Future Physician Scholars 2026

Elani Gordon
High School: Kolbe Cathedral High School
Future Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (accepted); Alternate, UConn School of Medicine

Elani Gordon is a resilient, compassionate, and community-driven future physician whose journey reflects extraordinary perseverance and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare for underserved populations. A lifelong Bridgeport resident and graduate of Kolbe Cathedral High School, Elani earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from Fairfield University, where she excelled in a rigorous curriculum while overcoming significant personal and socioeconomic challenges. Throughout her undergraduate career, she distinguished herself through award-winning neuroscience research, exceptional academic writing, and meaningful relationships with faculty mentors who consistently recognized her intellectual curiosity, empathy, and leadership. As a medical assistant at Advanced DermCare, Elani earned the trust of physicians and colleagues through her dependability, cultural humility, and ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds with genuine compassion. Her firsthand experiences with poverty, housing instability, and healthcare disparities have shaped her patient-centered philosophy of care and strengthened her commitment to addressing inequities in medicine. Elani will begin her medical education at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine while remaining committed to one day returning to Connecticut to serve and advocate for the Greater Bridgeport community as a compassionate and culturally responsive physician.

Julianna Koman
College: Sacred Heart University
Degree: B.S. in Neuroscience, with minors in Chemistry and Psychology (Honors Program)
Future Medical School: Accepted to multiple medical schools (final decision pending)

Julianna Koman is an exceptional scholar-athlete whose academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to service have distinguished her throughout her time at Sacred Heart University. An Honors Program student majoring in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and psychology, Julianna maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing the rigorous demands of a pre-med curriculum and NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. A peer mentor and academic tutor, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping fellow students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Her outstanding academic achievements earned her recognition as a three-time AHCA All-American Scholar, three-time NEWHA Student-Athlete of the Year, recipient of the Dr. Ruth M. Grant Academic Achievement Award, and a multiple-time NEWHA All-Academic Team selection. Beyond the classroom, Julianna gained valuable clinical experience working as a patient care technician in a nursing home and volunteering in an emergency department, experiences that strengthened her passion for compassionate, patient-centered medicine. Recognized by faculty for her intelligence, discipline, and leadership, Julianna has been accepted to multiple medical schools and looks forward to beginning a career as a physician dedicated to providing exceptional care while making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients.