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Cleveland native Imani Sellers' interest in medicine sparked because of her grandparents, but she also wanted to make a difference in underserved communities and diversify medicine. The Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate, who received a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from 黑料视频 and a master's in anatomy from Case Western Reserve University, has matched in family medicine at Ohio Health Dublin Methodist Hospital.

What are you most excited about as you take your next step in your career?

I'm most excited to finally being able to fully immerse myself in family medicine- building lasting relationships with my own patients and their families, applying what I鈥檝e learned to care for the Columbus community, and eventually bringing that knowledge back to serve my Cleveland community. I also look forward to mentoring students with similar backgrounds as myself, just as others have poured into me, so they too can thrive and reach their full potential.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

If I could go back and give myself advice, I鈥檇 remind myself that this medical journey is a marathon, not a sprint. My path is uniquely mine, so there鈥檚 no need to compare it to anyone else鈥檚. Every delay or setback I faced had purpose, it was preparing me for what鈥檚 next. Trust the process, because even when things feel delayed, it doesn鈥檛 mean you鈥檝e been denied.

What led you to a career in medicine?

My journey toward medicine started with my grandparents, who were my biggest supporters and saw something in me before I could see it in myself. As the first grandchild, I was always surrounded by love and encouragement, and they would tell me every day how proud they were and how I鈥檇 be the first doctor in the family. It was their health struggles that first sparked my interest in medicine. I鈥檇 go with them to doctor鈥檚 appointments, ask tons of questions while they'd laugh at my mispronouncing their medications, it was all fascinating. My grandfather would even let me give him his insulin shots. I spent hours watching medical shows, even though my grandmother couldn鈥檛 stand the sight of blood. They had so much belief in me, and it inspired me to pursue this path. Over time, my desire to connect with patients who reminded me of my own family and community became clear. I want to provide the same care and compassion to underserved communities, to people who were a reflection of me, helping to break down barriers and reduce healthcare disparities.

How would you describe your time at the Heritage College?

My time at HCOM has been incredibly meaningful and transformative. I received an outstanding medical education; one I had hoped for ever since my first exposure to HCOM during undergrad at Med Student for a Day. That experience showed me the caliber of training offered here, and I鈥檓 grateful to say it exceeded my expectations. Beyond the classroom, I was able to immerse myself in experiences that aligned with my passions鈥攕erving in leadership through [Student National Medical Association] SNMA, mentoring future physicians with Aspiring D.O.Cs and COMrades, expanding my social medicine knowledge through RUSP and even studying abroad in South Africa. These opportunities not only enriched my medical education but also shaped me personally and professionally. I鈥檓 especially grateful for the support system I found here from the lifelong friendships I鈥檝e built, to the guidance from faculty and mentors.  HCOM truly gave me a space to grow into the physician I鈥檝e always aspired to be.

Looking back on medical school, what were your most important experiences?

Looking back on medical school, two of my most impactful experiences were serving as the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), Cleveland campus president and studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. Helping organize Med Student for a Day was incredibly special to me because that very event is what first introduced me to OUHCOM and osteopathic medicine during my freshman year of college. From there, I joined the Minority Association of Premed Students (MAPS), served on their Eboard, and stayed connected to SNMA and HCOM throughout undergrad. That connection opened doors to opportunities like Summer Scholars and introduced me to mentors who supported me along the way. Being able to give back through SNMA and create that same experience for students who are now in the shoes I once was in meant the world to me.

My time in Cape Town was equally transformative. It broadened my perspective on global health, showing me, how dedicated providers deliver care with limited resources and deep compassion. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the U.S. healthcare system while humbling me to the resilience and heart of the South African people. Outside of medicine, I learned so much from the people and culture of Cape Town. I fully embraced their way of life, and it gave me a strong sense of connection and belonging, making it an experience I鈥檒l carry with me forever.

Tell us about your inspirations in life.

My inspiration in life is deeply rooted in my faith in God and the unwavering love and support of my family. They鈥檝e been my guiding force, encouraging me to push through the toughest times. Also, my passion for medicine stems from a desire to make a difference in underserved communities and break down the barriers that often prevent people, especially those who look like me, from receiving the care they deserve. I also want to help diversify the field of medicine, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM, even when it seems out of reach or they don鈥檛 see people who look like them in those spaces.

Were you involved in research? If so, could you share more about what you worked on?

Yes, I had the opportunity to assist Julia, now Dr. Julia Gaspare-Pruchnicki, with her research project titled "Channeling High School Students Into Medical Careers: The Beginning of a Student Lifecycle in Medicine." The study focused on students in the Aspiring D.O.Ctors Precollege Program and explored their self-efficacy, resilience, and perceived barriers to pursuing STEM careers. We found that while students reported high levels of self-efficacy, their resilience ranged from normal to low, and many identified significant barriers such as financial constraints and time commitment. The goal of the research was to use these insights to help medical schools better tailor pipeline programs that support underrepresented students and encourage them to pursue careers in medicine. It was a rewarding experience to contribute to work that directly aligns with my passion for mentorship and increasing diversity in healthcare.

Who has helped you along the way? Is there anyone you want to recognize?

There have been so many incredible people who have supported me along the way, and I鈥檓 deeply grateful for each of them. My family and friends have always been my foundation, but HCOM also provided an amazing support system. Dr. Rubin has been a constant since my interview day, always in my corner and encouraging me throughout the journey. Brittany Shatteen became my 鈥渟chool mom,鈥� and her leadership in [Physician Diversity Scholars] PDS connected me with one of my greatest mentors, Dr. Kendalle Cobb, whose guidance has been invaluable. Rachel Moore and Shannon Josie were always kind and supportive, helping me grow both personally and professionally. And academically, Ronnette Johnson was my rock during the most challenging times, especially board prep. These are just a few of the many people who have poured into me during my time here, and their support truly reflects the community HCOM builds to help students succeed.

What hobbies do you have?

While I wouldn鈥檛 say I have a ton of hobbies, I truly enjoy spending most of my free time with family and friends. When I do have downtime, you鈥檒l usually find me catching up on my favorite drama series like Grey鈥檚 Anatomy, indulging in reality TV, or rewatching all things Disney (I鈥檓 a proud Disney fanatic!). Now that I have a bit more free time post-Match, I鈥檝e been trying to pick up reading as a new hobby鈥� so far, I鈥檝e bought three books and read exactly zero鈥攂ut it鈥檚 the thought that counts, right?