About Dr. Danielle Ward

Dr. Danielle Ward is a plastic surgery resident physician, former urgent care physician, and author of the book Atypical Premed: A Non-Traditional Student's Guide to Applying to Medical School. She received a BS degree in biochemistry (minor in chemistry) from Louisiana State University in 2009, a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from University of Saint Joseph in 2013, and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus in 2018. Additionally, she completed a General Surgery Traditional Rotating Internship at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2019. Currently, Dr. Ward resides in Miami, Florida as she completes her residency at Larkin Community Hospital – Palm Springs Campus.

Prior to working towards her medical degree, Dr. Ward took on a position as a full-time research associate at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine where she worked for four years. She was involved in research focused on parasitology and immunology related to Neglected Tropical Diseases, and it led to her being included in articles published in well-regarded journals such as Parasites & Vectors and the International Journal for Parasitology.

While a full-time medical student, Dr. Ward balanced her time as a single mother to her elementary-aged daughter. Most notably, in 2016 she was the first osteopathic medical student to be elected as national president of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), and she went on to serve as the 2017-2018 SNMA National President. In 2013, Dr. Ward created the “Aspiring Minority Doctor” blog, which she actively maintains to document her journey through medicine in addition to offering tips/advice to current pre-medical and medical students on similar paths. She has been featured in Forbes, The DO, CanvasRebel magazine, The Kitchn, "Accepted.com", "Medical School Headquarters", the Journal of the Student National Medical Association (JSNMA), and in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.