Dr. Yeojung Z.

Dr. Zaslavsky earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with minors in chemistry and Bioinformatics from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, where her interest in translational medicine first took shape. She then began her research career at the University of Pennsylvania as a research specialist in cancer biology, investigating novel therapeutic strategies for sarcoma. She later completed her PhD, focusing on innate host defense mechanisms in gastroenterology. Before medical school, she completed postdoctoral training at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. 

At Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Zaslavsky received numerous honors and awards, including the Dean’s Discretionary Scholarship. She also worked as a researcher at the Michigan State University Institute of Global Health while pursuing her DO. Dr. Zavlasky currently works as a research mentor and medical writer, dedicated to training and inspiring future physicians.

Dr. Zavlasky’s research experience spans basic science and translational research in cell and molecular biology, oncology, gastroenterology, immunology, glycobiology, and epidemiology. She has authored publications in journals including Blood, the International Journal of Cancer and Radiation Oncology, Gastroenterology, Matrix Biology, and Frontiers in Immunology, and has presented her findings at national conferences including the Gordon Research Conferences and Matrix Biology meetings, where she received awards for both poster and oral presentations.

With 10 years of mentorship experience, Dr. Zavlasky has mentored students at all levels, including high school, undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, the Cleveland Clinic, and MSUCOM. Many of her mentees have published manuscripts and presented at academic conferences. Her mentorship philosophy focuses on guiding students in discovering their passions, developing scientific thinking and writing skills, and connecting their research experiences to future roles as physician-scientists.

Dr. Zavlasky’s passion for mentoring pre-medical students stems from her belief that empowering future physician-scientists will ultimately strengthen the bridge between laboratory discoveries and patient outcomes. She views research as a fundamental training ground for critical thinking, problem-solving, and resiliency. In addition to her scientific background, Dr. Zaslavsky brings a human perspective to mentorship. As a mother and someone who has navigated complex academic and career transitions, she understands the pressures students face and actively helps them manage stress and build confidence throughout their journey.