Ema Taylor was named Student of the Year in the Australian Traditional Medicine Society and Nature & Health Awards announced during a gala dinner at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency on November 18.

“I feel incredibly honoured to have been awarded Student of the Year in the 2017 ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society) and Nature and Health Magazine national award ceremony,” Miss Taylor said.

“It was a wonderful way to end my degree, surrounded by a room full of incredibly inspiring practitioners and fellow graduate students.

“I feel very fortunate to be involved in an industry that recognises hard work and dedication.”

Miss Taylor, who recently completed a four-year degree, practises at two Sydney clinics and offers Skype sessions for people who are outside these areas.

She studied a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in naturopathy.

“I am deeply passionate about supporting patients on their journey to their most vibrant and balanced self and utilise nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, lifestyle modifications and patient empowerment to achieve long-term positive change,” Miss Taylor said.

“I strongly believe in the power of using food as medicine.”

Miss Taylor has also built a business called Ceremony Cacao, an organic drinking chocolate blended with a handful of Mother Nature’s superfoods.

Australian Traditional Medicine Society director Christine Pope said the awards were open to all natural medicine practitioners and students.

The awards had three categories.

She said Miss Taylor’s award was well deserved.

“It’s a really amazing start to what I am sure will be a really promising career in natural medicine,” Ms Pope said.

Nature & Health editor Pamela Allardice, speaking at the awards night, said Ema is an inspirational role model for other students, demonstrating leadership and creativity.