PCOM South Georgia Graduate Returns as Medical Student, Earns Inaugural Memorial Scholarship

August 11, 2026

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Colquitt County, Georgia, Selena Meza (CGS '26, DO '30) watched her rural community struggle as some residents lost their lives.

“I wanted to understand why this was happening instead of just hearing, 'Here's your medicine,'” Meza said. “Watching people depend on a diagnosis and treatment plan strengthened my desire to become a pathologist and give back to rural communities like the one I grew up in.”

But for Meza, the journey to medical school felt like a distant dream as a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrants.

“My parents didn't have the opportunity to complete a traditional education, and they spoke very little English when they came to America,” she said. “Their sacrifices made it possible for me to be where I am today.”

Meza enrolled in PCOM South Georgia's Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) in Biomedical Sciences program, where she attended lectures alongside Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students, providing an early introduction to medical school.

“It was very special that this school is in my backyard, and I didn't have to adjust to a new town,” she said. “People at PCOM South Georgia know me and know my family. It makes me emotional to know how close we all are.”

During her graduate studies, Meza collaborated with Thomas J. Last, PhD, a professor of biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics, on an award-winning research study examining emergency department utilization and mortality rates among Hispanic residents in rural, suburban and urban communities across Georgia.

She also completed a work-study position in the anatomy laboratory, where she first met Shiv Dhiman, MD, a professor of anatomy.

“Dr. Dhiman and I would talk about concerts, and I even showed him how to use Instagram,” Meza said. “He gave me so much advice when I was applying to medical school. It was a stressful time, and he was always willing to help.”

In June, Meza began medical school at PCOM South Georgia, where she became the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Savita Arya Memorial Scholarship, established in honor of the late professor of pathology, who was Dhiman's wife.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Arya completed her residency in pathology and worked at a cancer hospital for nearly 20 years before transitioning to teaching. As a founding faculty member of PCOM South Georgia, she built the school's histopathology research program from the ground up, using samples from the anatomy lab and giving students research opportunities. She passed away in February 2025 after winning many awards for her work.

“Dr. Arya believed in giving students opportunities to learn through research. Pathologists provide the diagnosis that guides treatment. If the diagnosis is incorrect, the treatment will be incorrect. That's why pathology is so important,” Dhiman said of his late wife. “Selena embodies those same values of service, scholarship, and commitment to rural communities, making her a fitting first recipient of this scholarship.”

Although Meza never had the opportunity to meet Arya, she is inspired by the stories of Arya's compassion for students and her passion for pathology.

“She was so caring for her students,” Meza said. “She loved pathology, and I feel like I can relate to her because she is what I aspire to be one day.”

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