A New Coat to Mark a New Beginning
Ana Elizabeth Juarez’s Journey From Caregiver to Future Physician
July 31, 2026
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 20-year-old Ana Elizabeth Juarez (DO '30) stepped into the role of caregiver for her five-year old sister and 82-year-old great-grandmother, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. While physically and emotionally challenging at times, caring for her family during the pandemic strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in medicine.
“Looking back, those times were really tough,” she said. “Caring for my great-grandmother made me realize how deeply I want to help people suffering from illnesses that can’t always be cured.”
Seven years later, Juarez is transitioning from a caretaker to a future physician as she receives her white coat at PCOM Georgia’s annual ceremony on August 7.
After earning her undergraduate degrees in biomedical sciences and psychology, as well as a master's in medical sciences at the University of South Florida, Juarez took a few gap years to explore different medical programs. She was ultimately drawn to PCOM Georgia because she felt a strong sense of community and support during her interview process.
“I’m not used to having so much scholastic support; usually, I'm the one helping others,” she said. “At PCOM, I’m starting to learn that they truly take care of you so you can focus on taking care of others.”
In addition to receiving her white coat, Juarez has another accomplishment in her pocket. She has been named a 2026 Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar, which will help connect her with new opportunities and resources.
As she steps forward as a first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) student, she says the white coat is both a symbol of trust and responsibility.
“It's a symbol of trust because it represents the faith placed in me by patients and the community, allowing me to serve them through their best and worst moments of their lives. It's a symbol of responsibility because it represents the duty I have to use my knowledge to diagnose and treat my patients, while also recognizing the need to offer emotional and social support to them and their families.”
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About PCOM Georgia
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.
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