Juliana Bonilla-Velez, M.D., was awarded the Exemplary Senior Trainee Award, by the Women in Otolaryngology section of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the recent annual conference. The award is recognition of a senior resident physician or fellow in otolaryngology among all training programs in the United States, and is nominated by the program director to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Bonilla, who has stood out for her research work and leadership activities, was recognized on this occasion as an exemplary trainee. Among the factors that were taken into account for her nomination were the outstanding leadership activities that she has carried out during residency, her role as a mentor to medical students, a CV that shows her achievements as a physician, educator and researcher, and a letter of recommendation by professionals who have praised her commitment as a student and professional.
During her residency, she has been involved in different research projects that were presented at national and international meetings. She joined the American Academy of Otolaryngology and participated in the Section for Residents and Fellows, being selected by her peers to multiple roles in the Governing Council and currently serves as Vice-Chair. Because of her exemplary career, she has also been nominated for and currently serves in the Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee of the Academy and the Task Force on Neural Monitoring for Head, Neck, and Thyroid Surgery. Participation in these committees is by nomination only and the candidates are chosen based on their academic acumen and leadership qualities among all otolaryngologists nationally.