White coats and wedding rings

“We met on the first day of class at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We sat next to each other for every class that semester,” said KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) student Michael Mann. “We have been inseparable ever since.”  

The Michael and Casey are navigating marriage as they pursue their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Dental Medicine, respectively. From the beginning, the Manns understood the sacrifices they might have to make. They prepared themselves for the possibility that one might need to forego a spot in their selected school to ensure they could be together, but they never lost sight of their ultimate goal: to prioritize their marriage. 

“We talked about attending school together, but it always felt like an unrealistic dream. During our junior year of undergraduate school, we started researching universities that had both medical and dental schools and realized really quickly that our options were limited,” Michael recalled. “KCU changed all of that when they opened the College of Dental Medicine (CDM) in 2023.”  

Once they were accepted into KCU’s COM and CDM programs, Michael and Casey had to quickly adapt to the demands of their new routines. They found ways to support one another by sharing study tips and simply being there at the end of a tough day. The couple says balancing lectures, study sessions and exams, all while maintaining their relationship, has brought them closer.  

“Both of us being in school has been more of a benefit than a hindrance. While we’re both busy and stressed, it is nice to know that your significant other understands the pressure you are under,” Casey added. “We have learned how to appreciate the small things. Sticking to a schedule and specifically making time for each other each day has been key to making this transition easier.” 

The couple has some advice for others following a similar road into medicine together. “Do not compare yourself to other couples. Every person’s journey is different. Comparison is the thief of joy and attending medical and dental school is hard enough on its own,” Michael advised.  

Newly married and embarking on their second year at KCU-Joplin, COM student Garret Rymer and CDM student Sierra echo that sentiment. 

“Being engaged brought us even closer,” Garret shares, facing deadlines and the pressures of school has given them a shared sense of empathy. “Knowing we’re in this together — two people with similar dreams and challenges — really does make a difference,” he adds. This sense of partnership reminds them that they always have someone to lean on through the demands of their programs. 

Sierra also values their shared experiences but emphasizes the importance of communication. With unpredictable schedules and heavy workloads, honest dialogue is key. “It’s essential to be patient and understand each other’s needs, even when things get stressful,” she explains. “We’ve had to adjust our expectations and learn to be okay with changing plans.” For them, balancing personal and academic lives is not about perfect scheduling, but recognizing when to give each other space and when to come together for support. 

Even in the midst of grueling study schedules, Garret and Sierra make an effort to prioritize their relationship. They have discovered that small acts of togetherness help them stay grounded, no matter how busy their days get. Cooking dinner together, sharing a morning coffee or simply taking a brief break to check in on each other helps keep them grounded. “Spending those little bits of time together keeps us connected and gives us something to look forward to,” Sierra explains.   

As soon-to-be doctors and dentists, the Manns and the Rymers are learning to support each other through thick and thin, building strong foundations for both their personal and professional lives. Through teamwork and compassion, they’re proving it’s possible to chase big dreams while keeping sight of what matters most.