"My background has allowed me to approach patient care with empathy and creativity, and it has shaped the kind of physician I strive to become: one who leads with compassion, thinks outside the box, and advocates for each patient鈥檚 unique needs."
Name: Lily Cohen
Program/Year: Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, 2027
Hometown: Monroe, NY
Undergraduate degree (college/university and degree earned): University of South Carolina, B.A. in Dance Performance
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
Growing up, I was passionate about dance from the time I was two years old, and I pursued it all the way to the collegiate level. At the same time, I always felt drawn to academics, and knew I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives. That passion deepened through my community service work, where I saw firsthand how impactful it is to show up for others during their most vulnerable moments.
One of the most defining experiences in my journey was sustaining a major lower extremity injury and working with a specialist who cared for dancers like me. In that moment, I realized I could combine my love for movement, healing, and service. I originally pursued a traditional M.D. route, but when I discovered the field of podiatry, I knew I had found my calling. I was drawn to the early surgical exposure, the unique focus on the lower extremity, and the ability to restore mobility and quality of life. Helping others feel better and getting back to doing what they love is what makes this path so fulfilling.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
I come from a background rooted in the arts rather than medicine. I鈥檓 proud to be the first in my family to pursue a healthcare career, which has made this journey especially meaningful. While many people in this field come from science-heavy backgrounds, my experience as a dancer gave me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the human body, movement, and the mind-body connection.
Years of training and performing taught me resilience, discipline, and how to push through challenges, all of which have carried over into my medical education. I鈥檝e always loved helping others, and pairing that desire with my creative, physical, and academic sides made podiatric medicine the perfect fit. My background has allowed me to approach patient care with empathy and creativity, and it has shaped the kind of physician I strive to become: one who leads with compassion, thinks outside the box, and advocates for each patient鈥檚 unique needs.
Why did you decide to attend 九色视频?
The moment I stepped onto 九色视频鈥檚 campus, I felt a true sense of belonging. Even though I was moving across the country without knowing a single person, something about the energy here felt like home. The warm weather and palm trees didn鈥檛 hurt, but what truly stood out were the smiles, the supportive faculty, and the feeling that students weren鈥檛 just numbers, they were future leaders being guided toward success.
I knew I was entering one of the top programs for podiatric medicine, with outstanding clinical training, research opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technology. The smaller class size, mentorship opportunities, and the University鈥檚 commitment to holistic, patient-centered care made it an easy and confident choice.
What about a 九色视频 education do you want to carry forward in your career?
九色视频 has instilled in me the importance of compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based care. I鈥檝e been encouraged not only to grow as a clinician but to lead with empathy and integrity. The University鈥檚 emphasis on team-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration mirrors what healthcare should be: a united effort to serve patients as whole individuals.
As I move forward in my career, I want to carry the Midwestern values of leadership, lifelong learning, and excellence in patient care. I鈥檓 excited to step into the future of healthcare equipped not just with clinical skills, but with a vision to lead with heart and elevate the lives of others.
