Jennifer Vasquez is Campbell’s 2025 Student Doctor of the Year

Student Dr. Jennifer Vasquezis the Campbell University 2025 Student Doctor of the Year (SDOY).

Vasquez, a fourth-year student at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM), is an ensign in the Navy and will be promoted to lieutenant before her residency. She matched into Obstetrics and Gynecology with the U.S. Navy at Naval Medical Center, San Diego, her top choice.

"Student Doctor Vasquez distinguished herself through an outstanding commitment to service, leadership, academic excellence and the principles of osteopathic medicine," wrote the SDOY committee. "Her dedication to caring for others and positively impacting both our school and surrounding communities exemplifies the values we strive to uphold at CUSOM."

The Student Doctor of the Year Award is presented annually by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents - a council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine - to outstanding students who demonstrated excellence in service to their medical school, leadership and research experiences and dedication to the osteopathic profession.

Each school or college of osteopathic medicine selects a school student doctor of the year, and these school winners go on to compete for the national award.

"This award is special to me because it recognizes the same values I have tried to demonstrate consistently throughout my training; not just academic performance, but also selfless commitment, teamwork and accountability," Vasquez says.

"Medical school is demanding, and being acknowledged in a way that reflects sustained effort, professionalism and character, rather than isolated outcomes, is especially meaningful to me."

Before med school, Vasquez attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she earned a bachelor's of science degree in biochemistry and a master's of science in inorganic chemistry.

She says she's excited to begin her residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego, which includes a military and civilian staff of more than 6,000 people.

"Looking ahead, this recognition motivates me to continue holding myself to a high standard as I begin my career as both a physician and a military officer," she says. "Medicine and military service share a common mission of serving others. This recognition reinforces my responsibility to lead with integrity, empathy and excellence while continuing to grow as a clinician."

The CUSOM community is "immensely proud of Student Dr. Vasquez," says David Tolentino, interim dean.

"Her achievement in placing into a highly competitive residency program as an HPSP scholar, along with her selection as CUSOM's Student Doctor of the Year, reflects her exceptional dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence," Tolentino said.

"Her success embodies what we hope for all of our osteopathic medical students as they approach the end of their medical journey at CUSOM - that they are placed into a residency training program of their choosing where they can not only advance CUSOM's mission of serving the rural and underserved but also uphold the university's mission of living a purposeful life of meaningful service."

Vasquez says she believes the SDOY honor reflects a consistent commitment to showing up prepared, working hard and taking responsibility for her personal growth throughout medical school.

"I have approached my training with discipline, attention to detail and a strong sense of accountability, both in clinical settings and within my academic responsibilities," she says. "Equally important has been my focus on being a reliable and supportive teammate, learning from mentors and upholding the standards of professionalism expected of a physician and officer."

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