2024 Alumni Class Notes

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Class of 1969

  • Gary Slick, DO, was the featured Ronald W. Hubbard, DO, FACOS Memorial Lecturer during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming. His presentation focused on caring for the patient.

Class of 1970

  • Gene Langevin, DO, spoke with KCU-Joplin COM students during an alma mater luncheon that took place in conjunction with orientation for the Class of 2028.

Class of 1973

  • Margaret Aguwa, DO, addressed graduates on behalf of the KCU Alumni Association during commencement weekend activities for the KCU-COM Class of 2024.

  • Steven Barag, DO, received the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) 2024 Master Preceptors Award. This award honors preceptors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the development of future medical students, family nurse practitioner students and physician assistant students.

Class of 1974

  • Carl Inzerillo, DO, was elected to serve as the 2025 KCU Alumni Association President.

Class of 1975

  • Ray Cordry, DO, was named the 2024 Oklahoma Osteopathic Doctor of the Year by the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

  • Edward Glinski, DO, addressed graduates on behalf of the KCU Alumni Association during commencement weekend activities for the KCU-Joplin COM Class of 2024.

Class of 1977

  • George Saleh, DO, served as the featured speaker at an American Medical Association student networking event held at KCU.

Class of 1979

  • Walter Grote, DO, gave a presentation on regenerative medicine and neural therapy during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming, sharing advancements and applications in these emerging fields. Additionally, he presented on prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma treatments for lower back conditions at the American Osteopathic Association’s 2024 Osteopathic Medical Education (OMED) Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

  • Leonard Pittala, DO, spoke with KCU-COM students during an alma mater luncheon that took place in conjunction with orientation for the Class of 2028. He also spoke to students during the AMA Speed Networking event. Dr. Pitalla was named one of the Heroes in Healthcare 2024 in Ingram's Magazine.

Class of 1981

  • Robert Juhasz, DO, was elected to serve as the chair of KCU’s Board of Trustees.

  • Allen Kossoy, DO, competed at the U.S. Masters Swimming 2024 Spring National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

  • William “Bill” Mayo, DO, was elected to the KCU Alumni Board of Directors.

  • Thomas C. Myers, DO, was featured on isStories, a digital media publication, highlighting his significant contributions to the health care landscape in Northeast Ohio where he is recognized as a leading dermatologist.

  • Preston Woodall, DO, embarked on a second career of service when he was ordained on September 1, 2024, as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Previously, he earned a Master of Divinity from the School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University. He now serves two Presbyterian congregations in Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington.

Class of 1982

  • Louis Monaco, DO, was a guest speaker for the KCU Student Interest Group in Neurology sharing his expertise and insights to inspire the next generation of neurologists.

Class of 1983

  • Mark Baldwin, DO, was inducted into the American College of Osteopathic Internists’ (ACOI) prestigious Gillum Society of Master Fellows. Additionally, he was named chair of Primary Care of Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Class of 1984

  • Jeffrey Earl, DO, shared insight with KCU’s Christian Medical and Dental Association.

  • Elaine Joslyn, DO, spoke with KCU-COM students during an alma mater luncheon that took place in conjunction with orientation for the Class of 2028. She also spoke to students during the AMA Speed Networking event.

Class of 1985

  • Karen Brungardt, DO, has become a published author with 14 books to her credit! Her writing transports readers to realms of wonder and amusement. She uses her imagination to color her worlds in books and create new worlds to explore. Her genres include young adult science fiction and action adventure.

  • Howard Mitz, DO, a gastroenterologist, joined Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, New Hampshire, in June 2024.

Class of 1986

  • Kevin Hubbard, DO, served as a speed networking table host at an event for KCU’s Internal Medicine Club where he engaged with students and shared insights about a pursuing a career in palliative medicine.

Class of 1987

  • Kevin Treffer, DO, gave a presentation on osteopathic approaches to sciatica during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming.

  • Bruce Williams, DO, spoke to KCU’s student chapter of the ACOFP during Primary Care Week.

