Osteopathic Intelligence Blog

Kansas City University has announced a groundbreaking partnership with a local community organization to enhance health care services for the homeless population in Kansas City.

Students admitted to a new accelerated med school and dental school program announced by Pittsburg State University and Kansas City University (KCU) will save money and time on their path to becoming health care professionals, getting them into the field of medicine more quickly at a time when physicians and dentists are in demand in rural areas like Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri.

Megan Ottomeyer, DO, a neonatologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, did not go into medical school at Kansas City University, or even into her residency, thinking she’d end up working with the tiniest of patients.

KCU alumna Jessica Bass, DO, pursued her love for research during her time spent at the University. Her journey of becoming a physician scientist propelled her toward securing one of the most prestigious research fellowships in the nation.

Joey Peters began his college career conducting clinical research in kinesiology. As he worked with athletes, he felt the need for a more holistic approach. This led him to KCU and set him on a path toward becoming an osteopathic physician.

Feet are a window into a patient’s overall health. With this in mind, KCU osteopathic medicine students designed a community foot clinic, called FreshStep, to improve the health and wellness of Kansas City’s underserved community.

Sharon Gustowski, DO, MPH, joined KCU as the Kansas City campus dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this leadership role she works to foster an environment where faculty, staff and students learn from each other.

Much has changed since KCU alumnus Ron Holt, DO, graduated 30 years ago. Since then, society has made great strides toward progressiveness. To extend unconditional support, he established the first scholarship specifically for LGQBTQ+ students attending KCU.

KCU-Joplin began the 2022-23 academic year with new leadership at the helm after Kenneth Heiles, DO, was named campus dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Karen Evans, DO (COM ’00), loves her work as a primary care physician. Choosing KCU, her father’s alma mater, was the natural choice when she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.