KCU students shine on global stage with award-winning research

Kansas City University (KCU) Global Health track students are making a significant mark on the global health care landscape, earning top honors at prestigious medical conferences for their groundbreaking research. For the second consecutive year, KCU students have earned the Best Overall Poster award in the international category at the Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED), hosted by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Additionally, a KCU student received the top award at the Humanitarian Health Conference (HHC) organized by the Institute for International Medicine (INMED). These awards highlight KCU’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, as students tackle global health challenges.

Gautam J. Desai, DO, FACOCP, professor and chair of Primary Care at KCU served as the research mentor and co-investigator for all the award-winning projects. “Winning first place at OMED two years in a row, along with the impressive recognition at HHC, highlights the exceptional dedication, leadership and innovation of our students,” Desai said. “These achievements are a testament to the caliber of our students and the transformative potential that emerges when they have access to resources, support and opportunities to pursue impactful research.”

Lauren Evelti (OMS-IV)

Evelti earned the Best Overall Poster award at OMED 2024 for her research on the emotional and social impacts of menstrual health in rural Guatemala. Her study sheds new light on the often-overlooked psychosocial aspects of menstruation, revealing a surprising contrast: while older women in the study had a better understanding of menstrual physiology, they also faced greater emotional vulnerability compared to younger women. This finding underscores the need for age-sensitive, holistic health interventions in underserved regions.

"I chose this research because menstrual health is rarely discussed, especially in rural areas of developing countries like Guatemala," said Evelti. "My work shows how emotional well-being is deeply intertwined with physical health, and it's crucial to address both aspects together."

Tafadza Amani, DO (COM-24)

Amani earned the Best Overall Poster award at OMED 2023 for her research on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in rural Guatemala with co-investigator Tiffany Ruan, DO (COM-24). The study explored the high prevalence of DPN and its key risk factors, revealing that 81.6 percent of patients aged 45 and older showed signs of the condition. Their findings stress the need for improved screening and early intervention, especially in underserved areas with limited access to health care.

“Our research highlights the importance of regular screenings and lifestyle education to help reduce the burden of diabetic complications,” Amani said.

Olivia Langton (OMS-IV)

Langton earned first place in the prestigious Global Health Education presentation category at the Humanitarian Health Conference (HHC) for her research on esophageal cancer in rural Western Kenya with co-investigator Grace Howell (OMS-IV). Their findings reveal a pressing public health crisis: while smoke exposure is widespread in these rural communities, there is a significant lack of awareness about the associated cancer risks.

"Smoke exposure is rampant in rural Western Kenya, and it may be a key factor in the high rates of esophageal cancer," Langton said. "Our research highlights the importance of public health initiatives to educate communities and reduce the disease burden."

Join KCU’s Award Winning Community and Transform Global Health

KCU’s Global Health track equips students to address health care challenges both locally and internationally. By combining academic training with hands-on experience, the program prepares future health care leaders to make a tangible impact on underserved communities around the world.

“When I decided to pursue medicine, I realized how vital it is to take the skills we acquire locally and bring them to areas in need—places where people lack access to care and essential health care systems,” said Evelti. “It’s crucial to extend our reach and provide the tools they need.”

As KCU continues to empower its students to address the world’s most pressing health issues, it’s clear that the future of global health is in the hands of those with the passion and knowledge to make a lasting difference.