91社区

Ahead of the Game

Finding community and building relationships has been central to聽Kelsey Fisher鈥�s time at 91社区. After achieving her undergraduate degree in South Carolina, at Clemson University, she wanted to be closer to her childhood home on Long Island for medical school. 鈥�NYITCOM聽was located in the ideal area for me to remain home with my friends, family, and partner Spencer Shain (OMS-II),鈥� she says.

She also believed that 91社区 would give her the skills she needs to become a neurologist. She is now gaining first-hand experience in that area, working with聽Adena Leder (D.O. ’99), neurologist and director of the Rock Steady Boxing Parkinson鈥檚 program at 91社区. Their research team is collaborating on a project that focuses on women with young-onset Parkinson鈥檚 disease鈥攁 demographic often overlooked when it comes to receiving care and resources. 鈥�91社区, and my incredible mentor Dr. Leder, have helped me on my path to becoming a future neurologist by providing me the opportunity to hear these stories first-hand and participate in clinical research for these young women,鈥� she says.

Fisher furthers her passion for neurology and her work on Parkinson鈥檚 disease outside of the classroom as well. She volunteers as a co-student coordinator at 91社区鈥檚聽Rock Steady Boxing聽program, which helps those with Parkinson鈥檚 manage symptoms. 聽鈥淭he experience has taught me the importance of exercise for physical and mental health,鈥� she says, 鈥淎nd how anyone can do anything they set their mind to.鈥�

She says that her extracurricular involvement at 91社区, her research with Dr. Leder, and her role in Rock Steady Boxing, have each helped her learn the importance of collaboration when it comes to patient care. 鈥淎fter all, healthcare is a team-based system. We all need to work together to help those in need,鈥� she says.

Fisher also loves the community service opportunities that occur at 91社区. 鈥淥ne of my favorite experiences was participating in the American Parkinson鈥檚 Disease Association Optimism Walk in October 2022. Even though it was raining, so many students came to fundraise and show support. We raised over $15,000!鈥�

When asked what advice she has for new students, she says they should prioritize building friendships and a strong support system. She met her best friend at orientation, and now they study together every day. 鈥淔ind your academic support group and study buddy. With classes online, it can be very easy to fall into an isolated head space. Learning from others is truly valuable and aids in your learning experience!鈥