During PCOM South Georgia’s annual awards dinner on May 15, Katherine “Katie” Bombly received the Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal. Named for one of the founders of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, this is the highest award presented to a graduating doctor of osteopathic medicine student on each PCOM campus.

The recipient must have demonstrated exceptional service to the community, the college and the osteopathic profession. Recipients are selected from across the college community.

Bombly was surprised when she learned that she would receive the award.

“I was shocked just because to receive an award for the things that you just do, and I think we should be doing as physicians, it's an honor,” she said. “I am deeply humbled to receive this award, but I couldn't have achieved it without the support and collaboration of my classmates and mentors. This recognition belongs to all of us.”

Before enrolling in medical school, she was a nurse practitioner in vascular surgery in Jacksonville, Florida. During the last year of her doctorate in nursing program, she completed a rotation with a vascular surgeon, Dr. Danny Vo.

“I ended up spending the whole year working with him and learning vascular surgery,” Bombly said. “I knew before I graduated that I wanted to become a surgeon.”

In 2018, she graduated with her doctor of nursing practice from the University of North Florida and began a career as a nurse practitioner in vascular surgery.

"I really appreciate that vascular surgery allows you to see patients both in and out of the hospital," Bombly said. "It offers the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients. I enjoy working with patients and empowering them because many vascular conditions and complications are linked to lifestyle choices. We get to educate our patients extensively, and even if surgery is necessary, we still have the chance to be a resource in helping them achieve their healthcare goals."

On May 16, 2024, Bombly graduated with her second doctorate – the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree – from PCOM South Georgia.

"I always knew I wanted to be a physician," she said. "I eventually discovered my true passion in the specialty of vascular surgery. When I began nurse practitioner school, I wasn't entirely sure of my path. I loved aspects of both the medical and nursing models of patient care. Ultimately, becoming a physician was my goal, though my journey to get there was a bit unconventional."

Bombly believes her experiences will also make her a better doctor.

"The expertise I've gained from disciplines beyond medicine will only enhance my abilities as a physician," she said. "Having experience in different roles and understanding the perspectives of various team members means I'm not entering residency or healthcare blindly. I understand how many pieces of the puzzle fit together. Being a physician is just one part of the team; no single member is more important than the others. Understanding the roles of all healthcare team members helps us work more efficiently and provide the best possible care for patients."

While working in Jacksonville, Bombly said she often treated patients from South Georgia.

"I was very familiar with the population I would be working with and loved it," she said. "Moultrie has a small-town feel, which resonates with me since I come from a small town myself. I enjoy the sense of treating a family member and participating in community events. It feels like helping a neighbor, and it allows me to truly individualize care to meet each patient's needs."

The daughter of Brenda and Mike Hermanson of Inverness, Florida, and Matthew Bombly of Lecanto, Florida, she grew up in Inverness. Located in Citrus County, the city has a population of about 7,500, according to the 2020 census.

Bombly said enjoyed PCOM South Georgia’s small community feel. As a student, she served as surgery club president and class representative. With her experience as a nurse practitioner, she also volunteered to help her classmates practice their primary care skills. Bombly also organized groups for Service Saturdays that extended beyond campus to include other volunteers who wanted to be involved in community service projects.

Bombly’s passion for vascular surgery expanded outside of South Georgia to include conducting research in collaboration with vascular surgeons at Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University in Atlanta. She has presented her work at the Georgia Vascular Society scientific sessions during her last two years as a medical student.

“I feel that Moultrie and PCOM South Georgia created a really good medium to grow and build upon what I was really interested in – helping patients and community members,” she said.

Bombly’s next step will be a vascular surgery residency in Tampa at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.