Arianna Gray wants to be a doctor to combat health disparities in marginalized communities and expand access to healthcare so that “we all have the same shot at healthy communities.”
A key decision point to accomplish that goal: attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), which emphasizes holistic patient care and osteopathic manipulative treatments, which she said can “bridge the gap between justifiably mistrusting patients and access to quality, non-discriminate health care.”
“I believe having an alternative to allopathic medicine would afford me the benefit of reaching patients who may have had negative previous experiences with health care or would prefer a more comprehensive approach to their health care,” added Gray, who also has a master's in medical sciences from Hampton University. “I also knew I wanted to be trained by the best, and at the highest level possible, which is why I thought PCOM was the best option.”
Gray is inspired by her mother, Charmin McDonald, who, as an immigrant from Jamaica and single parent, raised four children who have all become college graduates. Her mother suffered a stroke in 2014 while Arianna was a teacher. “Her tireless effort to ensure we have a better future than the one she had access to inspires me to do the same for others,” Gray said.
As a first-generation American and first-generation college student, Gray said she’s “the living embodiment of the American dream for my mother and her years of sacrifice. With this degree, I will be able to change my family's life for future generations.”
She’s made the most of her PCOM experience, working as a research assistant and tutor, serving on executive boards of student organizations, and planning community health screenings. Her most meaningful role? Mentor.
“I have been able to help fellow first-generation students avoid pitfalls that can occur without guidance from an experienced loved one,” said Gray, who was previously a science teacher. “This has brought me great joy and has been very rewarding.”
Her advice to fellow students: Direction is more important than speed.
“If you feel the journey is long and arduous, you are right. But what is important is that you stay healthy as you pursue your dreams,” said Gray, who has endured three spine surgeries, called a hemilaminectomy and discectomy, to relieve nerve pressure, extending her course of study. “However, I feel just as much joy completing my degree as I would have at any other point. We are blessed to be in this field. We have the opportunity to help people in vulnerable positions. It is worth the wait to get here.”
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