By: Brianna Robinson
Eliana Small, Detroit Street Care president and second-year medical student has been named Student DO of the Year by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents.
The council is part of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, or AACOM, and each year the award is presented to an individual who goes above and beyond serving their community and osteopathic organizations.
The selection committee, made up of current students and faculty, looks for an individual who shows leadership, commitment to community service, dedication to the profession, professionalism and embodies the osteopathic philosophy.
Small was selected for her compassion, dedication and innovative approach to serving others. Her experience and passion have helped her grow into an individual dedicated to service, often forgoing her own needs in the process. Throughout her career in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Small has embodied the osteopathic philosophy, working tirelessly to help the homeless population of Detroit providing medical care, food and other essential daily items.
She is involved in the international street medicine community through the Street Medicine Institute Student Coalition, working with other leaders from across the world to find innovative ways to better care for underserved populations.
Small’s nomination goes on to compete among other Student DO winners across the United States and a national winner will be announced at the AACOM annual meeting in April, 2020.