Class of 1988

  • Anna Hayden, DO, was honored with the designation of Fellow during ACOFP’s 61st Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars.

Class of 1991

  • Carol Kirila, DO, was inducted into the ACOI’s prestigious Gillum Society of Master Fellows.

Class of 1993

  • Ron Holt, DO, addressed graduates on behalf of the KCU Alumni Association during commencement weekend activities. Additionally, he spoke to the Medical Student Pride Alliance and JUMP-Start (Journey for Underrepresented Students in Medicine Program) students, sharing his expertise and inspiring messages on inclusivity, leadership and medical education.

Class of 1995

  • John “Jay” Canon, III, DO, joined CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

  • Samang Kim, DO, joined Mosaic Medical Center in Maryville, Missouri.

Class of 1996

  • Rance McClain, DO, presented at the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine on ketone use in endurance sports during the 2024 Osteopathic Medical Education (OMED) Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Class of 1997

  • Dave MacIntyre, DO, was named chief medical officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.

Class of 1998

  • James Horst, DO, shared his wisdom with KCU’s First-Generation Student Organization.

  • Brad Vince, DO, CEO and chief medical officer of Dr. Vince Clinical Research, has expanded the organization’s capabilities with the addition of a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory at its research campus in Overland Park, Kansas. This new facility enhances their clinical pharmacology unit by supporting in-house safety laboratory testing and improving operational efficiency.

  • Urooj Waheed, DO, was profiled on isstories.com for his impactful work as an anesthesiologist and his remarkable generosity.

Class of 2000

  • W. Joshua Cox, DO, traveled to China in collaboration with the International Primary Care Educational Alliance (IPCEA), to elevate primary care medicine worldwide.

  • Alpesh Desai, DO, joined the research program team at Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Orlando, Florida.

  • Tammy Tucker, DO, co-authored the book “Many Paths to Profit: An Empowering Blueprint for Business Success.”

Class of 2001

  • Jeffrey Akhtar, DO, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, became part of the South Carolina medical community when he joined Tidewater Doctors.

Class of 2022

  • Col. Patrick Birchfield, DO, delivered a presentation on emergency medical kits at OMED 2024.

  • Robert McNab, DO, spoke with KCU-Joplin COM students during an alma mater luncheon that took place in conjunction with orientation for the Class of 2028. Additionally, he gave a presentation titled “Lifestyle Medicine: Impacts of Aging, Functioning and Quality of Life” during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming.

Class of 2003

  • Austin Lehr, DO, a board-certified general surgeon in Overland Park, Kansas, was named one of Kansas City's Top Doctors for 2024 by Ingram’s magazine.

Class of 2004

  • David Baker, DO, spoke with KCU-Joplin COM students during an alma mater luncheon that took place in conjunction with orientation for the Class of 2028.

  • Talene Churukian, DO, was featured as one of the nine best sleep medicine specialists by techbullion.com and gave a presentation on behavioral treatments for insomnia during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming.

  • Charlene LePane, DO, addressed KCU-COM students in conjunction with the ACOI Visiting Professor series. Additionally, she was elected to the KCU’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and spoke at the ACOI national conference, delivering a presentation on the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine.

  • CAPT. Shauna O’Sullivan, DO, returned to campus during Navy Week to share her wisdom with military medicine students. 

  • Aaron Rowland, DO, spoke with KCU-COM students during an alma mater luncheon that took place in conjunction with orientation for the Class of 2028.

  • Katina Rue, DO, was the first Latina and the first osteopathic physician to hold the position of president of the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA). Additionally, she penned an article for WSMA advocating for the equal acceptance of COMLEX and USMLE exams. She also spoke to KCU’s student chapter of the ACOFP during Primary Care Week.

  • Gabe Schifman, DO, medical director of the pediatric emergency department at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, spoke to KCU's Pediatrics Club.

  • Denise Wunderler, DO, gave a presentation during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming entitled “Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC): My Personal Tragedy.”

