Growing up, Anna Beth and Sarah Kate Boyette saw firsthand the need for more healthcare
providers in rural areas.
“I grew up realizing that there was a serious healthcare worker shortage,” Sarah Kate said. “Seeing a doctor meant you had to travel at least 20 miles in any direction. As I got older, I saw many friends and family members not getting the quality care they needed. I felt as though the healthcare system was failing the people I loved. I wanted to be the change that South Georgia residents need.”
The twin sisters chose to enroll in PCOM South Georgia's Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program as a way to prepare them for medical school and their ultimate dream of becoming osteopathic physicians working together in rural and underserved areas.
“I chose this program because I was looking for a graduate level program that would ultimately prepare me for medical school,” Anna Beth said. “This program was perfect for that very reason and because I sat in class with the student doctors and learned a lot of the same material they were learning. It challenged me to know the content to the degree that the student doctors knew it. Looking back, I'm very proud of myself for being able to handle the rigor of these classes.”
The Boyettes grew up in Bristol, Georgia, and graduated from Appling County High School in 2016. They both earned a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Valdosta State University before enrolling at PCOM South Georgia.
“After starting my journey here, I realized that PCOM South Georgia is the only place where I'd want to get my medical education,” Anna Beth said. “Osteopathic medicine has become so special to me, as well as my school's mission to serve the underserved communities. Nothing would thrill me more than to live out my school's mission of bringing quality and holistic healthcare to rural areas.”
While students, the sisters have been very active on campus. Anna Beth served as a student ambassador and treasurer of the Association of Women Surgeons. Sarah Kate served as a student ambassador, a social media assistant for the marketing department and vice president for the Association of Women Surgeons.
“I think the most meaningful experience I've had here is pursuing a concentration in population and public health leadership,” Sarah Kate said. “Not only have I learned so much and explored topics such as rural medicine, but I have made friends from all over the country, and even Canada. I've even had the pleasure of meeting two of my online friends in person and touring them around my school. That was such a surreal experience – seeing people I've only ever known online in person.”
The sisters say they inspire each other.
“My twin sister, Sarah Kate, inspires me,” Anna Beth said. “No matter what we are going through, she always makes every day feel special. She finds joy in the little things as well as the big things. She always sees the positive in every situation and is able to push through hard times coming out wiser and better equipped to handle the next obstacle. Also, she always makes sure we are fed by cooking super elaborate meals when I just want chicken tenders. We talk about everything, hold each other accountable and help each other study. I could not do life without her.”
Sarah Kate said, “My older sister, Anna Beth inspires me. She is the most hard-working, self-motivated person I have ever met. She pushes me to be better every day. I really can't talk about my achievements without first saying, ‘I could not have done it without the help of my sister.’ She never doubts her abilities nor does she doubt mine. She has an insane amount of academic confidence, which I envy endlessly. When she sets her mind to something, she always achieves it without fail. I am constantly mind blown by her talents and abilities to succeed.”
As the twins get ready to receive their master's degrees, Sarah Kate offers some advice for those considering the same program.
“The biomedical sciences program will challenge you, but it is 100 percent worth it,” she said. “The growth I have experienced within the past two years is remarkable, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I feel as though this program has really prepared me with the tools it takes to be successful in the DO program.”
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