Two Mothers Share the Mission of Medical School

August 5, 2026

For first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students, Kanisha Hobgood (DO '30) and Simoine Kenya (DO '30), the COVID-19 pandemic propelled their medical school journeys.

Hobgood was working as a registered nurse while Kenya balanced two jobs, one at a medical clinic and another at a retail store. Though they never crossed paths during the pandemic, both say that period deepened their commitment to becoming physicians and strengthening access to care in their communities.

Hobgood graduated from Colquitt County High School in 2012 before earning her associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing from Albany State University. She attended school at night while raising her children during the day.

“Working during COVID really opened my eyes to the needs of the healthcare system,” Hobgood said. “Seeing the challenges hospitals and healthcare workers faced made me want to contribute, help the aging population, and make things better.”

For Kenya, working at a local medical clinic ultimately led her to pursue a vocation of service. “I saw patients unable to schedule appointments because of unpaid balances, or they were unable to afford medications and other healthcare needs. I often helped cover those costs myself,” Kenya said.

This experience inspired her to create “The Healthcare Plug,” an organization that improves health literacy and reduces barriers to care.

Both women were soon drawn to PCOM South Georgia for its supportive environment. Hobgood said the school had long been on her radar, while Kenya said she found the College through recommendations from former students.

“When the school was first built, my mom worked there part-time as a janitor,” said Hobgood. “She brought home a cup with the PCOM logo on it and highlighters for me and told me I should apply.”

Now classmates and close friends, they will stand together with their families as they put on the white coat for the first time at the College’s annual ceremony on August 7—a moment both women once saw from afar.

“I can't imagine how we’re going to feel when they put that white coat on,” Kenya said. “I've always seen this from the outside, like I was pressed against the glass. Now I'll finally be on the other side.”

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