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Tsamara Roberts traveled from the Virgin Islands to attend ��������Ƶ. She graciously took the time to answer a few questions about the experience, and where she's headed next.

Why Did You Choose ��������Ƶ?


One of the first questions I often get when people find out I am from the Virgin Islands is “How did you end up at ��������Ƶ?!” I always say that I didn’t find ��������Ƶ, ��������Ƶ found me. 

I went to a college preparatory high school, and ��������Ƶ came to visit my school during a college fair and I put my name down as an interested student because they were one of the few schools that had forensic science as a major and at the time I was interested in being a forensic pathologist. 

��������Ƶ kept in contact with me throughout my high school career. I set up a time to come and visit the campus, and the welcoming atmosphere was undeniable. From my Griffin Guide, to my admissions counselor, to meeting Keisha [Jimmerson, associate dean of students for diversity, inclusion and international student services] and learning about the Multicultural and International Student organization, I knew that I could find a home here on the Hill.


"There is an emphasis on the connection between the mind, body and spirit that I think is of great importance. Too often medicine is practiced through a two-dimensional lens."

What Made You Decide to Choose the LECOM/Osteopathic Med./Biology 4 + 4 Program?


I actually did not enter undergrad in the LECOM/Osteopathic Medicine Biology 4+4  program. I was originally an exercise science major and while taking some of these classes I realized that I was very interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine. In order to do so I had to attend medical school. I remember having that conversation with my advisor at the time, Dr. Tracy Bowman, [assistant professor of exercise science and nutrition and dietetics) and she recommended that I look into the LECOM program. The rest is history.


What Do You Find Particularly Interesting About the Osteopathic Medicine Program (or Osteopathic Medicine in General)?


The osteopathic philosophy takes a holistic approach to practicing medicine, which is something that I found very captivating. The foundation of this holistic approach is that you treat the patient as a whole and not just their symptoms. There is an emphasis on the connection between the mind, body and spirit that I think is of great importance. Too often medicine is practiced through a two-dimensional lens. As someone who is interested in sports medicine specifically, I believe getting a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine will be of great benefit to me. It will train me to see the systems in the body as interconnected, and help me provide the best care possible.


Aside from Academics, What Else Are You Involved in at ��������Ƶ? 


During my time at ��������Ƶ I have been an orientation leader and class mentor; the president of the Black Student Union; the office assistant for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and International Student Services; a production director for the ��������Ƶ Programming Board; participated in an Alternative Spring Break Trip to Belize; and I am currently on the President’s Task Force for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.


What are Your Plans for Your Future Career?


In the future, I plan on becoming a sports medicine physician either practicing in an orthopedic outpatient facility or working with athletics.