February 19, 2025 • 10 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola
Guest: Dr. Nicole Myers, D.O., M.S., Director of Osteopathic Principles and Practice
Dr. Nicole Meyers discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and faith. She highlights her role in osteopathic medicine and the impact of mentors throughout her education. She underscores the significance of recognizing humanity and respecting diversity in healthcare. She shares personal anecdotes, including a pivotal moment with Dr. Barbara at PC COM, which influenced her career. The conversation concludes with reflections on Black History Month, stressing the importance of gratitude, cultural sensitivity, and compassion in healthcare.
Listen In!
Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training
________
Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
Guest: Dr. Nicole Myers, D.O., M.S., Director of Osteopathic Principles and Practice
Dr. Nicole Meyers discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and faith. She highlights her role in osteopathic medicine and the impact of mentors throughout her education. She underscores the significance of recognizing humanity and respecting diversity in healthcare. She shares personal anecdotes, including a pivotal moment with Dr. Barbara at PC COM, which influenced her career. The conversation concludes with reflections on Black History Month, stressing the importance of gratitude, cultural sensitivity, and compassion in healthcare.
Listen In!
Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training
________
Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
You're listening to lee KOM presents Heroes in Training. The
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as LEEKOM,
has been providing training to heroes all across the globe
since nineteen ninety three. This podcast gives you an insider
look at the stories of triumph and hope from both
(00:22):
former students and faculty, helping you decide if LEECOM is
the right choice for your higher education. Let's start the show.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Okay, thanks doctor Myers for joining me today as we
celebrate Black History Month. Tell us your role with LEECOM
if you don't mind, and how many years you've been
with us. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
My role at lee COMM, I'm the Osteopathic Principles and
Practices Course Director. You're at the LEECOM Brandenson Campus. I
am an Associate Professor of Osteopathic Neghblood of Medicine. And
then I'm also the director of Life, Academic and Career
Coaching as well for the students, which is super super fun. Yeah.
And then I have been here since twenty seventeen, so
(01:10):
eight years. Yeah, wonderful in sunny Bradenton. Yes, yes, super blessed,
super privileged to be here in Florida again.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Yeah, I'm wondering if you don't mind sharing with us
a little bit about their journey of your career and
maybe some things that have stuck with you along the way,
some things that really resonate with you as you've gone
through the years of your career. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
I think coming from a background where no one else
in my family was a physician, I think made things
a lot of interesting because I often didn't know what
in the world was the next step, and so it
took a lot of asking questions and just kind of
setting myself up to be in different environments where I
could be mentored and taught and supported and encouraged to
(02:05):
just kind of keep going forward and being a really
nerdy science kid. And then I think just as I
had just progressed in my career, more and more kind
of mentors came in, built more and more confidence in
my abilities as well.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
But just to keep.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Moving forward and found osteopathic medicine is like the way
I wanted to go and eventually becoming you know, family
medicine doc and specialized in osteopathic medicine too. Yeah. I
often when I think about my journey, it's just all
the different mentors that I've had along the way that
have been really crucial, and their support was just like,
(02:45):
there's nothing, there's no cost to that.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
It's just just invaluable.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Yeah, Yeah, just really invaluable mentors that I've had as
across the years, and.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Especially when you feel like you have to sort of
forge a path but maybe you know you're exactly that
you're not following another path that's been there for you,
but you're sort of making your own way. Yeah, those mentors, right.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
Having those mentors there, having sort of an internal sort
of drive and passion and as well, I'm like, great
is a combination of all of that. And I'm really
strong in my faith, and so I know that there
was a lot of disgrace and favor and blessings that
came home part of that. And it wasn't all easy
(03:34):
at all. There is so many challenging moments, but with
all the things coming together, it's just, yeah, it's a
to me, it's miraculous, but it's yeah, this is awesome
to be.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
That sort of leads me to what was going to
be my next question for you, which was if you
wanted to share with us where you get your inspiration
from or what feeds your passion. And I hear you
saying that a lot of it has to do with
the mentorship that you received over the years. You've probably
had people that you'll never forget as long as you live.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
It sounds like, yeah, definitely, folks all the way back
middle school or folks all the way back in high school.
