Alani Gauthier’s journey into medicine was shaped by familial influence and personal experiences. Inspired by her grandmother, a laboratory technician, and her aunt, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she was drawn to the field from a young age. However, it was her African American female pediatrician who truly ignited her passion for medicine, serving as both a role model and mentor.
Gauthier chose to enroll in a graduate program to strengthen her academic foundation, ultimately selecting PCOM’s Biomedical Sciences program for its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on clinical correlations.
"During my undergraduate years at Albany State, our visit to PCOM left me captivated by the vast array of future possibilities,” Gauthier said.
Her goal is to become a pediatrician specializing in gastrointestinal diseases and adolescent nutrition. “I would like to become a missionary,” Gauthier said. “I love the thought of traveling to different countries to serve and aid in the existing health disparities among children.” She also desires to author pediatric health education books.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Gauthier has been actively involved in leadership roles and community outreach initiatives. As the chair of Sisters in Medicine at PCOM Georgia, she organized events to support African American women in medicine and led community outreach programs, including the Sophia G. Facey Back to School Bash. She also worked with the Office of Diversity and Community Relations, engaging in STEM outreach efforts and mentoring underrepresented students in medicine through PCOM Georgia's Opportunities Academy.
“Working with children and youth is something I love; it brings so many rewarding experiences and memories,” Gauthier said. “I was blessed to have mentors and support as a STEM student at PCOM Georgia, and it is always my goal to give back to my community.”
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