VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2020

M embers of the VCOM-Auburn student that best represented the principles of leadership, community service, dedication and professionalism. Caitlin Marshall, a member of the class of 2021, was selected to represent VCOM-Auburn as student DO of the year. “It means so much to me to be nominated by peers and to be able to represent my class and my school, which I love so much,” said Marshall. “I feel very proud to be a VCOM- Auburn student and I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given,” Marshall added. Marshall was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and wanted to become a physician at a young age. According to Marshall, many families in her neighborhood were uninsured. “Seeing my friends and their families struggle to get medical care for chronic diseases was a big factor in my decision to pursue medicine,” said Marshall. Marshall said that she “discovered” osteopathic medicine when she was learning more about healthcare. Marshall said that she felt that becoming a DO would give her the greatest tools to help patients. Marshall said that one of her most interesting life experiences in medicine was a six-week hospital internship at a maternity ward in a district hospital in Kisii, Kenya. This experience, along with other related experiences, brought her to decide upon pursuing a career in the OB-GYN field. Marshall said that throughout her academic pursuits, she has had some wonderful mentors. One, Dr. Duke Duncan, taught Marshall the importance of humility and working tirelessly to improve the lives of others. VCOM-AUBURN Student DO of the Year Student DO of the Year Committee announced their selection of a

Marshall said that she has enjoyed the supportive, family environment at VCOM and that she has made some wonderful friends during her studies. As a student, she has served as campus chapter president of the American College of Osteopathic

Caitlin Marshall Class of 2021

Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) and as a student research team leader. Her research project, with OB-GYN Co-chairs R. Kraig Smith, MD, and Kenneth Harris, MD, was recently published in the Journal of Medical Education. Additionally, Marshall has been on two international medical mission trips while at VCOM, along with an international clinical rotation. Marshall said that she has no specific plans about where she hopes to eventually practice, but she is certain that she wants to serve a medically underserved area. “I think it would be very rewarding to care for women in a small-town setting, but I am open to whatever ends up being the best fit for my family and me,” said Marshall.

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