Two current D.O. students share what inspired them to pursue careers in osteopathic medicine, and the trials they’ve endured along the way.
Mariah Hydzik
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2024
What are some unique experiences you had getting to and through D.O. school?
I was inspired to pursue a D.O. by witnessing both my mother and sister struggle with their mental and physical health simultaneously with significant consequences in their lives and on my family as a whole. During this time, the intricate dynamic relationship of all parts of health inspired me to learn more. This curiosity, combined with the desire to help others like my mother and sister, is what led me to D.O. school.
What was a hardship you overcame during D.O. school?
My relationship with my family has always been a stressful dynamic. When it comes to having family members suffer with mental illness, it is often difficult to define the boundaries of support and maintaining one’s own emotional stability. Through the years, my family’s trauma has been my motivation and my hinderance. Learning healthy ways to cope with personal struggle and professional drive continues to be an avenue of growth for me.
At school, I feel very fulfilled and in a purposeful place knowing that someday I will be able to help others the way I wished I could help my family. The D.O. community at my school and across the country is an incredible source of support.
Abbey Santanello
Touro College of Medicine-Harlem
What are some unique experiences you had getting to and through D.O. school?
I started a medical device company before medical school. We created a laparoscopic surgical instrument — Vampiro — that made it all the way to the market and was sold in hospitals. It was a unique opportunity to see healthcare from a different angle that very few ever truly see, especially before medical school, and learn a skill set that has proved invaluable during medical school.
Although it was not directly patient care, it indirectly impacts patient care in a huge way, reducing the potential for deep site surgical infections. I continued this throughout the first two years of medical school and am taking a break during rotations. However, I’ve missed it dearly this year and realize how integral of a role it’s played in my development as a physician, and I can’t wait to re-integrate it into my professional career down the road.
I believe all medical students should learn essential business skills at some point in their education, and I would love to be a part of creating that shift in thinking in the future because I see how valuable these skills can be to a physician.
What is some notable work you did or a hardship you overcame during D.O. school?
Notable work: SOMA Foundation Chairperson for the 2021-22 year helping to oversee the creation of the SOMA Fund under the AOF; expanding scholarship opportunities for osteopathic medical students with an emphasis on diversity this next year.
Hardship: my mother battling COVID during my boards, stressful, scary, sad — she got it from going to work, taking care of patients every day as a healthcare hero.