When Kaylyn Branton (DO '28), began her first year at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), she couldn't have imagined that just a year later she'd be walking the same campus with her younger sister, Megan (DO '29). For the Branton sisters, medicine isn't just a calling – it's a family tradition.
Their father and PCOM alum, Robert Branton, DO '93, and mother, Dr. Lorraine Jarrah co-founded a primary care practice in Salisbury, Maryland. Growing up, Kaylyn and Megan spent many afternoons in the office, answering phones and filing records while watching their parents' unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional patient care.
“I loved seeing the close relationships my parents had and how much of an impact they made,” Megan said. “Being immersed in health care at such a young age sparked my fascination with science and medicine.”
For Kaylyn, the path became clear after their father's diagnosis with a rare bone marrow cancer. “That curiosity grew into a deeper love of physiology and medicine,” she shared. “Over time, it became so ingrained in my identity that I can't imagine a future where I do anything else.”
Last month, Megan received her white coat—an especially meaningful moment for both sisters, and for their father as he battles lymphoma. “I was so proud to see Megan at her white coat ceremony,” Kaylyn said. “It felt like a full-circle moment, especially for my dad, who is proud to see us both carrying on his legacy.”
Though their schedules don't always line up, the sisters make time for courtyard lunches, swapping study tips, and celebrating each other's milestones. Kaylyn, a PASS mentor, often shares advice with Megan's class and tutors anatomy – where Megan will soon begin her lab sessions.
“I am beyond lucky to have my sister here,” Megan said. “Having someone who completely understands makes the stress so much easier to handle.”
Both sisters have been inspired by their father’s health journey and are drawn to hematology/oncology, though Kaylyn is also considering internal medicine. As for whether they will one day run their parents' practice together, Kaylyn said, “There would be challenges, of course, but there's truly no one I'd trust more to care for my future patients.”
For now, the Branton sisters are focused on their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program coursework and supporting each other through the demanding journey of medical school – side by side at PCOM.
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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Ally Wengel
Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: allywe@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6325
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