentorship and connection could be due to the school’s size. Upon my interview and acceptance to NYITCOM, I was pleased to see how well the school encourages students to feel uplifted by one another while also opening us to opportunities both locally and across the globe.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM at A-State special to me is how it offers the best of both worlds – a medical school with the external resources of a large institution, combined with the internal close-knit community of students and staff. I love how I can enjoy what a college town like Jonesboro can offer and also easily connect with professors or peers for support. I hope to show you all the many opportunities you can have here!

What are your future plans and goals? I would love to pursue a career in the OR, with my interests currently being Orthopedic or Thoracic Surgery. I enjoy teaching others and would also consider Academic Medicine as well.

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Nicole Turnage

nturnage@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Greenbrier, AR
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Arkansas Tech University (BS Environmental Biology); University of Arkansas – Fayetteville (MS Cell and Molecular Biology); University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (MS Biomedical Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: ACOP (Peds); Wilderness Medicine; Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illness

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I wanted to study medicine in my home state. Also, I always felt a sense of belonging and caring in every interaction with NYITCOM staff and students during my application process. I truly could see myself attending NYITCOM.

What is special about NYITCOM? There are a variety of opportunities offered at NYITCOM: MPH and MBA programs, Health Policy/Advocacy Fellowship, Advanced Nutrition certificate, Global Heath certificate, etc. You have so many options in shaping yourself as a person and a professional. Also, everyone wants you to succeed from the day you are accepted here to beyond graduation.

What are your future plans and goals? I want to become a pediatric sub-specialist. I am particularly interested in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology with a focus in cancer genetics and cancer survivorship. I also have interests in Peds Rheumatology, Peds ID, and Allergy/Immunology.

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Sudeepa Pisipati

spisipat@nyit.edu

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Georgia Tech (Neuroscience)
Clubs and Activities: SNMA Treasurer, DO More VP

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because I wanted a medical school that valued both community and hands-on learning. This school particularly had a focus on serving underserved areas which is something I am passionate about, which made it the right place for me to grow into the kind of doctor I want to be.

What is special about NYITCOM? What’s special to me about NYITCOM is the sense of community and support I’ve felt since day one. I’ve had the chance to get involved in meaningful outreach and clinical experiences, which serves as a consistent reminder to me as to why I chose medicine as my career.

What are your future plans and goals? My goal is to specialize in either neurology or emergency medicine. I want my future practice to focus on involving patients in their care and helping them feel better—not just physically, but in a way that allows them to get back to what’s important to them and to achieve their goals.

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Mary Claire Swaim

mswaim@nyit.edu

Hometown: Jackson, TN
Highest Education: M.S. & B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Tennessee at Martin (Cell & Molecular Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) , Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) , American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) , American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

Why did you choose NYITCOM?I chose to come to NYITCOM after completing my Masters in Biomedical Sciences here and getting to know the students and the faculty members. I felt that at NYITCOM, I would be prepared both academically and with the patient-centered skills that are essential to becoming a well-rounded physician

What is special about NYITCOM? What’s special to me about NYITCOM is the supportive environment —everyone truly wants to see you succeed. From peer tutors and anatomy review sessions to mock practicals and review workshops, there are so many resources that help you feel prepared throughout your first year.

What are your future plans and goals? I want a career that allows me to build long-term relationships with my patients and provide quality, patient-centered care. I’m currently interested in both dermatology and family medicine because they offer opportunities for continuity of care and meaningful impact in patients’ daily lives.

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Quinn Smith

ssmith48@nyit.edu

Hometown: Joplin, MD
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Pittsburg State University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: “Student Ambassador, External Communications and Social Media Chair for Student Ambassadors, Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Professional Development Director, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) President, Orientation Leader for Class of 2029, Project H.E.A.R.T. Camp Counselor, Delta Care-A-Van NEA Foodbank Other RSO Involvement: AMWA, CMDA, ACOP”

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM-AR because of its mission to serve the Delta population and address healthcare disparities in the South, which aligns closely with my own passion for improving access to care in underserved communities. The school’s focus on training physicians who are committed to rural and community-based medicine deeply resonates with my goals. NYITCOM’s supportive environment and diverse clinical opportunities across the South make it the ideal place to grow into the kind of compassionate, service-driven doctor I aspire to be.

What is special about NYITCOM? What’s special to me about NYITCOM-AR is its deep commitment to the Delta region and its focus on training doctors who will return to serve communities that truly need them. The small class size and close-knit campus foster a strong sense of support and connection, both with faculty and fellow students. Being part of a mission-driven program in the South gives real purpose to my journey in medicine and allows me to give back to the region I care deeply about.

