COM Outlook Spring 2020

44 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT ALUMNI Spotlight with her sister, she decided to volunteer in the emer- gency room at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, which was across the street from the airport where she took her flight lessons. Following her sister’s example, Sawalich enrolled in the University of California, Riverside to study biology and premed and worked whenever possible at the University of California—Los Angeles Harbor General Hospital’s Allergy/Immunology Clinic, focusing on HIV/AIDS and the various clinical trials that were being conducted. “It was an eye-opening, humbling experience to work with patients who didn’t know if they were receiving a placebo or an experimental drug to treat their HIV/AIDS-related illnesses,” Sawalich said. “I got to know them very well and wanted to help them in any way possible.” Switching Coasts When it came time to apply to medical schools, Sawalich only considered those located in warm U.S. locales. “I couldn’t imagine living where it was cold or it snowed, but I wanted to try somewhere other than California,” she explained. “I researched many schools, and when I came across Nova Southeastern University, I saw that it had a Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) program where you take the same core classes as the osteopathic medical students.” Her academic success allowed Sawalich to skip the second year of the M.B.S. program and progress directly into the osteopathic college. “I became class president, studied hard, and helped a handful of fellow students make the transition into the KPCOM the following year,” she said. Sawalich enjoyed her KPCOM education, earning her Master of Public Health in 2002 and her D.O. degree in 2003. “No matter who you were or what level you were at, someone was always there to help you progress and achieve your goals,” she added. “This philosophy made me want to help others in any way I could.” With her NSU education now complete, Sawalich headed back west with the intention to begin her family practice residency in California. A confluence of events, however, would set Sawalich on a new career course. Above: Trevi Sawalich and her longtime boyfriend Matt Dagilis enjoy a tropical adventure with her children Gianna and Jake. Right: Sawalich fits a hearing aid to a child as the child’s mother looks on. Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes, California | Education: D.O., NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (2003); M.P.H., NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (2002); B.S. (biology/premed), University of California, Riverside FAST FACTS TREVI SAWALICH, D.O., M.P.H.