Alumna Cayman Martin knew she wanted to attend Paradise Valley Community College when she found a familial atmosphere with a focus on the success and wellness of the students. When Cayman initially enrolled, she planned to attain her Associates degree in science, but the classes intimidated her with material that she had never been exposed to. Soon after, she switched her major to an associate of arts in psychology.
The most memorable course that she took at PVCC was called “Elements of Intercultural Communication”, which covers material such as diversity and cultural differences. It was this course that helped to push her beyond her comfort zone. One of the greatest influences she had in that class was faculty member Sherry Adams. She found additional mentors at PVCC in both Student Life Program Specialist and faculty member Rowdy Duncan and her Advisor Chris Hunt.
“These people played a huge part in my success as a student and really helped guide me through my first years of college. They were very invested in student development and wellness, and I am very grateful to have had them as resources.”
When asked what information she would pass along to incoming students she stated, “College is a lot of fun but also a time to cultivate your interests and decide what you would like to do for the rest of your life. Keep an open mind, get involved in different extracurricular activities, and surround yourself with people who are also motivated to do great things. Ultimately, pursue what you’re passionate about!”
During her senior year at ASU, Cayman was hospitalized with a deep vein thrombosis and serendipitously started working as a scribe in the emergency department (ED) where she was treated. This experience working with ED physicians prompted Cayman to switch majors which meant spending another year completing Organic Chemistry and Physics prerequisites. She returned to PVCC to complete these requirements because she felt “the teaching quality at community colleges is superior to what I experienced at a large university, and I wasn't disappointed. Drs. Bains and Durandet are incredible teachers and were instrumental in my success not only in mastering that coursework, but in succeeding at the MCAT.”
Cayman matriculated at The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in June of 2016. After working in the ED for several years prior to matriculation, she was convinced she’d become an Emergency Medicine physician. However, during her third year Family Medicine clerkship Cayman realized how much she “valued continuity of care with my patients, advocacy, and community involvement.” Cayman matriculated June 2020 into the Phoenix Family Medicine Residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Cayman graduated Family Medicine residency June 2023 and matched into Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Upon completion of one year of subspecialty training, Cayman hopes to continue caring for patients with chronic terminal illnesses and are at end-of-life. "It's been a long journey and I'm forever grateful for the guidance I received as a young student from my mentors at PVCC."