In honor of his remarkable service to community, Dr. Eric Lakomek was named a recipient of the Unbridled Spirit Award, given annually by Frontier Nursing University (FNU). The award was presented at the FU Alumni Hall of Fame and Service Awards Dinner on Thursday, September 25, at the Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky.
The Unbridled Spirit Award is given annually to a former Courier who has perpetuated the mission and spirit of Frontier in their own lives. The award recognizes dedication to serving others, ongoing stewardship of FNU, and a zest for adventure.
In 2019, during the summer between his sophomore and junior years at Wabash College in Indiana, Dr. Lakomek was selected to participate in FNU’s Courier program. The summer program immerses undergraduate students from around the country in a public health and volunteerism internship.
“That experience was transformative,” said Dr. Lakomek, who is a first-year pediatric resident at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. “It gave me firsthand exposure to the challenges rural communities face and showed me how meaningful a physician’s role can be, not only in providing medical care but also in building trust and strengthening communities.”
While at Wabash College, Dr. Lakomek founded the Red Shoe Project, which is dedicated to providing sporting equipment to children and families who cannot otherwise afford it.
Dr. Lakomek graduated magna cum laude from Wabash, majoring in psychology with minors in chemistry and global health. He then attended Marian University’s Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was inducted into Sigma Sigma Phi, the honorary osteopathic service fraternity, as well as the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
During his time at Marian, he worked with underserved populations, serving in free clinics that provided essential care to those who were otherwise without access to care.
Dr. Lakomek is trained in both inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, with exposure to general pediatrics as well as subspecialty services. He manages acute illnesses, chronic medical conditions, and preventive care needs while maintaining a strong emphasis on family-centered care.
“I am deeply committed to a career in pediatrics,” Dr. Lakomek said. “I see pediatrics not only as caring for children’s medical needs, but also as advocating for their growth, development, and overall well-being. Whether through direct patient care, community engagement, or broader policy initiatives, I hope to dedicate my career to advancing equity, amplifying the voices of children and families, and making a lasting impact in the field.”
