Alumni

Many people reset their health goals at the start of the year, but some food choices are still guided by outdated advice.

For most medical students, the fourth year is a whirlwind. For Kansas City University Class of 2025 College of Osteopathic Medicine alumni Mikayla and Dominic Maiuro, it was a mix of excitement, stress and careful planning as they worked toward their dream specialties.

Katina Rue, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP, vividly recalls stories of her mother navigating life in a remote Southwestern community, where limited access to health care and low health literacy meant barriers to health were everywhere.

Jessica Nelson, DO, a 2025 graduate of Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, has always worn her heart on her sleeve—especially when it comes to her love for the Minnesota Vikings. 

From the cockpit to the clinic, few have broken as many barriers as Rebecca E. deVillers, CAPT., MC, USN, DO. One of the first women to serve as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon and a leader in both military and civilian medicine, she has spent her career paving the way for others.

A 1983 Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus Floyd Jones, DO, has spent more than four decades caring families in rural Louisiana—a career defined by service, compassion and gratitude for the education that set him on his path. 

For Kenneth Melchionna, DO, a longtime member of the Kansas City University Board of Trustees and alumnus of the College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1990, his calling began during an ophthalmology lecture.

At the forefront of this initiative is William S. Mayo, DO, whose influence and vision reflect the deep bonds he formed during his time at KCU.  

In small towns like Colby, Kansas, health care isn’t just about medicine — it’s about community.

Alumni returned to Kansas City University for a weekend full of inspiration, connection and celebration.

When Kansas City University – Joplin welcomed its inaugural class in 2017, Kalee Woody, DO, signed on to help launch something new.

Joseph McGuirk, DO, didn’t just follow a path in medicine — he blazed one.