Medical student Joyce Daniel Suarez (DO '26) shares how PCOM's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program is preparing him for a career as a skillful orthopedic surgeon and compassionate healthcare provider.
Suarez's passion for medicine was ignited by a high school teacher who encouraged him to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). This set the stage for a journey filled with a love for health care and the adrenaline that comes with it.
Suarez pursued a career in behavioral neuroscience in undergraduate school. However, it wasn't until 2015 when an internship in Brazil reshaped his trajectory. This experience exposed him to research, reigniting a deep-seated passion for clinical care.
Suarez chose to pursue a DO degree because of its focus on a holistic approach to patient care.
“I chose the osteopathic route because having the background in public health, one of the things that we know is how important the holistic approach in treating patients is,” he explained.
This holistic perspective serves as a guiding principle as he embarks on a career in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic surgery, Suarez believes, offers a unique blend of progressive and conservative treatment approaches for his patients. Armed with the ability to diagnose and treat patients with their hands, Suarez feels empowered to treat patients through a variety of methods.
Suarez said he appreciates the level of expertise found in PCOM's OMM Department.
“We have faculty members here that are recognized as national leaders in osteopathic medicine,” he said. “All of them are so knowledgeable at what they do.”
PCOM's faculty bring a wealth of knowledge to medical education and patient care. According to Suarez, he draws inspiration from the experienced teaching faculty, emphasizing that he has never had a question about osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) that a professor could not answer.
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