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VCOM Campus

Sarah Barnhardt

Sarah Barnhardt headshot
Graduates: Class of 2023
Campus: Carolinas
Prior School: Wingate University
Degree: B.S. Biology
Hometown: Rockwell, NC

I heard of VCOM and osteopathic medicine for the first time through my undergraduate academic advisor, and she encouraged me to learn more about it in person. I went to the open house and was blown away by the community of educators, students, and staff. When I left the open house, I knew that VCOM was where I wanted to attend medical school.

Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?

My volunteer experiences have inspired me at the free clinics that VCOM partners with to engage more with my community in a servant role. Seeing the need for more affordable and accessible healthcare has motivated me to continue volunteering during my time in medical school. I also plan to be involved with medical outreach when I am a practicing physician.

How has the VCOM mission-inspired you as a medical student?

The VCOM mission has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and become a more globally-minded person. I have had many opportunities to learn about cultural differences and how those differences relate to healthcare disparities. This has inspired me to be part of the community working to eliminate these disparities.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?

I have wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. I considered other career paths during my time in high school and at my undergraduate university, but I always circled back to being a physician. Working as a scribe in an emergency department is what opened my eyes to the intricacies of medicine and confirmed my passion.

Why did you choose VCOM?

I chose VCOM when I toured the campus during my freshman year of undergrad. I heard of VCOM and osteopathic medicine for the first time through my undergraduate academic advisor, and she encouraged me to learn more about it in person. I went to the open house and was blown away by the community of educators, students, and staff. When I left the open house, I knew that VCOM was where I wanted to attend medical school.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?

Spartanburg is a wonderful place to live because it has the best of a lively downtown and rural areas. There are so many places in the community to be involved in outdoor hobbies. While Spartanburg is an old city with a lot of history, there is a substantial young population that keeps things fun and exciting.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, running, and even fishing. I try to take trips to the beach during my breaks from school as often as I can to do some saltwater fishing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and boyfriend, watching action/adventure movies, and crocheting.

Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?

I am trying to keep an open mind to most specialties, but emergency medicine appeals to me most. My experience as a scribe has played the largest role in this interest as it allowed me to understand the environment and workflow in the ED. I can really see myself enjoying the practice of emergency medicine.