Hannah Rusinko, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome as a child, believes her calling in life is to help children who are in the same position that she once was.
“When I was diagnosed, I had never heard of the syndrome, nor did I know anyone with it,” she said. “Although I was blessed to have great family and friends, I felt like no one truly understood what I was going through. As the years went on, I learned to accept my diagnosis.”
While in college, Rusinko met a doctor of osteopathic medicine who showed her the exact type of doctor she wanted to be.
“Seeing the way she interacted and cared for her patients, and the way she treated them as more than their symptoms, was so amazing,” she said.
“That same mentor was a PCOM alumni and spoke highly about the school. I was lucky enough to have had multiple options to choose from, but ultimately PCOM rose above the others.”
Starting medical school during COVID was not easy for Rusinko and her peers, but they made the most of the difficult time.
“To have a great group of supportive and caring friends going through that crazy journey with me made all the difference,” she said. “I am very grateful for the people PCOM has brought into my life.”
In addition to the PCOM community, Rusinko is motivated by many others in her life.
“There is inspiration around every corner,” she said, referencing the children she works with, the Tourette community, the female doctors who paved the way, and her parents, who both fought and beat cancer.
In June, she will begin her pediatrics residency at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. As she embarks on this new journey, she has a few parting words for those who come after her.
“Don't compare yourself to others—ever,” she said. “At the end of the day, you know what is best for you, so don't let others' opinions derail you. Study hard, but make sure to prioritize self-care and the things that make you who you are.”
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