Julia Schneider, a second-year student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM), is wasting no time pursuing her dream to become a neurosurgeon. “I always knew that I wanted to wake up in the morning or in the middle of the night or at any point in the day and save a person’s life,” she says. “I want to be the kind of neurosurgeon that doesn’t just tell my future patients (who may come in with a headache and clean CT or MRI scan) to go see a neurologist; I also want to give them options. My goal is to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship because that will enhance patient care and outcomes.” Between taking classes and studying for boards, Schneider also finds time to research the complexities of the nervous system. Thanks to her extensive exploration of the subject, she was named the 2018 National Student Researcher of the Year by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents. “I am delighted to have their respect and recognition,” she says. Schneider has condu...