November Student of the Month: Shelby Cornelius, OMS-IV

ACOI recognizes osteopathic medical students who are outstanding members of their medical schools and communities with the Student of the Month Recognition Program.

Please join us in congratulating the November winner: Shelby Cornelius, OMS-IV, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine-Dublin.

Shelby is an extraordinarily talented individual with a high intellect and a genuine curiosity that fuels her drive to learn. During her third-year internal medicine inpatient rotation, Shelby was operating at the level of a fourth-year medical student. She gave polished and thorough presentations that included synthesis of complex patients and prioritized differential diagnoses. She was quietly proactive, going above and beyond the call of duty when it came to patient care, leveraging every resource at her fingertips for patient advocacy. In one instance, Shelby led team rounds on a particularly challenging case of patient who was a victim of intimate partner violence.  This came to light as the perpetrator was in the room, and with sophisticated poise, Shelby ensured that the patient was kept safe and out of harm’s way.

During her fourth-year internal medicine audition, she again functioned beyond her level of training.  She took on management plans, including specific dosing of insulin, de-escalation of antibiotics, and creating contingency plans.  

Shelby is the type of student every medical educator hopes to have. Shelby embodies the principals of osteopathy caring for the whole patient and utilizing the trust patients have placed in her to deliver the best care possible to her patients.

Meet Shelby Cornelius

What is your hometown?
Plain City, OH

What is your education?

• BS in Molecular Biology from Cedarville University
• OMS-4 at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

What are your hobbies?
I love anything outside. This usually includes nature walks, runs, and occasionally rock climbing or camping trips.

What are three things people may not know about you?

1. I love being outside.
2. I live with a cat named Stella. She technically belongs to my wonderful roommate, but I love her as my own. 
3. Music is one of my favorite ways to connect with people. This includes going to concerts, having jam sessions, or exchanging playlists. 

How has ACOI helped you in your education so far?
ACOI has provided a community that encourages future DOs to pursue and thrive in internal medicine. ACOI seeks to provide osteopathic students with access to conferences, educational and research tools, and connections within the world of internal medicine.

Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?
A big part of me is drawn to the ICU. I've had two critical care rotations so far and loved both of them. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I will likely continue to explore critical care.