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Nova Southeastern University Dr Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
My name is Vivienne Riven and I am a third-year medical student at Nova Southeastern University and a first-generation college graduate. As the daughter of Romanian immigrants, I’ve been taught the importance of hard work and staying connected to my community from an early age. To help support myself and my family, I’ve worked as a real estate agent in South Florida while pursuing my education. Through that experience, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, navigate high-pressure situations, and build trust with people from all walks of life. These are the same skills I now bring with me into medicine.
Before I even knew what PM&R was, I rotated through various specialties but always found myself checking back on how patients were progressing through their physical therapy, spending extra time in the rehabilitation clinic, and learning from therapists about their treatment approaches. I realized I wanted to be part of their recovery journey well beyond the initial diagnosis.
What I love most about PM&R is that it doesn’t just restore function. It restores lives, strengthens families, and builds community. That is the kind of medicine I want to practice every single day. PM&R is a specialty rooted in teamwork, long-term healing, and patient advocacy—all of which align with the kind of physician I aspire to be. I am excited to continue my training in a residency program that will challenge and inspire me and allow me to bring my full heart and purpose into the lives of the patients I serve.
