Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, osteopathic medicine graduate Ivanna Ward, DO '24, has a passion for being a doctor.
“I wanted to become a physician to provide equal opportunities for those who have barriers to healthcare, whether those barriers are money related or access related,” she said.
Ward said she chose PCOM South Georgia because of its family atmosphere.
“During my interview, PCOM South Georgia made me feel like I was part of the family,” she said. “They made an effort to get to know unique characteristics about me, my inspirations and motivations, and ways I plan on growing in my career and wellbeing. Being there felt like they wanted to do everything to make me successful.”
While being a student at PCOM South Georgia Ward was active in different organizations here on campus.
“The most meaningful activity I did was lead the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI),” she said. “I was also involved in the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA).”
As the leader of the DEI Council, Ward was involved in a number of activities.
“DEI activities included celebrating the cultural holidays of my colleagues, creating monthly awareness for various diseases, advocating for diverse populations, and creating safe spaces for different belief systems to come together and learn from each other,” she said.
After graduation, Ward hopes to one day open clinics of her own.
“My next chapter begins in Atlanta at Morehouse School of Medicine as an internal medicine resident,” she said. “My prayer is that one day I will open and maintain clinics for marginalized people.”
Ward's original inspiration to pursue a career in medicine was Regina Benjamin MD, who was the 18th US Surgeon General.
“After completing medical school, I'm inspired by those I have the honor of caring for,” she said.
For other medical school students, Ward had these words of wisdom.
“My advice is to first enjoy this journey,” she said. “Second, it is OK to not be perfect. It is OK to not get an A. Third, practice questions are the key to success.”
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