An Andalusia native recently began his journey to become a physician.

Will Jackson, an Andalusia High School graduate, earned a degree in chemistry with a focus in biochemistry and a minor in biology.

He recently began medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and gained his white coat.

The college is located in Dothan and will graduate its first class in 2017.

Jackson said he wasn’t confident he wanted to pursue a medical degree until he had an opportunity to shadow a surgeon in the operating room at the hospital.

“I fell in love with the idea of helping people while also using my science background,” he said.

Right, now Jackson says he’s interested in possibly becoming a surgeon.

“That’s the direction I’m leaning now, but I want to go through rotations before I fully commit to a specific field,” he said.

ACOM is one of 29 osteopathic colleges in the United States and the first in Alabama.

“I liked that it was a small school and close to home,” he said. “I also appreciate the fact that since it is a new school, they’re constantly learning and adapting the schedule to best prepare us, rather than using the same curriculum just because that’s how school has always done.”

The college is four years and students study anything from anatomical science to clinical skills to system and behavioral medicine.

Jackson is the son of Caryl Lee Ray and Chris Jackson.