TIFT COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Almost 100 students received their white coats Friday, Aug. 7, at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s annual ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. It marked the beginning of students’ official entrance into the osteopathic medical profession.

Among those receiving a white coat was Kanisha Hobgood, a nurse with nearly six years of experience at Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele. Growing up, she said she always had a desire to pursue medicine.

Hobgood is on her way to becoming the first person in her family with a medical background and the first to become a doctor.

“I knew I wanted to be someone that patients could trust, and so, that’s what really drove me into pursuing medicine,” Hobgood said.

Growing up, she knew she always wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Witnessing people not go to the doctor out of fear or distrust added to her desire.

She graduated from nursing school during the COVID-19 pandemic. From there, she was exposed to healthcare on a new level.

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