Elena N. Dedkova, DVM, PhD

Tell us a little about your background, where you're from, and what led you to CNUCOM.

I grew up in a small town in Russia near the border of Ukraine and Belarus, in a household of nine people sharing three bedrooms. I never had a bed of my own until college, but I was a happy child—an avid reader with a flashlight under the blanket, a peacemaker among four siblings, and a student eager to learn. When I was in high school, the Chernobyl nuclear accident occurred, forcing me and my family to leave our hometown to avoid radiation exposure. That experience left a deep impression on me and sparked my determination to understand how the environment, and particularly radiation, can affect human health—a motivation that guided me toward science and medicine.

Despite challenges, I graduated high school with honors at 17 and became the first in my family to attend and graduate from college. That same year, I boarded a night train to Moscow, where I was admitted to university and eventually earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree by 21. Fascinated by science, I pursued graduate studies at the Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, where I earned my PhD in Biophysics and Cell Physiology. My path then led me to the United States for postdoctoral training at Loyola University Chicago. In the Department of Physiology, led by Dr. Donald M. Bers, I received an American Heart Association fellowship and became the first to measure nitric oxide production in mitochondria of heart cells, linking it to the regulation of cell death pathways. This work launched my lifelong focus on mitochondria, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases, supported by NIH and AHA grants.

At Rush University Chicago and later at UC Davis, my research expanded to explore the role of metabolism and ketogenic diets in heart health. Most recently, I have focused on rare mitochondrial diseases, particularly Friedreich’s ataxia (FA)—a devastating inherited condition where most patients die in young adulthood from cardiomyopathy. My lab maintains unique FA mouse models to test therapies aimed at preventing or reversing heart failure. We contributed to studies of omaveloxolone (Skyclarys), the first and only FDA-approved drug for FA, and continue to explore new strategies including fumarate prodrugs, mitochondrial transfer, and combination drug therapies. This work is supported by FARA, NIH, and the American Heart Association, which recently awarded me the highly competitive Transformation Project Award.

What ultimately led me to California Northstate University College of Medicine was my passion for teaching and the joy I find in working with bright, motivated medical students. Communicating science, inspiring curiosity, and guiding the next generation of physicians has been as rewarding to me as the discoveries made in the lab. At CNUCOM, I have found the perfect balance between advancing research and shaping future leaders in medicine. From a childhood in a crowded home, to leaving my town in the shadow of Chernobyl, to becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, my journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Today, I remain driven by the belief that both science and education have the power to transform lives.

What first sparked your interest in medicine or science, and how did that lead you to specialize in your current field?

From the very beginning of my academic journey, I was drawn to the intersection of curiosity and purpose that defines science and medicine. What fascinated me most was the idea that careful observation and systematic inquiry could reveal not only how the body works but also how it can be healed. The ability to ask a question, design an experiment or clinical approach, and then see the direct impact of those findings on human health felt profoundly meaningful to me.

What makes my chosen field so fulfilling is that it combines both intellectual challenge and human connection. Every discovery, no matter how small, contributes to a greater understanding that can ultimately improve lives. I find deep satisfaction in knowing that the skills I’ve developed—whether in research, problem-solving, or teaching—can translate into real change. The pursuit of knowledge in science and medicine is never static; it constantly pushes me to grow, adapt, and refine my thinking. Most of all, what sustains me in this work is the sense of purpose: the knowledge that my efforts contribute to easing suffering, advancing understanding, and helping people live healthier lives. It is this blend of curiosity, challenge, and impact that continues to draw me deeper into my field.

What advice would you offer to students beginning medical school or currently in training?

Starting medical school is both exciting and overwhelming, and my greatest piece of advice is to approach it as a marathon rather than a sprint. It is easy to feel pressure to know everything at once, but success in medicine comes from persistence, steady progress, and self-compassion. First, stay curious. The volume of information can be daunting, but if you connect what you learn back to real patients and the human stories behind the science, the details become more meaningful and memorable. Second, take care of yourself. Medical training is demanding, but rest, exercise, and time with family or friends are not luxuries—they are what sustain your ability to learn and care for others. Balance is not always perfect, but making space for your well-being is essential. Finally, remember that collaboration is as important as competition. Some of your greatest learning will come from classmates, mentors, and patients themselves. Medicine is never practiced alone, and building supportive relationships early will serve you throughout your career.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies, interests, or passions?

Outside of research and teaching, I find balance and joy in nature and simple pleasures. With our three children now grown and in college, my husband and I often spend weekends escaping into the quiet beauty of the outdoors. Living near the American River, we take long walks along its banks, watching birds, collecting flowers, and enjoying the peace of being surrounded by water and trees. Gardening has also become one of our favorite pastimes—a way to reconnect with the earth and find calm after busy professional weeks.

My love for nature runs deep. Growing up in the forests of Russia, I spent my childhood collecting wild berries and mushrooms, and by the age of twelve I could identify medicinal herbs and prepare my own herbal teas. Those early experiences taught me to appreciate the healing qualities of the natural world, a curiosity that has stayed with me and, in many ways, complements my scientific journey. While my next “expedition” may or may not involve fishing in the American River, I know it will always include exploring, learning, and finding inspiration in the quiet spaces where science and nature meet.

Can you share something students or peers may not know about you?

I came to the United States alone with just two suitcases and a few hundred dollars in my pocket. Starting from scratch was not easy, but it instilled in me resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for every opportunity I’ve been given. These early experiences shaped the way I approach challenges today—with determination, resourcefulness, and the belief that growth often begins in moments of uncertainty. At high school, I studied car mechanics and even earned my CDL driver’s license. Working with engines taught me the value of precision, problem-solving, and persistence—skills that surprisingly mirror those needed in medicine. I carry this history with me as a reminder that each of us has a unique path leading to medicine, and that our diverse backgrounds enrich not only our own journeys but also the community we build together.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of CNUCOM?

What I find most rewarding about being part of California Northstate is the strong sense of community and support that exists between students, faculty, and mentors. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed into an environment where collaboration is valued as highly as individual achievement. It feels like a family at California Northstate College of Medicine. The small size of medical school fosters close relationships between students and professors, which not only makes learning more engaging but also creates a network of peers who truly uplift one another.

Equally meaningful is the opportunity to be part of a program that emphasizes innovation and hands-on experience early in medical education. The curriculum encourages students to think critically, apply knowledge to real-world situations, and explore diverse aspects of healthcare—from patient care to research and leadership. This balance between academic rigor and practical application has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Above all, the most rewarding aspect is knowing that I am surrounded by people who share the same commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. The passion, curiosity, and dedication within the CNU community inspire me daily and continually remind me why I chose teaching and research as a path in my life.