At 20 years old, Alabama A&M biology graduate Khalea Avery is moving forward on her path to medicine. After earning her degree in May, she entered medical school in July at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)–Auburn. Avery credits her preparation to Alabama A&M University and the Meharry BS/MD Program, a summer enrichment initiative at Meharry Medical College that provides students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with intensive academic training, MCAT preparation, and hands-on medical skill development. Avery completed the program in 2023, and this summer, 14 AAMU students participated – the largest group from any institution.

 “The program introduced me to the different sections of the MCAT and highlighted coursework areas I should focus on to excel on the exam,” Avery explained. “I learned how to approach my coursework in a way that not only prepared me for the MCAT, but also helped me digest information in a manner that will serve me well in medical school.”

Auburn is one of four VCOM campuses, each with unique missions but a shared commitment to preparing physicians to serve underserved and minority communities. For Avery, that mission was the deciding factor in her choice. “I chose VCOM–Auburn because its mission aligns with my goal of serving those in need,” she said. “I was drawn to its patient-centered curriculum, which emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. This ‘whole-person’ approach is especially important in the communities I aspire to serve, where environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors often play a role in health outcomes.”

While she still has time to explore different specialties, Avery is currently interested in oncology, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology.

During her time at Alabama A&M, Avery embraced opportunities that extended beyond the classroom. She is a member of the Delta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was on the Track and Field Team, served as Vice President of the University Echo Student Ambassadors, and was a member of the Honors Program, Biology Club, Student Government Association, Collegiate 100, and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team. She also gained valuable experience through internships and research at Alabama A&M, the University of Pennsylvania, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Cleveland Clinic.

Avery entered AAMU with dual-enrollment credits and graduated a year early, prepared to step directly into medical school. She said her time at the University gave her not only the academic foundation for her medical journey but also the confidence to pursue it. “The biggest lesson I carry with me from AAMU is to always put myself out there. Imposter syndrome is real, but I’ve learned that you miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t pursue. Taking chances, even when I doubted myself, has brought me to where I am today.”

Looking back, Avery says her choice to attend Alabama A&M was the best decision she could have made. “As a first-generation student, I wasn’t sure what to expect from college. I knew I wanted to attend an HBCU in the South, run track, study biology, and be a Presidential Scholar. Alabama A&M checked all those boxes, but once I matriculated, I realized it was truly home. In many ways, AAMU chose me. Alabama A&M gave me the tools, the opportunities, and the support to reach this point, and it will always be part of who I am.”