Angela Ellis's, DO '25, journey to medicine is rooted in a lifelong fascination with science and a formative experience living in Guatemala for two years during high school, where she saw firsthand the profound healthcare disparities faced by many communities.
“That experience made me want to help bridge those gaps—especially as someone from a Latino background who understands how meaningful it is to have a caregiver who truly sees and advocates for you,” said Ellis, who is half Peruvian. Her motivation is further fueled by the opportunity to support patients during their most vulnerable moments, offering not just medical care but also compassion and advocacy when they need it most.
Choosing PCOM's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program was a deliberate choice for Ellis, who sought a medical school that aligned with
her values and allowed her to remain close to her Maryland home. PCOM's mission to educate health professionals in holistic care resonated strongly, as did the institution's support for military medical students—a
crucial decision factor for Ellis as a recipient of the Navy's Health Professions Scholarship Program.
“PCOM represents opportunity, community, and purpose,” she said. “It's a place where
I can grow not only as a future physician but also as a compassionate leader who serves
with empathy and cultural humility.”
During her time at PCOM, Ellis was actively involved in the Latino Medical Student Association, the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, and PCOM Hearts.
Her journey through medical school was not without significant personal challenges. At the end of her second year, she was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, she remained on track with her studies, completing didactics and board exams, and starting clinical rotations. This period, she says, taught her the true meaning of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.
Her family is a continual source of inspiration. Her mother, who emigrated from Peru at age 18, and her father, who pursued law school and a new career after two decades as a police officer, are models of ambition and perseverance. Her brothers “inspire me with their creativity and courage, while my friends motivate me every day to push myself further, live in the moment, and enjoy life,” she said.
Ellis will begin an internal medicine residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego, with aspirations to pursue a fellowship in hematology/oncology. She is honored by the opportunity to care for service members, veterans, and their families.
To those following in her footsteps, Ellis offers this advice: “Never underestimate the power of resilience and adaptability. Life, and especially medical school, will throw challenges your way—some expected, others completely unexpected. The key is to remember why you started and stay focused on your end goal, even when the road feels overwhelming.”
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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Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell: 717-371-0609
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