Student Dr. Bethany Harting is the Campbell University 2024 Student Doctor of the Year (SDOY).
Harting, who plans to graduate in 2025, “continues to exemplify the values of not only a top-quality physician, but also a future Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine graduate,” the SDOY Committee wrote.
Harting, who grew up in rural Kentucky, said she was surprised by the honor.
“Being selected as Student Doctor of the Year is an achievement I didn’t see coming,” she said.
Her first year at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Medicine (CUSOM) was challenging, she said. But she persevered, leaning on family and faith.
Harting is a graduate of Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky, where she earned a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies, combining her passion for the sciences with missional leadership courses from the Christian ministries department.
“I have always loved medicine and felt called to be a physician, but in my first year of medical school I struggled. On several occasions I remember calling my mom, crying, afraid that I might end up failing a class. Despite the rough waters I encountered at the start, the Lord sustained me.”
Harting began to excel during her research year, and that continued during her clinical rotations, garnering myriad honors and accolades.
For example, she was the only student on a panel of experts — from around the world — in the field of dextrose prolotherapy as part of the International Association of Regenerative Therapies Research Symposium. Harting also helped instruct and train students and physicians during Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine workshops across the country, and she and a fellow researcher, Sarah Fox, won first place for original research at the American Academy of Osteopathy National Convocation last year in Colorado.
“Bethany’s academic record reflects her commitment to excellence and passion for scientific inquiry,” wrote Dr. Tom Motyka, chair and associate professor Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at CUSOM.
“She has consistently excelled in her coursework, maintaining a high GPA while balancing the demands of her extensive research projects and numerous leadership roles. Her intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn drive her to seek new challenges and opportunities for growth, further enhancing her capabilities as a researcher and a future physician.”
Said, Dr. Robert Agnello, Family Medicine assistant professor at the med school: “Bethany’s character reflects the highest ideals of the osteopathic profession. Her integrity, strong work ethic, and collaborative spirit are as noteworthy as her academic accomplishments. Through her research and clinical activities, Bethany exemplifies the philosophy and practice of holistic, patient-centered care.”
The Student Doctor of the Year Award, is presented annually by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents — a council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine — to outstanding students who demonstrated excellence in service to their medical school, leadership and research experiences and dedication to the osteopathic profession.
Each school or college of Osteopathic Medicine selects a school student doctor of the year, and these school winners go on to compete for the national award.
“I am so blessed by all the opportunities CUSOM has provided me and the many people that have supported me along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them,” she says.
“This award encourages me to keep bettering myself so that I can be the best physician possible for my future patients. A physician who listens, meets them where they are at, and will fight alongside them as they find healing.”
“Bethany, “Agnello said, “is not just a student of medicine but a global health leader in the making. Her actions reflect a deep-seated passion for serving humanity across borders,” .