Melissa Aguilar Nathan, DO
Resident (Class of 2029)
Department of Surgery
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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About
I was born and raised in Charleston, Illinois, a small town about two hours south of Peoria. I am half Indian and half Mexican. Growing up in a rural town, I am passionate about rural medicine and hope to be a rural general surgeon one day. A fun fact about me is that I was in a rock band in high school and college. I sing, play guitar, and piano.
Why I Chose Peoria
During my interview with UICOMP, I immediately felt drawn to the surgery family. Everyone is so helpful and kind. Even though surgical training is difficult, I never feel alone. My co-residents are my friends inside and outside of the hospital. I am also thankful for the mentorship I have found in my attendings. They are truly such a supportive and friendly group of people.
How has your residency program helped you grow toward your career goals?
This hospital is placed in a location where we are able to see big city trauma and tertiary care cases, as well as classic rural general surgery cases. At the end of my five years here, I know I will truly be prepared for anything that comes my way.
Selected Publications
Nathan, Melissa A., and Tucker, Gordon C. Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid Promote Neurite Outgrowth in Neuro2a Cell, Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science, 112, 1-4.
Nathan, Melissa A., Shaik, Zeba, Donohue, James, Lambou, Steven, Abu-Bakr, Malik, Makkapati, Yash Effects of Osteopathic Training and Medical Simulation on Lumbar Puncture Landmark Identification in American Medical Students, North American Proceedings in Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2023
Notable Honors
2024, Academic Excellence Award in Clinical Excellence, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State
2020, Summa Cum Laude, Eastern Illinois University
Education
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State (Jonesboro, AR)
Undergraduate: Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL)
Selected Presentations
American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Conference, Effects of Osteopathic Training and Medical Simulation on Lumbar Puncture Landmark Identification in American Medical Students, March 27, 2023, San Diego, CA.
Latino Medical Student Association Southwest Regional Conference, Knowledge and Beliefs About HPV Infection and Vaccination in College Students, February 3, 2023, Fort Worth, TX.
NYITCOM at Arkansas State Annual Research Symposium, Cooperative Effects of Medical Simulation and Osteopathic Training on Landmark Identification in American Medical Students, December 8, 2022, Jonesboro, AR.
Undergraduate Research Scholarly and Creative Activities, Master Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, April 7, 2019, Indianapolis, IN.
Eastern Illinois University Honors College Research and Creativity Conference, Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid Promotes Neurite Outgrowth, March 28, 2019, Charleston, IL.
Eastern Illinois University Honors College Research and Creativity Conference, The Role of HNF4 in Activating Liver Function, April 14, 2017, Charleston, IL.