Avini Sharma, MS/Biomed ’22 (DO ’26), graduated from the PCOM Georgia Biomedical Sciences program in the spring of 2022 and was accepted into the Osteopathic Medicine program class of 2026.
She said she chose to attend PCOM Georgia due to its reputation. “I had heard wonderful things about the school from people I met around the metro Atlanta area. I also knew osteopathic medicine has a very specific message,” she said.
“I knew it would allow me to use the experience I have working in behavioral health hospitals. I knew the Biomedical Sciences program would prepare me to be a better student, and the DO program would shape me into a lifelong learner.”
While a student in the Biomedical Sciences program, Sharma completed a graduate thesis with the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She also attended the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she gave an oral presentation. Sharma served as a judge for the Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair which she called a “full-circle moment.”
Viewing osteopathic medicine as a way to fuse her Indian heritage and culture with
her identity as an American, she said, “I chose osteopathic medicine because I grew
up in a family that values alternative medicine. From turmeric face masks to ginger
and cloves, spices have always been a way of life for me,” she said.
From a very young age, Sharma’s father, who leads a research laboratory, instilled in her a love of meditation and science. She recalls that he would ask her to read research papers to him while on car trips. “I grew up loving science and being passionate about reading,” she said.
She also admires her mother. “She is such a strong woman and she continues to inspire me to reach my full potential,” Sharma said. “She has never stopped pushing herself and I see that in her even to this day.”
Diagnosed with asthma as a child, Sharma remembers multiple hospital visits. “My doctors
always listened to me and made me feel welcome,” she said. “I chose a career in medicine
because I want to provide care to underserved populations, not only medical care,
but also mental health and holistic care such as nutrition education and meditation/yoga
classes,” she said.
Prior to earning a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, Sharma graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She holds a black belt in karate, enjoys parasailing and “loves” The Food Network.
She advises biomedical sciences students coming behind her to “never ever give up.”
“Never let anyone dull your shine. Celebrate all your wins, no matter how small you may think they are. Little girls with dreams become women of vision.”
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