Berko, Novotny Named KPCOM Student D.O.s of the Year

Third-year student Joshua Berko (Fort Lauderdale/Davie) and second-year student Kristina Novotny (Tampa Bay) were selected as the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (KPCOM) Student D.O.s of the Year by their peers at their respective NSU campuses.

According to her award nomination, Novotny stood out because of her passion for the osteopathic profession, as well as the tremendous work ethic she displays as she strives to become a competent, compassionate, and dedicated osteopathic physician. She is also focused on dedicating herself to research, advocacy, and awareness surrounding bone health and the osteopathic profession.

Novotny also exhibited her dedication to the profession by becoming president of the KPCOM’s Tampa Bay Chapter of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. In her role as the founding president in Tampa Bay, she worked hard to build the organization, showcased what it takes to work well with a team, and lead in a time of great adversity

Berko, who currently serves as a KPCOM osteopathic principles and practice fellow, previously showcased his leadership abilities in his role as president of the KPCOM’s Florida Osteopathic Medical Association chapter and as national liaison to the Student Osteopathic Medical Association. His extraordinary academic achievements, numerous community outreach efforts, and dedication to sharing his knowledge about osteopathic medicine helped earn him the Student D.O. of the Year honor at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.

Because of their wins, both Berko and Novotny had their award application submitted to the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents’ (COSGP) National Student D.O. of the Year competition.  The COSGP is the official national leadership council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and is the only organization that represents all osteopathic medical students.