Fort Worth Student Breaks Barriers with Digital Stethoscope
BREAKING: Nicole Everitt, a determined 36-year-old medical student, made headlines on July 23, 2025, during her stethoscope ceremony at the UNT Health Medical Education and Training building in Fort Worth. Everitt, who has overcome significant challenges due to profound hearing loss, is now pursuing her dream of becoming a surgeon with the help of cutting-edge technology.
Everitt’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She recalls a transformative moment from her youth when visiting a friend in the hospital ignited her passion for medicine. “I can’t describe that, except it was electric,” she stated, reflecting on her first experience in a medical setting. Despite her aspirations, she initially believed a medical career was unattainable due to her hearing impairment.
Fast forward to today, Everitt is a first-year student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, equipped with a state-of-the-art Eko digital stethoscope that connects directly to her hearing aids—technology that was not available during her childhood. “This technology helps me chase my dream today,” she emphasized during the ceremony, marking a significant milestone in her medical career.
Everitt’s path to medicine was not straightforward. After initially studying political science at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, she stepped away from academia to focus on motherhood, raising her six children. “I was adamant that I would finish my degree someday,” she remarked, showcasing her resilience. She returned to school, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas at Dallas in December.
The stethoscope ceremony held emotional significance as Everitt, with her youngest child Ignatius listening through the earpieces, demonstrated the stethoscope’s functions to her daughter Eleanor. “Thump-thump. Thump-thump,” echoed through the room, symbolizing a new chapter in her life and career.
Everitt’s family has been her biggest supporters, constantly encouraging her with heartfelt messages like, “You’re doing great, Mom! You can do it!” She expressed how these moments mean the world to her, driving her forward in her journey.
Now just weeks into her studies, Everitt is diving into rigorous subjects such as molecular biology and osteopathic manipulative medicine. “I’m excited to learn, and I’m really excited to be able to apply that learning in such a way that I get to serve other people,” she shared, demonstrating her commitment to her future patients.
Everitt chose UNT Health for its welcoming environment and proximity to her family. “When I first started thinking and dreaming about coming back, this is the school I looked at,” she explained. The recent move from Forney to Fort Worth enables her to balance her studies and family life without a lengthy commute.
As Everitt embarks on this challenging yet rewarding journey, she hopes to instill resilience in her children. “It’s really such a privilege to get to show my kids that life doesn’t always have to follow this perfectly straight pathway,” she said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion.
This inspiring story of overcoming adversity and pursuing dreams resonates with many and highlights the significant impact of technology in modern medicine. Nicole Everitt is not just pursuing a career; she is paving the way for others facing similar challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates as her journey unfolds in the medical field.
