Valedictorian Driven by Childhood Experiences

As a child growing up in Kragujevac, Serbia, Jelena Skoric had always been fascinated with the medical field and would often play the game of “doctor” with friends in her backyard. Therefore, it was no surprise when she earned her nursing degree at Sister Ninkovic Nursing School and later attended the University of Belgrade-Faculty of Medicine with the plan of earning her Doctor of Medicine degree.

“What began as a childhood game slowly turned into a genuine desire to understand the human body, help others, and make a real difference in people’s lives,” recalled Skoric.

However, Skoric’s educational plans were unexpectedly halted beginning in 1999 when the horrific North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) bombing broke out, and she made the difficult decision to leave her home country and move to the United States. After relocating to West Bloomfield, Michigan, in 2002, she started a new life, married, had four beautiful children, and launched a family business with her husband Boro, before relocating to Palm Beach County, Florida in 2014.

Thankful for the many blessings in her new life, she remained more motivated than ever to assist others.

After first studying Crime Scene Technology because of her desire to expand her knowledge in the field, Skoric earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Campus, followed by her master’s degree in Human Biology two years later. She then enjoyed serving as a volunteer Assistant Anatomy Professor at the university’s College of Chiropractic Medicine. It was in this role that she realized a career as a Doctor of Chiropractic would allow her to embrace her childhood focus on health and healing.

“My husband, who has always been my biggest support, knew that and encouraged me that it is never too late to pursue my dream once again. With his support and the love of my family, I found the strength to take my first step back toward medicine,” said Skoric, who began the program in 2021. “I still remember my first day here at Keiser University, when we together stepped into a new chapter of life and began our journey to become Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine. This was my second chance at achieving my dream, and I grabbed it with everything I had. I worked hard, stayed focused, and constantly pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. There were moments of exhaustion, but I never let them define me. That perseverance is what led me to graduate as a valedictorian- a moment that not only honored my efforts but also the long, winding journey that brought me here. It proved to me that it is never too late to chase your dream and rise above every obstacle,” she said.

In addition to her family for their ‘unwavering support,’ Skoric thanks her Keiser University professors for promoting overall wellness. While sharing that ‘their guidance will continue to echo in the way those in her profession practice, lead, and grow,’ she recalled how faculty members taught her that chiropractic medicine is more than just an approach to good health, but instead, a philosophy and a way of life. “It’s about seeing people as more than just the sum of their parts. It’s about understanding that true healing happens when the mind, body, and spirit are in harmony,” said Skoric, who is now completing her externship at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Skoric closed her Valedictorian’s Address by encouraging fellow learned to persevere as she did and reminding them of the immense responsibilities to come.

“For the past four years, we’ve been equipped with knowledge and tools to be leaders in healthcare, but we must never forget the responsibility that comes with this title. We have the power to influence lives, to ease pain, and to inspire others to lead healthier lives. As we move forward, let’s remember the privilege it is to help people and let’s commit to being lifelong learners, always seeking to grow in our knowledge and understanding. Let’s go forward with the knowledge that we have the skills, compassion, and drive to make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare. Our journey is just beginning,” she said.

Keiser University’s rigorous Doctor of Chiropractic program prepares graduates to truly make a difference by relieving patients’ pain, improving their mobility, and guiding them to lead healthier lives. The program combines traditional lectures with small-group learning, weekly conferences and seminars, laboratory and experiential sessions, and clinical training opportunities — all with an emphasis on case-based relevancy for chiropractic practice, a profession dedicated to excellence in spine care.

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