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COM Outlook . Summer-Fall 2014
eople watching—the act of observing individuals and
their interactions—is a pastime most of us indulge in
from time to time when we’re in a public venue.
The appeal of this activity is universal because human
beings are a fascinatingly complex and diverse species
that exhibits both curious and compelling behaviors.
Consequently, while there are over seven billion people
inhabiting this planet we call Earth, it can be said with
the utmost certainty that each person comprising this
massive population is inherently unique despite certain
shared characteristics.
How else can you explain the rise to greatness of some
individuals who come from incredibly humble back-
grounds, while others who seem to have every advantage
and opportunity to succeed stumble and fail?
In the case of Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., M.S., M.S., M.S.,
who serves as the college’s executive associate dean, her
D.O. OF DISTINCTION: Dr. Elaine Wallace
Savors Life on Her Terms
humble beginnings served as a catalyst to fashion a life that
has been replete with spiritual enrichment, professional
achievement, and bountiful fulfillment.
Humble Start Leads to Lifelong Quest
A hunger to learn and a passion to heal are not attri-
butes most children possess, but then Dr. Wallace has al-
ways been anything but ordinary. As a child growing up in
Bloomfield, New Jersey, Dr. Wallace was keenly influenced
by her parents, who exhibited a strong work ethic and in-
ner drive to provide a happy, balanced life for Dr. Wallace
and her younger brother.
“My parents were very modest-means people,” she
explained. “My father was born in Louisiana and spent the
majority of his life in Mississippi in a house that had a dirt
floor and no running water, so as soon as he was able to
leave home, he joined the military and traveled the world
By Scott Colton, B.A., APR, COM/HPD
Director of Medical Communications
and Public Relations
P
Dr. Wallace during
a guided tour of the
Mekong River in
Cambodia and Laos.
