"I Started at SUNY Schenectady!"

Nieem Crockett has loved Biology since he was a student at Mont Pleasant Middle School in Schenectady. After taking a “Try On A White Coat” visit to a nearby medical college while he was a Science major at SUNY Schenectady and interacting with the students and professors there, Nieem decided that he wanted to seriously pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. Now, he’s wearing his own white coat as a student in the Osteopathic Medicine program at the University of New England (UNE) in Biddeford, Maine, studying to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

White Coat Ceremony at UNE, September 2024

After graduating from SUNY Schenectady in 2018, you transferred to the University at Albany and earned your Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2020), followed by your Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in (2023). You are now studying for your Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Tell us why you chose to become a doctor and study osteopathy specifically.

“I've always had a deep interest in biology and understanding how the body works, and that passion, along with my experiences growing up in Schenectady, led me to pursue a career in medicine. Access to healthcare was limited in my community, and seeing the impact of those disparities inspired me to study science with the goal of becoming a physician. After I graduate, I hope to return to Schenectady to help tackle those healthcare gaps and serve as a primary care physician in the very community that shaped me.

I chose an Osteopathic Medicine program because of its holistic approach, which emphasizes the connection between the body, mind, and spirit. It’s not just about treating physical symptoms; it also considers the biopsychosocial factors that affect a patient’s health. With this background, I believe I can become a well-rounded physician who helps patients not just with medical concerns, but also with social challenges like food insecurity and poverty—issues that can significantly impact their well-being. Osteopathic medicine is all about seeing the bigger picture of health, and I’m excited to use that perspective to make a difference in people's lives.”

In the Biology Lab at SUNY Schenectady, 2018

When you were a student at SUNY Schenectady, you visited SUNY Upstate Medical University and became inspired. Tell us about that.

“I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to Dr. Lorena Harris, who was the Director of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), and to CSTEP as a whole. During my second year at SUNY Schenectady, we took a trip to SUNY Upstate and for me—being a young guy who hadn’t really seen people who looked like me in medicine—it was a game-changer. Seeing doctors and medical professionals who shared my background was a powerful moment. It gave me a boost of confidence and really reinforced my decision to keep pushing forward on my path to becoming a physician.”

 

What advice would you give to young people interested in pursuing a career in science and medicine?

“I’d tell them to never give up and to always believe in their dreams. Stay persistent, because with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This is especially important for the youth in my community—I know what it’s like to have big dreams and wonder how to make them a reality. I can honestly say there are so many talented young people in Schenectady who are ready to make incredible strides in science and medicine.

As a mentor in the Rise High program for middle school students, I spent weekends helping them with science projects. I remember being in seventh grade, fascinated by cells in my Life Science class, but I didn’t have opportunities outside of school to explore that interest. That’s why Rise High meant so much to me—it gave kids in my community the chance to dive deeper into their passion for science. We introduced them to professionals from different fields, like medicine and meteorology, to show them just how many possibilities were out there. For many of these kids, it was the first time they’d seen someone who looked like them in these careers. We wanted them to see that they too could succeed in science and that their dreams were just as possible as anyone else’s.”

 

How are your classes going at UNE?

“The courses have been both challenging and incredibly fascinating. I’m learning so much about pathology, physiology, and how the body functions. As a student doctor in Osteopathic Medicine, I’m also developing hands-on skills in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). This technique allows medical providers to use their hands to treat somatic dysfunctions of the  muscles and bones, helping to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing process.

What I really love about Osteopathic Medicine is its ability to make a difference in underserved areas—places where there aren’t enough doctors or where patients can’t afford expensive treatments. With OMM, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine can treat things like pain and breathing difficulties without relying on costly medications or surgery. It’s a way to provide quality care that’s accessible to everyone. UNE has done a fantastic job of showing me how I can apply these osteopathic principles to better serve my future patients.”

Nieem Crockett ’18 with his Mother, Firlina Crockett. Sadly, Firlina passed away in December 2024. She is shown with Nieem at his White Coat Ceremony in Portland, Maine, at the Merrill Auditorium on September 7, 2024.

What does your family think about having a future doctor in the family?

“My Mom has always been my biggest supporter. At my white coat ceremony, I could hear her cheering for me from the stands, and it gave me such a rush of pride. She’s been in my corner from the start—back when I was just an undergrad nervously telling her I wanted to go into medicine. From that moment on, she’s been there through all the late-night study sessions, the tough moments, and the victories. The White Coat Ceremony is a major milestone for Med students, marking our official welcome into the medical field. It’s when we get our first white coat—symbolizing our dedication to professionalism, compassion, and patient care. We also recited the Osteopathic Medicine Oath, pledging to practice with integrity and honor the dignity of every patient we serve.

It’s also incredibly meaningful to my Mother. I’m the first to graduate college and pursue higher education, so this isn’t just my accomplishment—it’s ours. It represents the sacrifices my Mom made and the belief she’s had in me every step of the way. I truly wouldn’t be here without her unwavering support.”