First class to complete MKEAP begins residency at local hospitals

Twelve Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) alumni made history at the Kansas City University Farber-McIntire Campus in Joplin when they became doctors of osteopathic medicine following a commencement ceremony on May 5, 2024. The newly minted doctors comprised the first class of the MSSU-KCU Early Acceptance Program (MKEAP), an accelerated path that allowed them to complete their baccalaureate degrees in three years before transitioning to KCU.

“These students knew by the time of their high school senior prom that they were accepted into medical school,” said Richard Schooler, DO, vice president of KCU-Joplin. “They spent three years at Missouri Southern, then they transferred to KCU to complete their four years of medical school.”

The goal of the program is to offer students the opportunity to attend medical and dental school where there are shortages of physicians and dentists. It is also a step forward in advancing health care in the four-state region by continuing a program dedicated to ensuring doctors remain in the area. The vision has now come full circle with MKEAP’s newest alums accepting residency placements in family medicine, otolaryngology, emergency medicine and child neurology at hospitals located in Joplin, Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri.

“This graduating class marks a significant milestone for this important partnership between Missouri Southern and KCU. The focus is not only on keeping students in the region for undergraduate and graduate school, but hopefully, for them to practice here as doctors,” said Schooler.

For KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024 and MKEAP graduate Ashley McCleary, DO, completing her undergraduate degree and medical school close to home meant she received support from family and friends — a benefit she would not have had to the same degree had she chosen to attend other universities. “Being a part of the inaugural class of this program has meant so much to me. I was able to stay in my community, surrounded by my amazing support system,” said McCleary. “This program also introduced me to the most wonderful group of peers who have become my closest friends.”

McCleary began her residency in July 2024 at Freeman Health System in Joplin where she will practice family medicine.

KCU will welcome the first class of MKEAP dental students in the fall of 2025.