COM Outlook Spring 2020

6 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE leadership roles in student associ- ations and partake in annual medical outreach trips, further incorporating a balance of classroom and community. “Not only is the faculty some of the most supportive and academically inclined popula- tion here at NSU, but the entire program fosters a real-world and out-of-the-classroom approach,” said third-year student Jhanvi Patel. “Whether it’s discussing some of the nation’s most pressing epidem- ics in a public health seminar or bringing awareness about what is going on in the world around us, we are constantly learning and being provoked to learn with not just a textbook-based approach.” Kristi Messer, M.S.W., M.P.H., Bachelor of Science in Public Health director, saw the program grow from 20 students in the major to more than 150 by the fall 2019 semester, while adding 50 students in the minor program. “This growth is a direct reflec- tion of faculty members’ mentor- ship and the values embraced by our college,” Messer said. “Our public health student leaders are driven young professionals who are passionate about impacting our community and the world. They take pride in their efforts and will be the faces of public health in the decade to come.” Nutrition Needs With the undergraduate blueprint mapped out, the KPCOM was able to incorporate its experience two years later into the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition program. Since its fall 2019 debut, the new degree pro- gram has doubled its enrollment goal—a good problem to have, according to Stephanie Petrosky, M.H.A., RDN, FAND, nutrition department chair. “For the inaugural term, all three sections offered in the program were filled to capacity, prompting the program faculty to expedite the curriculum offerings in the subsequent terms,” Petrosky said. “As campus awareness of the program grows, there is definitely a lot of energy and excitement from students who want to explore the benefits of nutrition as the foundation of health and wellness.” Raphaela Garces, a second- year student who is starting a nutrition club, attributes her pride in being in the program to its ability to conform to the students’ needs. “In my opinion, being part of the inaugural class is a privilege,” she said. “Luckily, I have a nice relationship with the faculty mem- bers, because I met with many of them several times last year in order to create my four-year plan even before the program opened. I am extremely thankful to them for being so supportive and helpful, especially during class registration.” Much like the B.S. in Public Health, students take advantage of how interactive the major can be. “The KPCOM is engaged at a high level within the university and presents the opportunity for its students to get the most out of their college experience through innovative courses, unique hands-on experience, and networking with disting- uished health care providers,” Petrosky said. One of these methods is the Teaching Kitchen—a partnership with Shark Dining and Publix Aprons Cooking School where students make healthy recipes each month while learning the nutritional components. Future Outlooks The college continues to advance its undergraduate outreach with the upcoming From majors and minors, gateways to graduate and physician careers, or even as stand-alone courses, the college’s undergraduate division has created a solid foundation that can take on as many roles as the students see fit.