BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – The Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed Karen Nichols, DO, FACOI, MA, Dean of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, on Friday to encourage medical students to not only become physicians, but also to become leaders. A leader in the medical profession, Dr. Nichols is a former President of the American Osteopathic Association, served as President of two of its constituent societies, and currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Osteopathic Association.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Nichols to Campbell. She is a good friend to osteopathic medicine and a personal friend of mine,” said John M. Kauffman, dean of CUSOM. “She is here to share her wisdom with our students about leadership – specifically, how to become a leader in the medical profession.”
Dr. Nichols spoke to two lecture halls filled with first and second year medical students as well as faculty and staff about some of the key elements to becoming a leader – know thy self, use the tools available to you, volunteer for everything (after medical school), make plans but be flexible to life’s opportunities, build relationships, and be a person of character.
“Leadership is one of the performing arts,” said Dr. Nichols. “I don’t mean to imply that it is disingenuous, but rather that it is the product of passion, enthusiasm, and attitude…becoming a leader is a process.”
Dr. Nichols encouraged the Campbell medical students to intentionally pursue the process of becoming a leader by finding mentors, being coached, reading, and volunteering.
In closing, she affirmed to them that they had already taken the first step as leaders.
“Osteopathic medicine is a great choice! Campbell University is a great school! And you can be great leaders!”