KCU alumnus Dr. Joe Li wins prestigious AOF Outstanding Resident of the Year Award

Hailing from New York City and getting his education in the heartland, Joe Li, DO, a 2022 alumnus of Kansas City University’s (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine and resident at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award. This honor, established by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), is given annually to honor those who embody a great spirit of altruism and whose combination of clinical promise, leadership, dedication and commitment to patient care sets them apart from their peers.

Hallmarks of an outstanding resident

Li's selection highlights his innovative approach to health care challenges and significant community impact. "I'm incredibly honored to receive this award," Li said. "It's a testament to the support I've received from my mentors, colleagues and patients. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and make a difference in people's lives." Nominated by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), Li has been a standout member since his second year at KCU, serving in various leadership roles including local chapter president and currently as vice-chair of the resident council.

Gautam Desai, DO, FACOFP, professor and chair of Primary Care at KCU and former faculty advisor for the student chapter of ACOFP, speaks highly of Li's impact: "His dedication to osteopathic family medicine and his exemplary leadership skills have been evident throughout his journey from a medical student into a resident. Joe demonstrated an exceptional ability to inspire and motivate his peers. His unwavering commitment to osteopathic family medicine, his exceptional leadership skills and his dedication to serving underserved communities make him a highly deserving candidate for this award. I am confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the field and to the lives of his patients."

From personal experience to professional calling

Li's passion for serving marginalized communities is rooted in his personal experiences. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by many in his neighborhood, including limited access to quality health care. These experiences fueled his desire to become a physician and make a positive impact.

For Li, the continuity of care and getting to know his patients and their families is invaluable. "One of the patients I'll never forget, was a woman I had been treating regularly. She was in for a routine colonoscopy, and we detected cancer. Because of her regular visits and my familiarity of her health history, we caught it early and got her started on treatment immediately,” Li said. “Today, she's in remission and doing great. I have been able to see her be there for her family after cancer. Experiences like these, when you really connect with a patient on a personal level, and share the highs and lows of their journey, are what make health care so rewarding."

As Li advances in his career, he remains steadfast in addressing critical health care challenges, including affordability, access to care and the need for comprehensive patient interactions. By championing community engagement, mentorship and innovative solutions, Li not only enhances patient care but also fosters a new generation of health care leaders committed to making a meaningful impact.