The human brain fascinates Courtney Venegas.
When she was growing up, her mom, a clinical psychologist, would discuss the behavioral aspects of the organ.
“There is so much we don’t know about the human brain — it’s humbling, daunting, exciting, and as my dad always said, ‘the brain is the only organ that can comprehend itself,'” Venegas said.
The fourth-year UNMC medical student and soon-to-be Nebraska Medicine neurology resident is the recipient of the American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence.
An honor she said that “tickles me pink!”
Her mentor, Diego Torres-Russotto, MD, professor and vice-chair for education in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, described Venegas as a great candidate for the 2021 Medical Student Prize of Excellence in Neurology Award.
“We are very proud of Courtney’s accomplishments and of her passion for neurosciences,” he said. “She not only has demonstrated her abilities as a medical student but also as a mentor to other students, and she is a great communicator. But all of these many attributes pale in comparison with her biggest assets — her kindness, her compassion, her moral stance and her endless humility,” Dr. Torres-Russotto said.
Venegas credits Dr. Torres-Russotto for helping her discern her career path by taking the time to talk with her amidst his busy clinical and academic duties.
“He really cares about the students,” she said.
Venegas said that along with Dr. Torres-Russotto, Arun Swaminathan, MBBS, and Amy Hellman, MD, enriched her medical school experience in neurology.
Dr. Torres-Russotto said Venegas’ passion for helping others extends beyond the medical center and into the community, which also made her an excellent choice for nomination for the Medical Student Prize for Excellence.
Venegas volunteers at Heartland Hope Mission, has worked at the student-run SHARING Clinic, and, along with her husband, Johnny Venegas, hosts a group of peers from their church, Grace Hill Lutheran, where she sings and he is director of worship.
“I take immense pride in all of Courtney’s accomplishments, and I look forward to her joining our residency program in July,” Dr. Torres-Russotto said.
Congratulations Courtney!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations!
So proud of you Courtney. I knew you had all those wonderful attributes years ago. Congrats to you. Keep up the brain work.