Velma Claudette Claypool

PROFILE: The year 2014 may seem far away, but for Velma Claypool and her ever-evolving journey to become a physician, she earned the next four years of medical school after hard work and sacrifice. A Marine Corps veteran, Velma worked her way through community college as a licensed massage therapist. After earning an Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Foundation, she began her journey to medical school, first at the University of Central Florida, and later at Tennessee Tech after transferring to be closer to her hometown. Velma chose osteopathic medicine after she witnessed and experienced the benefits of healing massage therapy. She decided to take it a step further. Though a massage therapist only moves muscle, an osteopathic physician is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications, X-rays, and perform medical tests and surgery. “A sense of community and caring about my fellow man remains an integral part of why I’ve chosen to become an osteopathic physician,” Velma said.

INSPIRATION: As a licensed massage therapist studying under Don McCann, Velma first witnessed the benefits of the profession. “In his quiet and observant healing presence, Don remains the most humble yet gifted and talented human I feel I've encountered to date,” she said. It was with his encouragement that Velma decided to pursue a career in medicine.

ASPIRATION: As a Medical Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Velma hopes to reach more people, touch more lives, and facilitate more healing.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Velma’s dreams of becoming a doctor felt more real to her after she was accepted into the Pikeville School of Osteopathic Medicine. “After living 38 years of my life, I honestly feel this is what I am here to do: to learn, to help, to facilitate healing, and to live as an example of how much we receive when we first give of ourselves.”

ACCOLADES: Velma graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tennessee Tech. While at Brevard Community College, she was named to the All-Florida Academic Team.

INTERESTING FACT: In her first ever race, Velma ran Nashville’s “Music City Marathon” in 2009. She finished the 26-mile competition, received a medal, and said the memories of running with 30,000 other people are priceless.