Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomes new students

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA)-- Today Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine held their white coat ceremony. The ceremony symbolizes the beginning of the journey to be the physicians for these students.

In front of family and friends 207 future physicians took the osteopathic oath. John Hummer, President & Co-Founder of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine says, “It is a proud moment for our entire community as we welcome these future physicians who will carry forth the values and mission of Burrell College."

I spoke with two students who refer to themselves as non traditional medical students. The first student, Lucy Palmer says she wants to be an emergency medicine and critical care physicians. Although Palmer says she always wanted to be a doctor there was a time she thought a career in finance was her fate.

During this time, Palmer's 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Palmer says the passing for her daughter solidified her decision to be a doctor. She says watching the way the medical staff was there for her daughter, made her want to do the same for other people when they're at their greatest point of need.

Another student, Ashley Sanderson waited 10 years before going to medical school. Sanderson says one of her biggest challenges was the medical college admissions test. She says in order to achieve success she had to change the way she studied and the way she received information and ultimately her hard work paid off.

Both ladies along with 205 of their classmates will begin classes Monday morning at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine's Las Cruces campus.