What are your future plans and goals? With my medical degree, I plan to specialize in either maternal-fetal medicine or neonatology, as both fields allow me to care for vulnerable mothers and newborns during critical moments. My goal is to practice in the South, particularly in underserved or rural areas, where access to specialized care is limited. I’m passionate about improving outcomes for both moms and babies through compassionate, high-quality medicine.

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Karley Bloesch

kbloesch@nyit.edu

Hometown: Poplar Grove, AR
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Delta State University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: “DPHI Ambassador SGA Student Affairs Committee Representative Student Ambassador – E-board member for Mental Health Health NOD Member Project Heart Counselor “

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I grew up in the Delta, and when I learned about Delta Population Health and its mission to serve underserved communities, I knew instantly that this was where I belonged. Knowing that NYITCOM is working to amplify the voices of people like those in my hometown made the decision clear–this was the place I needed to be to pursue my medical education and give back to the community that raised me.

What is special about NYITCOM? As cliché as it might sound, the people at NYITCOM are what make it so special. Having a smaller campus fosters the opportunity to make personal relationships with faculty and staff. There is a genuine family environment here that allows students to feel loved, seen, and cared for. I believe this type of support is crucial to success as a medical student, and I am so thankful to be apart of a school that brutes both academic and personal growth.

What are your future plans and goals? I want to go into either emergency medicine or trauma surgery. I’ve always been drawn to the fast paced decision making that come with emergency medicine. Ideally, I want to stay in the Mississippi Delta to practice. This community shaped the person I am, and it would be a privilege to give back to those who have given me so much.

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Bekah O’Neal

roneal01@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Springdale, AR
Highest Education: M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Arkansas
Clubs and Activities: SOMA (President), ACOOG, AMWA, orientation leader, Project HEART counselor

Why did you choose NYITCOM? As a native Arkansan whose entire family lives in rural, medically underserved areas I really connected with NYITCOM’s mission statement. I wanted to help provide care to the delta region while in school and NYITCOM gave me the opportunity to do so.

What is special about NYITCOM? What stands out to me about NYITCOM is the strong emphasis on serving underserved communities, even while in medical school. I’m also especially proud that NYITCOM offers a Population Health course, which provides a deep understanding of social determinants of health and prepares us to address these factors as future physicians. Few schools offer such a comprehensive and practical approach to community-focused care.

What are your future plans and goals? I plan to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. My goal is to serve in Arkansas, where I hope to address disparities in women’s health and improve access to quality care in underserved communities.

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Stephanie Mroz

smroz@nyit.edu

Hometown: Wood Dale, IL
Highest Education: B.S & B.A
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Illinois at Chicago (Biology) & (History)
Clubs and Activities: SOMA(Vice President), AMWA (Vice President), ACOOG (National Liaison), Student Ambassadors (Education Chair)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? The message about NYITCOM’s mission for academic excellence and clinical engagement was inspiring. The Delta Care-A-Van was a touchpoint in the community I wanted to be a part of and learning how to use Telemedicine models.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special because of the opportunities it provides to get involved in our communities. Everyday our school has an event that benefits Jonesboro and encourages us to be better leaders. All professors are like family, even Dean Speights with Thursday’s “Run with the Dean”.

What are your future plans and goals? I plan on specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, but I am open to different specialities. My goal is to increase health literacy in my patients and deliver some healthy babies!

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David Todd Bailey

dbaile03@nyit.edu

Hometown:Flint, TX
Highest Education: B.S
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Arkansas (Biochemistry)
Clubs and Activities: CMDA, Wilderness medicine, Mental health and wellness ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? After going to undergrad in Arkansas I developed deep roots here and knew that’s where I wanted to peruse my medical education. NYITCOM specifically is addressing issues in health disparities and gives us the additional training in population health which I saw as an incredible value.

What is special about NYITCOM? I’ve really been impressed by how open the faculty are to meeting with students and walking us through school. I have had wonderful experiences with many professors and administration.

What are your future plans and goals? My plan is to practice preventative/ integrative medicine and participate in global medical missions.

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Feeana Ahmed

fahmed26@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Kansas City, KS
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Kansas City-Missouri (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: President of Muslim Student Association Diversity Co-Chair Vice President of Radiology

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because when I toured the campus, I was struck by how friendly and supportive the upperclassmen and professors were. It made me realize how special the community is—everyone genuinely wants you to succeed.

What is special about NYITCOM? What’s special to me about NYITCOM is the strong sense of community. Whether you need help with academics or something outside of school, it’s easy to find someone on campus who’s willing to support you.