Class of 2005

  • Suzanne Crandall, DO, was honored as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member by The Inner Circle for her significant contributions to advancing neurology care and education.Additionally, she shared her expertise on stroke mimics and chameleons as a speaker at OMED 2024.

Class of 2006

  • Rajinder Signh, DO, joined the Outpatient Neurology Clinic team at Decatur County Memorial Hospital in Greensburg, Indiana.

  • Kevin Witte, DO, gave a presentation on trends in sports medicine during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming.

Class of 2007

  • John Erkmann, DO, spoke to KCU’s Anesthesia Club, sharing his expertise with students pursuing careers in anesthesiology.

  • Amanda Harrell, DO, was honored as a "Woman to Watch" in Show Me The Ozarks magazine. She was also named chief medical officer of Freeman Health System, where she oversees medical care and provides leadership to the medical staff.

  • Keith Kramer, DO, served as a speed networking table host at an event for KCU’s Internal Medicine Club. He shared insights and advice with students pursuing a career in nephrology.

  • Heidi Larison, DO, a family medicine physician in Wichita, Kansas, was recognized as one of the top general practitioners in the area. She was also honored as one of the Wichita Business Journal's 40 Under 40.

  • Molly Menser, DO, spoke to KCU’s Dermatology Club providing valuable insights into careers in dermatology and sharing her experiences in the field.

  • Katherine Pannel, DO, was named the 158th president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, becoming the first osteopathic physician to hold this position in the association’s history.

  • Melissa Penny, DO, spoke to the KCU’s student chapter of the ACOFP, sharing her perspective on practicing obstetrics as a family medicine physician.

Class of 2008

  • Deepa Halaharvi, DO, was elected to serve on KCU’s Board of Trustees.

  • Lt. Col. Scott Everson, DO, was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer at the United States Department of Energy

  • Health Wilt, DO, served as a speed networking table host at an event for KCU’s Internal Medicine Club, engaging with students and providing guidance about pursuing a career in cardiology.

Class of 2009

  • Jozia McGowan, DO, was named chair of Primary Care at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and was a featured panelist during the ACOI Annual Convention session on physician wellness.

  • Elly Riley, DO, was honored with the designation of Fellow during the ACOFP’s 61st Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars.

  • Cameron Smith, DO, presented on "Connecting with Your Geriatric Patients" during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming, providing practical strategies for enhancing patient relationships and care in geriatric medicine.

Class of 2010

  • Adam Fahrenholtz, DO, addressed graduates on behalf of the KCU Alumni Association during commencement weekend activities for the KCU-Joplin COM Class of 2024.

  • Nathan Hall, DO, gave a presentation on pediatric cancer during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming. 

  • Talon Maningas, DO, was named Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Zimmer Marketing’s Best of Four States Competition.

Class of 2011

  • Nathan Ham, DO, was profiled by MenaFN.com for his work as the owner of Alternate Doors LLC, a company dedicated to rehabilitating distressed properties while providing support for homeowners.

  • John Houk, DO, was appointed as chief medical officer at Campbell County Health in Gillette, Wyoming.

Class of 2012

  • Kelsey Able, DO, MS (COB 2008), Pooja Bhadbhade, DO, and Jennifer Capra, DO, were featured panel speakers at a Women in Medicine event hosted by KCU.

  • Chris Paynter, DO, was honored as Family Physician of the Year by the Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Physicians. He also assumed the presidency of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) Board of Trustees. In addition, Dr. Paynter engaged with students as a speaker for the MAOPS Student Group at KCU-Joplin, sharing his leadership journey and expertise in osteopathic medicine.

  • Curtis Boyd, DO, joined Washington Regional’s OB hospitalist group in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Class of 2013

  • Aaron Shaw, DO, was recognized as one of the top 20 spine specialists under 40 years old by Becker’s Spine Review.

Class of 2014

  • Jayme Decker, DO, was a featured panel speaker at a Women in Medicine event hosted by KCU.

