Hufsa Kalim spent several years working in the nonprofit sector in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, before she decided to pursue a career in medicine. On May 15, she will take that first step toward her goal when she graduates from PCOM South Georgia with a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree.
From 2019 through 2024, she served as the Executive Director of Project Downtown Jacksonville, supporting underserved communities through initiatives that provided food, clothing, and healthcare. This experience fueled her passion for community-centered medicine and understanding health disparities, inspiring her to pursue biomedical sciences as a foundation for medical school.
“My experience working with Project Downtown Jacksonville was a major influence on my path toward biomedical sciences and medicine,” she said. “Through my work with unhoused and underserved communities, I saw how social factors and the lack of access to care can deeply impact health outcomes. I wanted to move from addressing immediate needs like food and hygiene to understanding the science behind health disparities and contribute to long-term solutions. That's what inspired me to pursue biomedical sciences as a foundation for medical school.”
First, she needed a starting point on her medical education journey.
“I chose PCOM South Georgia and enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences program because of its close-knit, mission-driven environment and its emphasis on serving rural and underserved communities,” Kalim said. “With my passion for health equity and background in community outreach, I knew PCOM South Georgia would prepare me both academically and personally for a career in medicine. The program's hands-on, mentorship-focused approach has already given me the foundation to grow as both a student and a future physician committed to meaningful service.”
She plans to use that background to further her studies in medical school.
“In the future, I see myself working as a physician in a community setting where I can provide primary care to underserved populations,” Kalim said. “I hope to address access barriers to health care through patient education, continuity of care and culturally competent practice. My goal is to be a dependable, knowledgeable provider who improves access and outcomes for the communities I serve.”
While at PCOM South Georgia, Kalim continued her commitment to community service. She helped establish the new student organization Breaking Barriers, which supports individuals with disabilities through mentorship inclusive service events. She also volunteered with the Nutrition in Medicine Club at the Boys and Girls Club, promoting healthy habits and lifestyle education for youth. Kalim helped assemble hygiene kits for an overseas mission trip abroad in partnership with a local physician, which was organized by a fellow PCOM student. She also volunteered with other PCOM students in free blood pressure screenings and other community health events, directly engaging with local patients to promote preventive care.
“My parents inspire me the most,” Kalim said. “As immigrants, they moved to this country at a young age and made countless sacrifices to prioritize education and create opportunities for me. Their unwavering support and belief in my journey to medical school have shaped my values, resilience and determination to succeed.”
In 2019, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a premier osteopathic medical school established in 1899, extended its commitment to the Southeast by establishing PCOM South Georgia. An additional teaching location in Moultrie, Georgia, PCOM South Georgia offers both a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. PCOM is a private, not-for-profit institution that trains professionals in the health and behavioral sciences fields. Joining PCOM Georgia in Suwanee in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state, PCOM South Georgia focuses on educating physicians for the region. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 229-668-3110.
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