COM Outlook - Summer 2015

14 Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine 15 On the eve of graduating from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration, Dr. Julian decided to change direction and apply to medical school. Taking the necessary science prerequisites, she focused with a new- found purpose on science and fed her passion for helping others by volun- teering at a large homeless health care organization. While participating in Harvard University’s Postbaccalaureate Premedical Extension program, she further enhanced her skills. Advice from friends and careful research led Dr. Julian to NSU-COM, where she embraced a variety of roles in her medical school life. She readily learned the extensive holistic and osteopathic manipulation skills, but also became a class leader. As a second-year student, she received a Student Leadership Award that recognized her exceptional achievements and service on the NSU campus and in the community. She also won the Rising Star Student of the Year Award for her outstanding con- tributions to NSU student life, which included being involved in an on- campus research project related to inter- disciplinary health professionalism. Despite the recognition for her dil- igence to community, campus, and scholarship, Dr. Julian said she was “in complete shock” when she was hon- ored as NSU-COM’s Student of the Year nominee for the 2015 Student Life Achievement Award, better known as the STUEYs. “It was truly an honor, and it made me want to work even harder so I don’t let anyone down,” she said. Perhaps Dr. Julian was the only one who was surprised. Her years of working with members of the community and her fellow students made her a natu- ral nominee. She also authored more than a dozen research studies and articles that have been published or are pending publication in peer-reviewed medical journals and has presented 12 research posters at state and national conferences. Additionally, her dedication to excellence earned her membership in Sigma Sigma Phi— the honors fraternity for osteopathic medical students. On campus, her innovative initiatives enhanced the NSU experience. By founding the Student Ambassador Society, creating a student orientation guide, and helping redesign applicant tours, Dr. Julian has enriched the ex- periences of applicants and incoming students. Her projects benefited not only her college, but improved the entire NSU community. In her four years at NSU-COM, she served as Student Government Asso- ciation (SGA) secretary, executive vice president, and executive president; a PanSGA council member; and chair of the Health Professions Division (HPD) PanSGA subcommittee. A constant student advocate on campus, she represented NSU students on state and national levels as a delegate to the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents and the Flor- ida Osteopathic Medical Association. She also has been a shining example of leadership at the American Osteo- pathic Association House of Delegates, where she served as 1 of only 28 voting student members out of more than 24,000 medical students. Some of the numerous charitable col- laborations she organized with other NSU colleges include COM vs. LAW Kickball for a Cause, Penny Wars, and Heroes for Health. She also advocated for interdisciplinary projects and led discussions and lunches with various HPD programs—providing a support- ive atmosphere among the various colleges and demonstrating her view that our university is a single unit that functions best when separate programs work together. A philanthropist at heart, Dr. Julian gave much of her time to community service and engaged students by orga- nizing health fairs and events at local hospitals. Her numerous community events raised nearly $20,000 for breast cancer research, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and Miami Children’s Hospital, while her speeches and professional presentations at Broward Health Medical Center, Palmetto General Hospital, and other venues touched on medical practice and research. Not surprisingly, her efforts were recognized with the prestigious Dr. Julian celebrates with members of her family after officially earning her D.O. degree. Dr. Elyse Julian (cont.) Dr. Elaine Wallace, NSU-COM dean, presents Dr. Julian with her NSU-COM Student of the Year STUEY Award on March 31, 2015. A philanthropist at heart, Dr. Julian gave much of her time to community service and engaged students by organizing health fairs and events at local hospitals. Her numerous community events raised nearly $20,000 for breast cancer research, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and Miami Children’s Hospital.