I went to an all girls public high school and
we just was like, you know, girl power, let's do this,
like we do this together. It was very much like
an environment like you can do whatever you want to do,
and that was super encouraging. And then going through college
(04:31):
and my advisors and even though I wanted to do
things a lot differently than others, they were just Okay,
let's do this, you know, and we were like willing
to join the team of getting me into medical school.
And then when I was applying, always remember doctor Barbara
at pcom getting to a doo worked in the community.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Yes, just getting to work with her and.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Seeing I was just so impressed by her skill, her
knowledge and this her village. You just relate to everyone
in the community. And yeah, and then it ended up
being she was the one who interviewed me when I'm
like you know, like got shadowed with her and it
was so funny how I was just like, yeah, I
just chaddled with her and I kept asking her for
(05:15):
a letter and I never got the letter. And I
walked through the doors and she is sitting at the
table as one of the people interview me, and I'm
just like, this is not a coincidence. I don't believe
and like like like these things have been you know,
put together, and I'm for it.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
And let's do this.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
And yeah, just so many people along the way and
getting me into osteopathic manipuld medicine and specifically because we
are just in terms of lesser number but less you
specialize in it out there, and yeah, just people kind
of seeing that I did have an interest and just
(05:56):
encouraging that interest to keep going. And and so it's
just it's fun to now be in the position to
teach and share my passion and just encourage them along
their journey.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
As a successful healthcare business professional. Earning a doctorate degree
may seem out of reach. Think again. Leecomm's Doctor of
Healthcare Administration degree program makes it possible through their School
of Health Services Administration. This flexible and affordable six semester
terminal degree centers around next generation healthcare systems, including harnessing
(06:35):
artificial intelligence, virtual medicine, and applying advanced data analytics to
enhance complex problem solving and research abilities. Courses are delivered
through a dynamic online learning platform available twenty four to seven.
Email Shsa at le comm dot edu to begin your
journey of discovery and make becoming a doctor part of
(06:55):
your future. Again. That's Shsa at lecom dot edu. Glasses
are now forming at Leekom. We know wellness and we
are teaching the business of healthcare. This message is brought
to you by Leakom, a nonprofit organization.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
I know, sometimes all the pieces just fall. It seemed
to fall together exactly the way they were meant to be, right,
I'm sure was worrying all all way through and like
why did she save me?
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Learn?
Speaker 2 (07:23):
And then it's just like oh, now I know. Yeah. So,
as we look through the lens of Black History Month,
what can our students, our future osteopathic physicians and pharmacist,
dentists and pedietrists sort of learn with regard to healthcare
and dignity and respect for all humankind as they go
(07:49):
into the community to serve and care for people.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Yeah, I think the first thing that kind of comes
to me is a recognition that we're all human. We
all are human, I believe, made in the image of God.
And so when I'm interacting with someone, whether it's in
the hallway here, within all of our schools, or someone
in a hospital room or in an er room, is
(08:17):
to first like sort of recognize, right, I'm a human
meeting another human, an image of God meeting another image
of God. And I think just that basis of for
me comes in of respect and honoring folks for where
they are is super super helpful. I think also just
(08:37):
maybe you know, pausing and taking a moment to look
back at kind of like when we discussed, right, just
like our history and the history of us getting to
being like where we are. And I think even though
things are up and down and sideways in this way
is like, where can we find gratitude for those who
(08:58):
have come before us and be a part of that
chain reaction of other humans? Yeah right, Yeah, passing it
on other humans, taking care of other humans in the
best way that we all know how, and treating with
people with respect, and yeah, acknowledging both our likeness and
(09:20):
just our cultural differences. I find it always so fun
to learn from my patients and learn from others about
their culture and about how we do things differently or
how we do things the same. Really, and it's yeah,
it's just for me. It's like an opportunity to just
reflect on the past and who's come before me and
(09:43):
just move forward with discompassion and grace and just keep persevering,
like I know who got me here did?
