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Dr. Alexandria Boley’s love for children and her desire to make a difference in their lives led her to East Tennessee State University, where she is in her first year of a pediatrics residency. 

"I want to specialize in rural pediatrics,” Alex says. “There’s a need for pediatricians going into rural areas where you don’t have the support of all the specialists. It lets you take a bigger role in a child’s care.” 

"...even when they’re not feeling well, they’ll still give you that smile."

When her residency ends in three years, Alex hopes to move with her husband, Brett, to a rural area that needs a pediatrician, perhaps within a family practice. 

“Kids need their own doctor,” she said “I just want to find a place where I can give back.”

Alex blazed new trails at ��������Ƶ – where she was the first student to enter the cooperative 3 + 4 program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, earning her bachelor’s and medical degree in seven years. 

Both her education at ��������Ƶ and at LECOM prepared her for the rigors of her residency, which sees her working in various aspects of pediatrics at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. 

Each month she’s working a different rotation under the guidance of attending physicians. From an outpatient clinic to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to the oncology department, Alex often finds herself dealing with the emotional toll that working with sick children brings. 

"It's definitely tough, and it's even tougher than you expect it to be,” Alex says. “I'm still learning how to deal with it. But these kids have a great spirit and this drive to get better, and even when they’re not feeling well, they’ll still give you that smile. They’ll still make you feel better about your day. Our patients are the best.” 

��������Ƶ’s young alumni are making their mark on the world through their work in science and healthcare, finance and business, industry, entertainment and service to those in need. The Spring/Winter 2017 edition of ��������Ƶ’s Forward magazine featured 30 of these alumni, all under the age of 30. You can find all of their stories here on ��������Ƶ’s site (just look for the “30 Under 30” icon).