Alumni

As the vibrant energy of Homecoming filled the air, Kansas City University alumni gathered to honor those changing health care for good.

In our fast-paced world, the pursuit of success often comes at the cost of good sleep. But what if improving your sleep quality could be the key to unlocking greater productivity and well-being? Kansas City University (KCU) distinguished alumna, Talene Churukian, DO (COM 2004), a renowned expert in sleep science, shares her invaluable insights in this comprehensive guide.

KCU alumnus Forrest “Phog” Allen, DO (COM 1909), is not only a basketball coaching legend, but also a pioneer in sports medicine and sports psychiatry. 

Hailing from New York City and getting his education in the heartland, Joe Li, DO, a 2022 alumnus of Kansas City University’s 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. 

A 2023 graduate of Kansas City University's Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program is making significant strides in improving the lives of teens and young adults. Tyler Staples, PsyD, specializes in clinical child psychology, focusing on psychological assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, depression and anxiety.

Meeting your first grandchild is a once-in-a-lifetime event; having your former classmate deliver your grandchild makes it even more special.

A fusion of American and European sports medicine expertise awaits KCU alumnus Garrett Gilbert, DO. An innovative program, forged through a partnership between Sano Orthopedics and the SANTI group, will catapult Gilbert from the heartland to the forefront of global sports medicine. 

The Mississippi State Medical Association announced the historic election of KCU alumna Katherine Pannel, DO, as its 158th president-elect. Dr. Pannel, a distinguished psychiatrist and medical director for Right Track Medical Group in Oxford, Mississippi, is the first Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine to hold this prestigious position in the association's history.

“I’ve always considered my patients as friends and loved them,” said Dale Reinker, DO, FAAOS, FACOFP (COM 1969), about his 42-year career. “The fact that people who knew me from high school entrusted me with their health care was gratifying.”

The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians of California (ACOFP-CA) announced Steven Barag, DO, FACOFP, as a recipient of the esteemed 2024 ACOFP Master Preceptor Award. 

Kansas City University alumni and faculty continue to achieve excellence in the field of osteopathic medicine.

An ardent supporter of Kansas City University, Elliott Klain, DO (COM 1974), has been giving to the University for more than 30 consecutive years. Today we celebrate his enduring generosity by announcing his most recent gift of $50,000 to commemorate his 50th class reunion year.