From the Desk
of the President
November 2017
Marc B. Hahn, DO President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Greetings KCU Family:
As a health sciences university, KCU is becoming an ever-loud voice in shaping both the discussion and policy around critical issues impacting our communities, such as the future of health sciences education, social justice, and the opioid epidemic and gun violence, which are increasingly taking a devastating toll on the lives of citizens in our region, state and nation. I'm proud of our students, faculty and staff for their interest and concern, as we work to best prepare the next generation of osteopathic physicians, scientists and health professionals to understand and cope with these most challenging issues. Read about our efforts in these areas, as well as many other activities and updates in this issue of my newsletter.
Current Issue of Missouri Medicine Includes Focus on KCU
 KCU is, indeed, building on our osteopathic foundation, as highlighted in a special September/October "themed" issue of Missouri Medicine, the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association. Through a series of outstanding articles contributed by KCU faculty and administration, readers will gain insights into the direction KCU is heading as we continue to grow as a comprehensive health sciences university. Missouri Medicine has a print circulation of about 4,000 health professionals, physicians and doctors-in-training in the state, including distribution to Missouri's six medical schools. Access the digital issue.
KC Star Op-Ed Addresses Need to Tighten Access to Guns
 I was pleased to submit and have published in the Kansas City Star an opinion editorial stressing the need for tighter controls to gun access, following the most recent tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the residents of that community as we continue to deal with the increasing loss of human life from gun violence in what has become a dire public health issue facing our country.
KCU Weighs in on Opioid Crisis at State and National Levels
KCU was pleased to participate in the "Missouri Opioid Crisis Summit: Kansas City" held November 9 at the Kansas City Police Department Regional Training Facility. Joining other experts in health care, law enforcement and recovery, Darrin D'Agostino, DO, KCU executive dean and vice president of Health Affairs, weighed in on the side of the prescriber population. D'Agostino addressed the importance of physician education around the complex issues of pain and opioid dependency, misuse and addiction as a crucial piece of the puzzle in fighting the growing epidemic in our country.
KCU demonstrates our commitment to fighting this epidemic by providing comprehensive education to our students through pharmacology, neuropsychology and behavioral science psychiatry courses, as well as clerkships at integrated behavioral medicine clinics. KCU's efforts were among those of five osteopathic medical schools highlighted in a letter from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine to the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The letter reinforced ongoing prescriber education already in place by the majority of osteopathic medical schools and proposed the need for additional resources to ensure opportunities for interprofessional training and creative approaches to curricula, as well as support at both the pre- and post-graduate levels.
Longtime Civil Rights Activist and Physician Visits KCU
William Anderson, DO, spoke to the KCU community on November 14, sharing a retrospective of his career and experiences as a civil rights leader, osteopathic physician, surgeon and educator. A graduate of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Anderson began his professional career in the practice of medicine and surgery in Albany, Georgia. He was a founder and first president of the Albany Movement, which spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement in Southwest Georgia. Anderson worked closely with civil rights leaders and close friends Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ralph D. Abernathy, Sr. The efforts of the Albany Movement eventually led to the desegregation of Albany's public facilities. Anderson was the first African American to serve as president of the American Osteopathic Association. Watch his presentation on YouTube.
Be sure to stay connected with your university! Follow me @KCUMBpresident to learn more about the latest KCU initiatives and updates in the osteopathic profession.
Wishing each and every one of you an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday in the company of family and friends.
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Edward Enyeart Joins KCU's Board of Trustees
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Enyeart to KCU's Board of Trustees. Enyeart is Senior Vice President, Client Financial Operations, at Cerner Corporation, an international leader in information technology solutions committed to managing the information that allows clinicians to provide the best care for patients. In his current role, Enyeart leads Cerner's U.S. and international financial operations organization. We look forward to his insights and contributions as the University continues the implementation of our new 5-year strategic plan. Learn more.
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KCU Alum Honored with Distinguished Award
Eugene Laveroni, Jr., DO (COM '85), recently received the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons highest award - the Orel F. Martin Award - as a symbol of his outstanding career as an osteopathic surgeon, educator and leader. Following his graduation from KCU, Laveroni completed his internship and residencies in Michigan where he has continued to provide guidance and leadership in the field of osteopathic medicine and surgery for over 30 years. Laveroni was honored at the 2017 Annual Clinical Assembly of Osteopathic Surgeons in October. We congratulate him on this well-deserved commendation. Read more.
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Cliffhanger Run Highlights Fall in KC's Northeast Neighborhood
 A crisp fall day greeted 587 runners and walkers during the 32nd
annual Cliffhanger Run in Kansas City's Historic Northeast Neighborhood. This 5K and 8K event brings together members of the KCU community, and runners and walkers of all ages from throughout the region, including children from nearby elementary schools Scuola Vita Nuova and Gladstone. KCU's Fit Doctors Association engages with the students in the weeks prior to the event, working with them to build strength and endurance. On race day, the youngsters team up with student doctors to complete the race side-by-side, encouraging each other every step of the way. The race begins and ends on the campus of KCU, which serves as the event's naming sponsor and host site. See the photos and video on our Facebook page.
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Health Clinic Named in Honor of Dr. Robert Stephens
Robert Stephens, PhD, has served the Platte County Health Department (PCHD) for 20 years. For his service, the PCHD has named the Family Healthcare Clinic in his honor. The Clinic is the only facility that provides primary care to uninsured and economically challenged people in the county. Stephens served from 1996 to 2016, including in the position of chairman of the board. During this period, the board initiated and implemented the delivery of primary care to thousands of patients. Read more.
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