ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate Norma Perez is a recipient of the 2001-2002 Student D.O. of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents to the outstanding student from each of the 19 osteopathic medical schools in the nation. Students honored with the award must excel in service to his or her school, community and the osteopathic profession.
"I could not think of anyone better suited to be a doctor. I nominated Norma because of her academic excellence, ability to relate to people and her caring bedside manner. She was an exceptional student and a tremendous role model for medical students," said OU-COM Dean Jack Brose, D.O.
Any student, barring the student council president, can be nominated for the award. The process begins when a faculty member, administrator or fellow student nominates a student. The nominee then submits a resume, biography, photograph and bulleted list of their accomplishments and strengths.
"I was truly honored to be nominated and further, to be chosen as Student D.O. of the Year. It is possible to achieve your dream. The important thing is to never give up!" Perez said.
"Norma," said Suzanne Morgan, student council president and second-year student, "sought out experiences and opportunities during her tenure as a medical student that established her at the forefront of student leadership at OU-COM. The students she taught and interacted with as a family medicine fellow have found her advice and guidance invaluable -- on both professional and personal levels."
Perez completed a family medicine fellowship this year, which allows students to combine studies with clinical work, medical research and classroom teaching and extends the last two years of medical school top three.
The fellowship gave her the opportunity to learn and grow in all spheres of her medical training, as well as interact with the first- and second-year students, said Perez. "I felt like I could relate to what they were going through and offer guidance and advice."
Born in 1972 in Mexico, Perez and her family immigrated to Los Angeles when Perez was two years old. She grew up in a Mexican barrio close to downtown Los Angeles and attended public schools throughout her education. Perez graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1995 with a premed degree in human biodynamics, a major that combines biology and exercise physiology.
"I was highly influenced to do medicine after serving as my mother's translator whenever she had to go to the doctor. All I could remember was her sense of frustration after each visit, because she was not being heard and not receiving the best attention possible. The desire to become a physician and serve my Spanish speaking community grew and became my mission as I continued my education," said Perez.
When asked why she chose osteopathic medicine, Perez said that it simply made sense. "'Treating the patient instead of treating the symptom' made sense, and I did not see any other way of approaching or practicing medicine."
This year's college selection committee, which chose Perez from among a number of OU-COM medical students, consisted of Keith Watson, D.O., assistant dean of graduate medical education; David Eland, D.O., associate professor of family medicine; Robert Hikida, Ph.D., professor of microanatomy; Isabelle Escano, president of the class of 2004; and Elizabeth Zmuda, president of the class of 2005.
Perez, who graduated from OU-COM June 1, was recognized for the Student D.O. of the Year award at the commencement exercise. In addition, Perez's picture and a biographical profile will be displayed at the July meeting of the American Osteopathic Association's House of Delegates in Chicago. After graduation, Perez began a three-year pediatrics residency at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital in Houston.
