UPIKE student and alumni feature: Olivia Boyette

University of Pikeville issued the following announcement on Sept. 21.

Olivia Boyette never imagined she would be preparing to become a doctor. Her journey has been propelled by supportive faculty, perseverance and her own confidence to pursue a passion.

Before graduating from Betsy Layne High School in Stanville, Ky., Boyette visited several Kentucky colleges and universities but only UPIKE had the same family atmosphere and personalized attention she had experienced throughout high school.

“I was used to having one-on-one attention from my teachers, and UPIKE really reflected that for me,” said Boyette.

After deciding to pursue her undergraduate education at UPIKE, she quickly immersed herself in all that the university had to offer. She was a cheerleader, spent time as a work-study student in the admissions office and even worked full-time as a scribe at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) while taking a full course load.

Boyette was, for the most part, indecisive about her future. She lacked a “feeling of passion” for careers she was considering at the time. However, after a weightlifting injury, Boyette sought care at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Clinic. She quickly experienced vast improvement in her mobility and was inspired by the impact OMT had on her well-being.

“The osteopathic manipulation treatment experience I had as an undergraduate cheerleader won me over,” said Boyette. “From then on, I knew I wanted to become a doctor.”

The holistic approach she received gave her the confidence to pursue a career as an osteopathic physician.

After being accepted into KYCOM’s class of 2021, Boyette knew that coming to UPIKE as an undergraduate student was one of the best decisions she could have made for her future. She expressed that current students should feel confident in the education they receive.

“Students should know that UPIKE is preparing them well,” said Boyette. “Before I knew I was interested in pursuing my medical degree, UPIKE prepared me for graduate-level education. Every class I’ve had has pushed me forward to succeed in medical school.”

Original source: https://www.upike.edu/News/Campus/UPIKE-Student-and-Alumni-Feature-Olivia-Boyette