  • Kelstan Ellis, DO, gave a presentation on the ethics of newborn screenings and pediatric neurology during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming.

  • Maciej Padowski, DO, was named among the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awardees by Oakton College.

Class of 2015

  • Joseph Albano, DO, made history as the first surgeon in the U.S. to implant the Simplify Cervical Artificial Disc, a revolutionary advancement that prioritizes patient comfort, recovery and quality of life.

  • Patrick Nakashima-Moran, DO, was elected to serve as First Vice President of the MAOPS Board of Trustees.

  • Ledia Turner, DO, joined Piedmont Primary Care of Snellville in Snellville, Georgia.

Class of 2017

  • Zhilwan Rahim, DO, was a featured speaker for KCU’s ACOFP Chapter during Primary Care Week.

Class of 2018

  • Casey Kernan, DO, joined the Primary Care team at Healing House in Suquamish, Washington.

  • Thomas Serena, DO, gave a presentation during KCU’s 2024 Homecoming, focusing on key considerations for referring patients to a vascular surgeon.

Class of 2019

  • Robert Boud, DO, spoke to KCU’s Anesthesia Club, sharing his expertise and offering guidance to students interested in pursuing careers in anesthesiology.

  • Gilbert Garrett, DO, earned a prestigious sports medicine fellowship offered through a partnership with Sano Orthopedics and the European-based SANTI Group.

Class of 2020

  • Jacob Baer, DO, served as a speed networking table host at an event for KCU’s Internal Medicine Club, engaging with students and providing insights into building a career in cardiology.

  • Kyle Barner, DO, and Benjamin Kierner, DO, spoke to KCU’s Orthopedics Club, sharing advice and insights about navigating residency in sports medicine and orthopedics.

  • Travis Ogogor, DO, participated as a panelist for KCU’s First-Generation Student Organization, sharing his experiences and perspectives on overcoming challenges and succeeding as a first-generation student in medicine.

Class of 2021

  • Brian Herman, DO, spoke to KCU’s Student Interest Group in Neurology, offering valuable advice and insights on preparing for and succeeding in a neurology residency.

  • Neil Talukdar, DO, spoke to KCU’s Surgery Club, discussing topics in transplant and cardiac surgery and sharing his expertise in these specialized fields.

  • Zackary Wages, DO, joined Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care, in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Class of 2022

  • Dayna King, DO, was honored by the American Academy of Family Physicians with the Excellence in Graduate Medical Education Award.

  • Brian Kong, DO, and Adam Lewis, DO, spoke to KCU’s Student Interest Group in Neurology, providing valuable guidance and sharing their experiences about pursuing and excelling in a neurology residency.

  • Joe Li, DO, was honored by the American Osteopathic Foundation as he recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Resident of the Year 

  • Will Zvagelsky, DO, was honored as Resident of the Year at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, in Overland Park, Kansas.

Class of 2023

  • Alec Curtis, DO, spoke to KCU’s Student Interest Group in Neurology, sharing advice on residency selection and offering insights into navigating the application process.

  • Khanh Nguyen, DO, shared his wisdom with KCU’s First-Generation Student Organization.

  • Nairi Rostomian, DO, spoke to the KCU-Joplin Surgery Club, providing guidance to students interested in pursuing careers in surgery.

  • Tyler Staples, PsyD, was elected to the KCU Alumni Association Board of Directors. In addition, under a new partnership between KCU and Care Beyond the Boulevard—a nonprofit dedicated to providing health care for underserved Kansas City communities—Dr. Staples is mentoring PsyD students, offering them hands-on clinical training opportunities.

Class of 2024

  • Ali Badar, DO; Hannah Caplan, DO; Suneeti Dash, DO; Garrett Dunn, DO; Ryan Hoffman, DO; Allison Jennings, DO; and Lucas Rappert, DO, served as panelists for KCU’s Emergency Medicine Student Organization.

Honorary

  • Laura Rosch, DO, former dean of KCU-Joplin COM, was named campus dean of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine.