“I am honored to receive the CSMS 2025 Student Advocacy Award and deeply grateful for the faculty nomination,” said O’Brien, who thanked Rebecca Zucconi, associate professor of medical sciences at Quinnipiac, and the Connecticut chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for their “inspiration and support in my advocacy efforts at both the local and national levels. I look forward to continuing to champion healthcare accessibility.”

O’Brien made an early mark in her first year of medical school when she was selected to attend the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) Congressional Leadership Conference on Capitol Hill. There, she met with legislators from Connecticut and Colorado to advocate for key legislation, including the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act and protections for Medicare and Medicaid.

O’Brien has since co-founded Quinnipiac’s first-ever Advocacy Newsletter, a now-regular publication that features contributions from across the university community. She also developed and led a peer-taught advocacy session that has empowered fellow students to engage in policy discussions and community health initiatives.

In addition, O’Brien is pursuing a capstone research project on patient empowerment and shared decision-making in breast cancer care, and she aims to graduate in 2028 with a distinction in health policy and advocacy.

“Elizabeth exemplifies the spirit of advocacy and leadership we strive to cultivate at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine,” said interim dean Lisa Coplit. “Her dedication to advancing healthcare policy and empowering her peers is truly inspiring.”

O’Brien is originally from Centennial, Colorado, and received a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Colorado Boulder.