What are your future plans and goals? I am still deciding between OBGYN and Anesthesia, I want to definitely work in a surgical field. I would love to also practice back in my home town of Kansas City.

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Karilyn Hutchenrider

khutchen@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Richardson, TX
Highest Education: M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Texas A&M University (B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Biomedical Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassadors, Orientation Leader, Delta Care-a-Van

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of its mission and strong emphasis on holistic, patient centered care. I was also impressed by how welcoming and genuine everyone I interacted with was during the interview process and campus tours.

What is special about NYITCOM? I love the strong sense of community we have here at NYITCOM. The students, faculty, and staff all genuinely care about one another’s well-being and success. Medical school is tough, but having a strong community full of great people and great resources here on campus has made a huge impact on my medical education.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently leaning towards entering the fields of either Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine once I finish medical school. However, I am keeping an open mind as we continue to learn and transition into clinical rotations.

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Helen Shi

hshi08@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Denton, TX
Highest Education: M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Texas at Dallas (B.S. Neuroscience and B.S. Pyschology), University of North Texas Health Science Center (M.S. in Medical Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: ACOFP + Rural Medicine President, CMDA Treasurer, IMRA Secretary, Student Pipeline volunteering, Dr. Jennifer Xie’s research lab

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because the program offered early clinical experiences and I appreciated the mission to not only raise physicians, but physician leaders. The community is very supportive and the faculty/staff truly want you to succeed.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is always striving to improve, whether it be curriculum, student engagement, leadership and community involvement, etc. I admire the faculty, admin, and staff with their passion and dedication to work to help NYITCOM students become the best they can be. I also love the community here as students are very supportive and eager to help each other.

What are your future plans and goals? As of now, I am very interested in becoming a family physician just because of its versatility. It seems like family medicine physicians could do anything, from research to service to policymaking to raising the next generation of physicians. They’re at the front lines with patients and have that unique long-term relationship with patients as well. However, at this point I’m pretty open to anything!

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Emmanuela Beliard

ebeliard@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Deerfield Beach, FL
Highest Education: M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Florida Atlantic University (Biology) and (Master in Biomedical Sciences)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador. RSO Leadership: ACOOG (Secretary), SNMA (President), SIMS (Secretary), LMSA (Community Liaison). Other involvement: D.O More Jonesboro Chapter.

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because its mission aligned with my passion for providing quality healthcare to underserved communities. The Delta Care-a-van especially stood out to me; it was inspiring to see a program dedicated to offering free health screenings in areas that truly need them. Knowing I could be involved in that kind of work early in my training made NYITCOM the right choice for me.

What is special about NYITCOM? The most special thing to me about NYITCOM is how it truly feels like a family. Everyone is kind, supportive, and always willing to help. I also love its diversity; no matter where you’re coming from, it’s comforting to know you’re surrounded by people who make the transition into this new journey a little easier.

What are your future plans and goals? Beyond earning my medical degree, I plan to complete an OB/GYN residency and practice in an area that is especially underserved or lacking in women’s health services. With maternal mortality still a major concern, I hope to be both a physician and an advocate; working to improve outcomes and provide compassionate, accessible care to those who need it most.

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Angel Ramnani

aramnani@nyit.edu

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of California, Riverside (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Vice President of Cardiology RSO. Treasurer of Emergency Medicine RSO. Student Ambassadors–Training and Development Co-Chair. Other RSO involvement.

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I was drawn to NYITCOM because of its strong commitment to improving rural communities and addressing health care barriers in Arkansas. I believe a great physician must be both clinically excellent and socially aware, and NYITCOM’s interactive curriculum supports growth in both areas.

What is special about NYITCOM? I believe the community you surround yourself with plays a crucial role in your medical journey, and NYITCOM fosters an incredibly supportive environment through its students, faculty, and alumni. I also value NYITCOM’s commitment to producing well-rounded physicians by offering unique clinical exposures in rural communities. This combination of strong support and meaningful experiences makes NYITCOM special to me.

What are your future plans and goals? With a background in both urban and rural settings, I want to become a well-rounded physician who can adapt to the diverse needs of my patients. I’m keeping an open mind about my specialty but am drawn to hands-on fields like neurology or surgery. Ultimately, I trust that the right specialty will find me, and I’m committed to making a meaningful impact in the community I serve.

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Brett Balzraine

bbalzrai@nyit.edu

She/her/hers

Hometown: Wildwood, MO
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Truman State university (Biology, Exercise Science)
Clubs and Activities: SGA, ACOEP, ACOI, Ambassador, Orientation leader for Class of 2029

Why did you choose NYITCOM?I chose NYITCOM at A-State because of the mission statement and the environment I felt once I attended an informational meeting with students. I have always wanted to help rural areas with healthcare and this school provides that opportunity.

What is special about NYITCOM? I would say that the curriculum really helps with a work-life balance. Having online lectures allows the freedom to work at your own pace whenever and wherever you are, but there are just enough in person activities to have the opportunity to speak with professors and others students about school work.

What are your future plans and goals? My goal is to either specialize in Emergency Medicine or Internal Medicine. I will be serving in the US Navy after residency but plan on working in Rural Missouri after my service obligation is complete.

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Anusha Bhojanam

abhojana@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Bloomington, IL
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Illinois Wesleyan University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: AMWA, DIGA, Cardiology Interest Group, DIM, DPHI Ambassador, Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of the commitment to serving and engaging with the community, which was clearly a priority for the institution and for students. We are able to not only receive medical training but give back to those around us as well. The education we receive and the experiences we are able to have regarding rural healthcare have helped me understand the needs of many underserved communities across the country and have broadened my horizon for how I can care for patients, which I believe is important to grow into a well-rounded physician.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special to me because of the people here. From the very beginning, I’ve been surrounded by classmates, faculty, and mentors who are not only brilliant and dedicated but also genuinely kind, collaborative, and supportive. It’s the culture of community—where people lift each other up, celebrate each other’s growth, and show up in difficult moments—that has shaped my experience and made me feel like I belong. I chose this school because I wanted to be part of something more than just an excellent academic institution—I wanted to be part of a community that cares.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, and I would like to work with underserved populations to increase access to healthcare. However, I am open to other specialties as I progress through medical school.

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Grina Patel

gpatel23@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Loyola University Chicago (Neuroscience)
Clubs and Activities: Vice President of ACONP (NeuroPsyc RSO) Student Ambassador Education E Board SOMA Treasurer

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose to attend NYITCOM because of its strong mission to serve underserved communities, which is clearly reflected in programs like the Delta Care-a-van and its focus on population health. Additionally, when I visited the campus—I was struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. That sense of community made it clear to me that NYITCOM was the right fit for my medical journey.

What is special about NYITCOM? The sense of community at NYITCOM is the most special to me. With such a small class size, it’s easy to form close bonds not only with your peers but also with faculty. Having that support system makes the stress a much more manageable.

What are your future plans and goals? I’m interested in pursuing EM or Neurology, but I have an open mind and exploring my options during my rotations.

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Rebekah Hill

rhill05@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Fairdealing, MO
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Central Methodist University (Major: Biology & Minor: Psychology)
Clubs and Activities: RSO Leadership: Radiology (President), SAAO (Treasurer), SOMA (membership) Other RSO involvement: Wilderness Medicine, ACOEP, ACOFP, Rural Medicine Other involvement: Student Ambassador

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because it was close to home and because it has a strong emphasis on community outreach. There is a unique opportunity to directly impact the people I know and love on a day to day basis. My heart is for the people and NYITCOM shares those same passions.

What is special about NYITCOM? Something so unique to NYITCOM is the small atmosphere with the ability to still make great change. By partnering with a bigger campus, we have the resources to do so much, all while maintaining a close community with fellow students.

What are your future plans and goals? My ultimate goal is to return to my smaller community and invest in the lives of the people that need it most. Whether that be family practice, emergency medicine, or any other speciality that meets the needs of those around me. I want to invest in the community either by joining forces with successful programs already in place or taking the lead in heading up new ones.

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Julianna Winkler (Burriss)

jburriss@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Missouri Western State University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: Student Run Free Clinic Unitarian Universalist Medical Student Association Student Ambassador / Orientation Leader for Class of 2029

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I grew up visiting the delta region often as it is where my grandparents live and I saw the needs for medical care there first hand. I wanted to go to a school that really values the communities they live in and NYITCOM embodies that in everything they do.

What is special about NYITCOM? Everyone at the COM is super friendly and it really is due to the culture at the COM that encourages collaboration and compassion.

What are your future plans and goals? My current interest is in telemedicine and I would like to practice in the Jonesboro / Memphis region because I have built a lot of roots here in the community and want to stay with them.

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Andrew Goode

jgoode01@nyit.edu

Hometown: Medina, TN
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Arkansas State University (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: ACOS-MSS (American College of Osteopathic Students Medical Student Section)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? The main driver behind my interest in NYITCOM Jonesboro was my love for the town and the communities around it. After completing my undergraduate here locally at ASU, I wanted to remain somewhere that I had already established connections and support systems!