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Right? I love the idea of just taking a moment
to pause, like you said, and remember that you human
being taking care of another human being.
Speaker 3 (10:04):
That's yeah, right, And sometimes it just helps to take
the temperature down when I want to go in all
sorts of different directions, but it's just like, oh, yeah,
that's right. We're two humans, we're having a conversation, and
that it's possible for us to talk and come together.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I'm going to end us on that amazing, beautiful note.
Thanks again so much, docor Miz. I really appreciate your time.
It was wonderful to speak with you today. Thank you
so much. Thank you for reaching out
You're listening to lee KOM presents Heroes in Training. The
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as LEEKOM,
has been providing training to heroes all across the globe
since nineteen ninety three. This podcast gives you an insider
look at the stories of triumph and hope from both
(00:22):
former students and faculty, helping you decide if LEECOM is
the right choice for your higher education. Let's start the show.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Okay, thanks doctor Myers for joining me today as we
celebrate Black History Month. Tell us your role with LEECOM
if you don't mind, and how many years you've been
with us. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
My role at lee COMM, I'm the Osteopathic Principles and
Practices Course Director. You're at the LEECOM Brandenson Campus. I
am an Associate Professor of Osteopathic Neghblood of Medicine. And
then I'm also the director of Life, Academic and Career
Coaching as well for the students, which is super super fun. Yeah.
And then I have been here since twenty seventeen, so
(01:10):
eight years. Yeah, wonderful in sunny Bradenton. Yes, yes, super blessed,
super privileged to be here in Florida again.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Yeah, I'm wondering if you don't mind sharing with us
a little bit about their journey of your career and
maybe some things that have stuck with you along the way,
some things that really resonate with you as you've gone
through the years of your career. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
I think coming from a background where no one else
in my family was a physician, I think made things
a lot of interesting because I often didn't know what
in the world was the next step, and so it
took a lot of asking questions and just kind of
setting myself up to be in different environments where I
could be mentored and taught and supported and encouraged to
(02:05):
just kind of keep going forward and being a really
nerdy science kid. And then I think just as I
had just progressed in my career, more and more kind
of mentors came in, built more and more confidence in
my abilities as well.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
But just to keep.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Moving forward and found osteopathic medicine is like the way
I wanted to go and eventually becoming you know, family
medicine doc and specialized in osteopathic medicine too. Yeah. I
often when I think about my journey, it's just all
the different mentors that I've had along the way that
have been really crucial, and their support was just like,
(02:45):
there's nothing, there's no cost to that.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
It's just just invaluable.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Yeah, Yeah, just really invaluable mentors that I've had as
across the years, and.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Especially when you feel like you have to sort of
forge a path but maybe you know you're exactly that
you're not following another path that's been there for you,
but you're sort of making your own way. Yeah, those mentors, right.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
Having those mentors there, having sort of an internal sort
of drive and passion and as well, I'm like, great
is a combination of all of that. And I'm really
strong in my faith, and so I know that there
was a lot of disgrace and favor and blessings that
came home part of that. And it wasn't all easy
(03:34):
at all. There is so many challenging moments, but with
all the things coming together, it's just, yeah, it's a
to me, it's miraculous, but it's yeah, this is awesome
to be.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
That sort of leads me to what was going to
be my next question for you, which was if you
wanted to share with us where you get your inspiration
from or what feeds your passion. And I hear you
saying that a lot of it has to do with
the mentorship that you received over the years. You've probably
had people that you'll never forget as long as you live.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
It sounds like, yeah, definitely, folks all the way back
middle school or folks all the way back in high school.
I went to an all girls public high school and
we just was like, you know, girl power, let's do this,
like we do this together. It was very much like
an environment like you can do whatever you want to do,
and that was super encouraging. And then going through college
(04:31):
and my advisors and even though I wanted to do
things a lot differently than others, they were just Okay,
let's do this, you know, and we were like willing
to join the team of getting me into medical school.
And then when I was applying, always remember doctor Barbara
at pcom getting to a doo worked in the community.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Yes, just getting to work with her and.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Seeing I was just so impressed by her skill, her
knowledge and this her village. You just relate to everyone
in the community. And yeah, and then it ended up
being she was the one who interviewed me when I'm
like you know, like got shadowed with her and it
was so funny how I was just like, yeah, I
just chaddled with her and I kept asking her for
(05:15):
a letter and I never got the letter. And I
walked through the doors and she is sitting at the
table as one of the people interview me, and I'm
just like, this is not a coincidence. I don't believe
and like like like these things have been you know,
put together, and I'm for it.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
And let's do this.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
And yeah, just so many people along the way and
getting me into osteopathic manipuld medicine and specifically because we
are just in terms of lesser number but less you
specialize in it out there, and yeah, just people kind
of seeing that I did have an interest and just
(05:56):
encouraging that interest to keep going. And and so it's
just it's fun to now be in the position to
teach and share my passion and just encourage them along
their journey.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
As a successful healthcare business professional. Earning a doctorate degree
may seem out of reach. Think again. Leecomm's Doctor of
Healthcare Administration degree program makes it possible through their School
of Health Services Administration. This flexible and affordable six semester
terminal degree centers around next generation healthcare systems, including harnessing
(06:35):
artificial intelligence, virtual medicine, and applying advanced data analytics to
enhance complex problem solving and research abilities. Courses are delivered
through a dynamic online learning platform available twenty four to seven.
Email Shsa at le comm dot edu to begin your
journey of discovery and make becoming a doctor part of
(06:55):
your future. Again. That's Shsa at lecom dot edu. Glasses
are now forming at Leekom. We know wellness and we
are teaching the business of healthcare. This message is brought
to you by Leakom, a nonprofit organization.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
I know, sometimes all the pieces just fall. It seemed
to fall together exactly the way they were meant to be, right,
I'm sure was worrying all all way through and like
why did she save me?
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Learn?
Speaker 2 (07:23):
And then it's just like oh, now I know. Yeah. So,
as we look through the lens of Black History Month,
what can our students, our future osteopathic physicians and pharmacist,
dentists and pedietrists sort of learn with regard to healthcare
and dignity and respect for all humankind as they go
(07:49):
into the community to serve and care for people.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Yeah, I think the first thing that kind of comes
to me is a recognition that we're all human. We
all are human, I believe, made in the image of God.
And so when I'm interacting with someone, whether it's in
the hallway here, within all of our schools, or someone
in a hospital room or in an er room, is
(08:17):
to first like sort of recognize, right, I'm a human
meeting another human, an image of God meeting another image
of God. And I think just that basis of for
me comes in of respect and honoring folks for where
they are is super super helpful. I think also just
(08:37):
maybe you know, pausing and taking a moment to look
back at kind of like when we discussed, right, just
like our history and the history of us getting to
being like where we are. And I think even though
things are up and down and sideways in this way
is like, where can we find gratitude for those who
(08:58):
have come before us and be a part of that
chain reaction of other humans? Yeah right, Yeah, passing it
on other humans, taking care of other humans in the
best way that we all know how, and treating with
people with respect, and yeah, acknowledging both our likeness and
(09:20):
just our cultural differences. I find it always so fun
to learn from my patients and learn from others about
their culture and about how we do things differently or
how we do things the same. Really, and it's yeah,
it's just for me. It's like an opportunity to just
reflect on the past and who's come before me and
(09:43):
just move forward with discompassion and grace and just keep persevering,
like I know who got me here did?
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Right? I love the idea of just taking a moment
to pause, like you said, and remember that you human
being taking care of another human being.
Speaker 3 (10:04):
That's yeah, right, And sometimes it just helps to take
the temperature down when I want to go in all
sorts of different directions, but it's just like, oh, yeah,
that's right. We're two humans, we're having a conversation, and
that it's possible for us to talk and come together.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I'm going to end us on that amazing, beautiful note.
Thanks again so much, docor Miz. I really appreciate your time.
It was wonderful to speak with you today. Thank you
so much. Thank you for reaching out
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