Polakowski Sisters Start a Legacy of Medicine

May 5, 2025

Karmyn Vickery is still basking in the joy of matching with her number one choice, pediatrics at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. As a newlywed, matching in Grand Rapids where her husband grew up and is employed means all the pieces are falling into place.

"I want to stay in Michigan. My family is here in the UP, but easy access travel,” said Karmyn.

As a woman of faith, family is important to Karmyn. As she continues her journey to becoming a doctor, she has a well-worn path to follow blazed by her two sisters.

Karmyn, whose maiden name is Polakowski, is the third in her family to graduate from the College of Human Medicine’s Upper Peninsula Region campus and continue into residency.

"I hope that Karmyn knows how proud we are of her choices. I hope when she opens her envelope on Match Day, she feels happy and at home,” said Noelle Polakowski, Karmyn’s older sister, ahead of Match Day.

Noelle graduated from the College of Human Medicine in 2023 and was matched at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in New Hampshire in general surgery. It’s a path she didn’t have to travel alone because her older sister Caitlin Polakowski was already leading the way.

"I have had the privilege of watching Caitlin pave the trail as she attended Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and now Dartmouth. As she went through her medical training, I was in awe by the quality of education and the people she was surrounded by,” said Noelle.

With the same alma mater, the three Polakowski sisters also share a love for their Upper Peninsula roots.

"I think all of us eventually want to practice rural medicine. Maybe not at first because I think the initial years after residency are about exposure, gaining confidence, and seeing pathologies," said Karmyn.

For Karmyn, it made sense that she and her sisters would choose to take part in the Rural Physician Program. The program is designed to educate doctors who will practice in Michigan's underserved rural communities.

"I think everyone should go through it even if they don't want to practice rural medicine because the benefit of being in the UP is that there are no residents. You are the resident. So, from day one of third year you are an intern,” said Karmyn.

Noelle, echoed that sentiment. “Growing up in the Upper Peninsula and having the opportunity to train here for our clinical years is something that I will never take for granted. Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is about community and there’s no other community I’d rather give back to than the place that built me to do so."

As Caitlin prepares to welcome a new baby and Noelle spends time on-call, the sisters show their support and love in any way they can. Noelle will be by Karmyn’s side during graduation as she does the honor of hooding her sister.

"Lots of videos, Facetime. You name it. My sisters will be there somehow."