In a world where ordinary people achieve extraordinary things, Darnell Fisher’s story is one of perseverance and overcoming adversity.
Fisher is the first in his family to leave his hometown of Baltimore, the first to go to college, the first to earn a master’s degree, and soon, the first to become a doctor.
Growing up in foster care, Fisher's relationship with his biological family was strained. “I didn’t have the traditional support system that many take for granted, but I found strength in those who created their own paths, the ones who turned pain into purpose … who chose to be more than their circumstances,” he said.
His fascination with health care began with a simple curiosity about how the human body works.
“I’ve always been captivated by biology—how a tiny cell can hold such incredible importance in our lives. What started as a childhood wonder soon matured into a calling: medicine, where science and service intertwine to heal, comfort, and inspire change,” he shared.
Fisher was initially drawn to PCOM Georgia for its holistic approach to medicine and its support for non-traditional students who show great potential. “The first physician I worked with was a PCOM graduate,” he recalls. “His patient-centered approach inspired me to pursue a career rooted in compassion and excellence.”
He chose the Accelerated Biomedical Master’s program for two reasons:
“First, to demonstrate that I am fully capable of handling the academic rigor of medical school, despite having faced challenging life circumstances that impacted my earlier academic performance. It wasn’t a lack of ability, but rather real-life obstacles that made it difficult to achieve my full potential at the time. Secondly, I wanted to prove to myself that those circumstances—not personal inadequacy—were the true barriers. I saw this program as the ideal bridge to medical school, providing both the academic validation and personal growth I needed.”
Throughout Fisher’s time at PCOM Georgia, mentoring became one of his most meaningful activities, especially supporting those who doubt themselves. “Seeing someone I mentored transfer to a university after doubting they could attend community college was incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fisher sees his future rooted in service, education, and transformation.
“I envision a path where I continue to care for patients—not just in an exam room, but also beyond hospital walls—through community efforts, advocacy and innovation. I aspire to be a trusted voice in medicine, breaking down complex health issues into understandable, relatable messages that truly reach people.”
To fellow students, Fisher offers this advice: “Trust your unique path and try not to compare your journey to others. Embrace the challenges as part of your growth, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on the supportive community around you. Everyone at PCOM wants to see you succeed—stay focused, stay humble, and always remember why you started.”
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Joy Deibert
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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