Wednesday, April 30, 2025
A physician is many things to many people: a friend, a confidant, a healer and a mentor.
, DO, MS, FACOOG, IBCLC embodies all of those qualities, and because of that, she
is the 2025 Mentor of the Year. Nelsen, an associate professor at the at The , was selected from a group of OBGYNs nominated annually by college members.
鈥淎s an osteopathic OB/GYN who鈥檚 honored to have received the 鈥楳entor of the Year鈥� award from the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, I鈥檓 deeply touched by the student nominations that made this possible,鈥� Nelsen said. 鈥淭he importance of strong mentorship in OB/GYN cannot be overstated in today鈥檚 medical education landscape. In a specialty that demands both technical precision and interpersonal sensitivity, today鈥檚 students face unprecedented challenges: evolving reproductive health policies, increasing maternal mortality rates, healthcare disparities and expanding technological innovations.鈥濃��
Nelsen, TCOM鈥檚 year 2 curriculum director, is the 15th recipient of the award. The ACOOG Membership and Promotions Committee chose her for her contributions, dedication to osteopathic education, and commitment to improving women鈥檚 health.
鈥淥B/GYN can involve emotionally challenging cases, unpredictable schedules, and high-stakes decisions, so I work diligently to combat the 鈥榥egative press鈥� our field occasionally receives, modeling sustainable approaches to practice and providing a safe space for students to process difficult experiences,鈥� Nelsen said.
鈥淭his foundation of wellness is critical for preventing burnout and fostering career longevity. Perhaps most importantly, mentorship creates a legacy of excellence. The students we guide today become tomorrow鈥檚 physicians, educators and mentors. When we invest in student development, we鈥檙e investing in the future of women鈥檚 healthcare.鈥�
Nelsen is a Richards College Faculty Advisor, where she serves as a mentor, role model
and guide for TCOM students. Nelsen was the advisor for TCOM student Alicia Segovia,
whom she helped navigate through some difficult circumstances early in medical school.
A few excerpts from the student nominators of Nelsen showcase why she was this year鈥檚
award winner.
鈥淭hrough her mentorship, I have learned how to communicate鈥ith my peers, teammates, and patients, not only as a leader but as a listener.鈥�
鈥淪he is not only brilliant but also knows how to share her knowledge as a teacher and mentor. She is wise and candid and will share with you what you need to hear when you need to hear it.鈥�
鈥淪he attentively listened to what I had to say and reassured me that my passion for women鈥檚 health is all that mattered.鈥�
鈥淚 chose Nelsen as a mentor because she is brave; she is open and vulnerable regarding her personal and professional life, and this demonstrates enormous courage. Additionally, Nelsen is generous in sharing her knowledge and helping students develop tangible clinical skills.鈥�
From - Community by Steven Bartolotta