INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Dr. Nina Zaveri, Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Nina Zaveri is a professor of pharmacology and founding faculty member of Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her main duties include doing case-based learning, conducting medical education research and scholarship, and serving on national committees for pharmacology and medical education. 

Zaveri has been awarded Fellowship in the International Association of Medical Science Educators and in the National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators. She also serves as national faculty for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners for Pharmacology. 

“I wanted to thank Dr. Zaveri for being my first (case-based learning) facilitator,” OCOM student Radha Gonsai said. “She helped our group think critically, challenged us to break down difficult topics, and helped us learn about the pharmacology of many medications. I believe Dr. Zaveri will continue to make all of us into amazing physicians, and I appreciate everything she does for us behind the scenes.”

What brought you to your school? 

I chose to come to OCOM because of its case-based learning approach, which is modeled after the problem-based learning modality for medical education. I have a decade of experience utilizing this approach for learners in osteopathic and allopathic medical schools, and I am passionate about developing this curriculum and sharing my expertise. 

What do you love most about your school? 

What I love most about OCOM is its collaborative environment of caring faculty, staff, administrators and students. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Teaching in the preclinical years in osteopathic medicine is a challenging task, and since OCOM is in its first year, we are required to face these challenges and provide an excellent curriculum with continuous quality improvement. The most rewarding part is seeing how students are responding to our efforts and learning and growing to become caring, competent physicians. 

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? 

A chef. My husband and kids tell me I could open a restaurant and it would do well!

Who influences you? 

I was born and raised in India, and Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa were leaders I learned about. After I moved to the U.S., Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader I was influenced by. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? 

My STEM teachers were the ones who had the greatest influence on me and sparked my interest in science and medicine. Mrs. Moses, Mr. Glen, Ms. Agnes are some names that come to mind. Recently during some trips to India, I was able to connect and reunite with friends from 10th grade and saw photos of my teachers, some of whom are no more. 

Has there been a doctor in your life that was particularly influential? 

Yes, my mentor in graduate school, Dr. Sarah Tjioe. She was a proponent and founder of problem-based learning at The Ohio State University and afterward at LECOM Bradenton. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love to spend time with my husband and my twin daughters. I am an avid reader and love to cook, garden, hike, travel and share the food I make. Between my mom and dad’s families, I have 50 first cousins (several are surviving), whom I love to visit when I travel to India.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

I would love to fly or be beamed anywhere (like Scotty did in “Star Trek”). Traveling across the globe to India and the Far East and back is very time-consuming and exhausting, and I would love to be able to do it in an instant!

What was your favorite class in medical school? Why? 

Within pharmacology, my favorite class was Forensic Toxicology. In Pittsburgh (Duquesne University), my adviser was the chief toxicologist of Allegheny County, and I was taught by the county coroner and toxicologist and enjoyed learning about pharmacology, toxicology, pathology and the effects of drugs on the human body. 

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

I enjoy Christmastime, (because) it brings holidays to life with family, carols, decorations, lights, shopping, food and so much more. 

What do you envision in the future of medicine in relation to technology? 

I envision a society in which technology in medicine is used to reduce health care disparities and inequities and bring health care access to underserved and low socioeconomic groups. I envision a country where the citizens are healthy and well-being and happiness are a priority.