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is unique because you are able to better understand what rural living is like while completing the Delta Health Population Course and living in NE Arkansas. Coming from a small town in Tennessee, I have seen first hand the impacts rural living and lack of healthcare has on residents. Luckily, NYITCOM provides future physicians with the knowledge and tools necessary to help these delicate populations!

What are your future plans and goals? Currently, I am leaning towards becoming an Internal Medicine Resident to pursue a further specialty to become an Intensivist. Although I am not fully set on my specialty, I do plan to move back to West Tennessee to provide healthcare to those in the communities that need it the most.

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Dalton Jones

djones29@nyit.edu

He/Him

Hometown: North Little Rock, AK
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): University of Arkansas (Biomedical Engineering)
Clubs and Activities: Student Ambassador, Project H.E.A.R.T. volunteer, Orientation Leader

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of the opportunity to learn close to home and family. NYITCOM’s mission to serve the delta region is important to me because it aligns with my goal to become a physician in the natural state.

What is special about NYITCOM? The people at NYITCOM are welcoming and make the school feel like home. The smaller class size gives everyone a strong support system which makes it easy to be successful in medical school.

What are your future plans and goals? I am currently interested in pursuing emergency medicine. I would like to practice here in Arkansas in order to serve the people of my home state.

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Zariyae Moore

zmoore02@nyit.edu

She/Her

Hometown: Forest, MS
Highest Education: M.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Alcorn State University
Clubs and Activities: SGA 2028 Class President DPHI Student Ambassador Campus Ambassador ACOOG Vice President SNMA

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of its strong emphasis on primary care, osteopathic philosophy, and commitment to underserved communities, which aligns with my passion for service. The supportive environment and opportunities for leadership and outreach made it the ideal place for my medical journey.

What is special about NYITCOM? NYITCOM is special to me because it feels like a community that truly believes in uplifting its students and encouraging us to serve with compassion and cultural awareness. As a first-generation medical student, the mentorship and inclusivity here have made a lasting impact on my confidence and growth.

What are your future plans and goals? With my medical degree, I plan to become a physician who advocates for equity in healthcare and addresses disparities in maternal outcomes, especially in rural and minority populations. I also hope to educate and empower the next generation of doctors through mentorship and community health programs. My goal is to become a rural OBGYN and serve in an area like my hometown in Mississippi, where access to women’s health specialists is scarce. I want to combine clinical care with advocacy and outreach, improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes in underserved communities.

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Yasmine Arabella De Joya

ydejoya@nyit.edu

She/her/hers

Hometown: Lubbock, TX
Highest Education: B.A.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): Texas Tech University
Clubs and Activities: SGA Executive Parliamentarian. Student Ambassadors. Orientation Leader

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM at Arkansas State because it felt like a place where I’d be supported through the challenges of medical school. I was drawn to the genuine atmosphere and the sense that students aren’t just numbers here.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM special to me is how involved and approachable the faculty are. Knowing I’ll be learning from people who are truly invested in helping students grow made a big difference in my decision.

What are your future plans and goals? I plan to become a pediatrician because I enjoy working with children and want to help them build healthy foundations early in life. I hope to work in a community where I can form lasting relationships with families and watch my patients grow over time.

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Jenna Holliman

jhollima@nyit.edu

Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Highest Education: B.S.
Undergrad/Grad School (Major): College of William & Mary (Biology)
Clubs and Activities: SGA Exec Wellness Co-Chair, Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Project H.E.A.R.T. Camp Counselor, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians & Rural Medicine (ACOFP), American Medical Womans Association (AMWA), Diversity in Medicine (DIM), Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)

Why did you choose NYITCOM? I chose NYITCOM because of its strong, hands-on curriculum and its commitment to preparing students for real-world clinical practice through opportunities like the Institute of Clinical Competence (ICC), Delta Care-a-Van (DCV), and Early Clinical Engagement (ECE). I was also impressed by the school’s strong match rate and the robust board preparation support, including access to high-quality resources at no additional cost. NYITCOM’s emphasis on serving underserved communities and fostering patient-centered care made it the ideal place for me to grow both personally and professionally as a future physician.

What is special about NYITCOM? What makes NYITCOM special to me is the strong sense of community and support from faculty, classmates, and upperclassmen, which has helped me thrive both personally and academically. The welcoming, family-like atmosphere made my transition to a new environment much easier and has created a space where we all support and uplift each other.

What are your future plans and goals? With my medical degree, I plan to pursue a career in family medicine with a focus on delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care both locally and globally. I am especially passionate about using telemedicine to increase access to care in underserved and remote communities, and I hope to integrate this into global health initiatives that address healthcare disparities.

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