Class of 2026 graduate profile: Sean Diment

Sean Diment is an example of a student who goes all in at medical school. He was heavily involved in activities outside the classroom as president of the college's chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a representative on the student government, a crisis counselor for the crisis text line and a teaching assistant. A native of Virginia Beach, Va., he received a bachelor's in biology from George Mason University. He's about to return home having matched into family medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in Virginia Beach, Va. My dad is a retired naval senior chief and was stationed in Norfolk, Va. during my childhood. My mom is originally from the Philippines, and my parents first met overseas.  

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

I am excited to get started, and to go home and serve the community that first ignited my passion to pursue medicine. 

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

Trust the process. Show up and do the best job you can in the current stage you’re in and don’t try to live in, or plan for a future that is dependent on you success in the present moment. Take things one step at a time. You cannot build a house in one day. Trust in the people who support you, believe in yourself, rest when necessary and never give up. 

What led you to a career in medicine?

When I was volunteering at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 in Virginia Beach, many veterans shared their experiences in health care and their service-connected injuries. Many also shared difficulties with obtaining and keeping the same PCP [primary care provider] at VA [Veterans Affairs] clinics due to high turnover rate, and that the process of resharing traumatic experiences was taxing. I chose to pursue medicine to help fill in this gap and was awarded an HPSP [Health Professions Scholarship Program] scholarship by the Department of Veterans Affairs to serve at least six years in any VA clinic/hospital. 

How would you describe your time at HCOM?

Busy. I involved myself in numerous campus organizations from SNMA [Student National Medical Association], to Behind the White Coat, to the SGA [Student Government Association]. I was also an anatomy teaching assistant for undergrad anatomy and OMM teaching assistant for first-year medical students. It was a process of learning how to balance extracurricular responsibilities in a more feasible way with academics. 

What was it like going through medical school together?

It was great to have support from classmates who also were struggling the way I was. To know I was never alone, helped a lot. 

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

Failure was the most important experience I had in medical school. During the end of first semester and start of second semester, I failed exams and had to adjust how I was studying and preparing. Doing so made me better, more resilient and eventually I started scoring better on exams. I spent a lot of time self reflecting on my “why” in medicine during this time, and found re-ignition in my faith and leaned on my friends close and afar for encouragement. 

Tell us about your inspirations in life.

I have so many inspirations in life. I am part of the first generation of college students in my family and will be the first doctor in my family on either side. The gravity of what I have achieved cannot be understated. My parents inspire me with how hard they’ve worked to bring me to this moment. Their sacrifices are never lost on me. I remember when my dad would come home from the shipyard and my mom would just be leaving for her night shift at the grocery store. I remember leaving for school in the morning and my mom just getting home an hour before. None of what they did to put us through school was easy, but they did it so their kids could flourish. 

I am also inspired by so many mentors, friends and my faith. Each inspire me to be the greatest version of myself. 

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

Yes, I published a paper on “Ways to Improve Suicide Prevention” with Dr. Melissa Thomas, Ph.D. in the George Mason Review and won first place. I also wrote articles for the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians ranging from topics in veterans primary care issues, to food recipes, to student profiles like this one! 

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

Thank you to my parents, the rest of my family, my entire HCOM family, GMU family, and all the friends and mentors in my life. Thanks be to God for allowing me to be in this moment. 

What hobbies do you have?

I love WWE! I am a huge professional wrestling fan, and I had a custom wrestling belt made for my graduation. I attended John Cena’s last match, SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland, and two episodes of Monday Night Raw in Columbus during medical school. I also like to weight lift, run and be outside in nature. 

What didn’t I ask that you’d like to share?

Special shoutout to my grandma who is 96 years old. I love you so much and thank you for your prayers and support throughout medical school. 

Here's a TikTok of my match day reveal: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTk8Sf23x/