Dr. Kimberly Veltman Earns MD from UNC
In 2024 Dr. Kimberly Veltman (Class of 2020) earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina.
In 2020, Dr. Kimberly Veltman earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine. Since then, she has continued to advance her education, beginning an integrated oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residency and earning her medical degree from the University of North Carolina (UNC).
Dr. Veltman began her journey at Roseman in 2016. “From my interview, I was immediately drawn to the inclusive, team-based culture,” she recalled. “That sense of support and collaboration was reinforced during my time there.”
Throughout dental school, Dr. Veltman found encouragement and camaraderie from both peers and faculty. “My classmates were always eager to share notes and cheer each other on,” she said. “Dr. William Harman’s door was always open, offering guidance on a variety of topics. During my final six months, Dr. Jonathan Fairbanks fostered a sense of autonomy and trust that made me feel truly prepared to practice as a general dentist.”
Roseman’s strong clinical training helped set the stage for her continued education. “I finished all my graduation requirements by December of my D4 year,” Dr. Veltman explained. “That allowed me to continue seeing patients in clinic, volunteer in Urgent Care, remove impacted third molars, and place implants in the oral surgery clinic. These hands-on experiences were critical in smoothing my transition into residency, especially in developing technical skills.”
Dr. Veltman prepared to apply for residency programs by studying for the Comprehensive Basic Sciences Examination (CBSE) and completed a two-year non-categorical internship at UNC, where she was honored as the Matthew P. Finzen Intern of the Year.
She later matched into her top choice: a six-year, integrated OMFS residency at UNC. Her favorite part of the program? Direct patient care.
Whether performing surgery in the operating room or mentoring students, Dr. Veltman emphasizes a person-centered approach. She said, “I take pride in ensuring patients feel comfortable and confident in the procedures we perform.”
She has thrived both academically and clinically in the program. “I recently completed my medical degree at the UNC School of Medicine in December 2024,” she shared. “I honored the majority of my clinical rotations and truly enjoyed the journey.”
Outside of medicine, Dr. Veltman finds joy and balance through physical activity. While in medical school, she completed her second marathon and hiked 21 miles of the Appalachian Trail. “Exercising every morning helps me start the day with calm and control,” she said. “I show up better for my patients when I take care of myself first.”
She remains connected to Roseman as a member of the College of Dental Medicine’s Lifelong Colleague (LLC) Society Advisory Board. “My main role is helping plan our first LLC Reunion in February, which includes organizing continuing education sessions and social events,” she said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to reconnect with classmates I haven’t seen since graduation.”
When asked for advice to current students, Dr. Veltman emphasized the importance of balance. “The hardest part of my journey has been managing an 80-hour workweek,” she admitted. “There are many nights with little or no sleep; and maintaining work-life balance is a constant challenge.”
That’s why she prioritizes intentional self-care. “I wake up an hour earlier to exercise and complete personal tasks. I meal prep on weekends to stay nourished during the week and find small moments for hobbies that remind me there’s joy beyond the hospital.”
Her guidance for students: “Figure out the daily or weekly routines you need to stay grounded. Write down five things that are essential to your well-being—and commit to making time for them, even if it takes extra effort.”