In episode four, season two of The D.O. Pulse Podcast, the spotlight turned to how students at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine are living out the school’s mission of community service, hands-on education, and research innovation. From the heart of Florida to national medical research conferences, Burrell students are not only learning medicine—they’re shaping its future.
Empowering Adults with Disabilities at Promise in Brevard
Burrell students at the Florida campus are partnering with Promise in Brevard, a residential community that supports adults with disabilities, to deliver essential life skills and health education. According to Patty Knowles, Director of Resident Services, the collaboration has created meaningful learning experiences for both residents and future doctors.
“Students come in and help teach everything from CPR and nutrition to independent living skills. This community doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, and these medical students are changing that,” Knowles shared while guiding the podcast through the Promise campus.
The students’ involvement—teaching classes, supporting residents, and facilitating community connection—embodies Burrell’s “Mission Medicine” model. They are learning first-hand how to treat not just conditions, but people, with empathy and respect.
Training the Next Generation of Doctors in Brevard County
The episode also featured an interview with Dr. Amit Sharma, Regional Academic Dean at the Florida campus. Dr. Sharma played a pivotal role in establishing Burrell’s presence in Brevard County, a region historically underserved in medical education.
“This county lacked any medical education infrastructure. Partnering with Florida Tech and local hospitals was a natural fit, and now our students are filling real physician gaps,” he explained.
Dr. Sharma emphasized that training students locally improves retention, as students are more likely to stay and practice in the communities where they study. He also stressed the importance of compassion and service: “Be kind and compassionate. That’s the key to not only enjoying a career in medicine but avoiding burnout.”
Research That Makes a Difference
Fourth-year student doctor Love Opoku Afrifa’s research project exemplifies Burrell’s academic rigor and real-world application. Her work focuses on a dual-pathogen test that simplifies reproductive health screenings.
“It started as a summer project, and it turned into something that’s earned national awards,” Opoku Afrifa explained. Her research has won recognition at multiple conferences, including OMED and the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
She emphasized how the project aligns with Burrell’s unique research opportunities. “Most schools don’t let you do this kind of bench work. At Burrell, I got to lead it.” Her goal now is to develop the diagnostic into a bedside tool for physicians.
Shaping a Healthier Future
Whether they’re teaching seizure response protocols in a community center or presenting breakthrough pathogen testing at national medical forums, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine students are learning to lead by example.
Through partnerships, mentorship, and innovation, they are not only becoming physicians—they’re becoming changemakers.
To learn more about Mission Medicine or admissions, visit burrell.edu/explore
