Kansas City University (KCU) welcomed former students back to campus for Alumni Weekend, a three-day gathering featuring continuing education, campus exploration, the Ronald W. Hubbard, DO, FACOS Memorial Lecture, the KCU Alumni Awards Gala and class reunions. During campus tours, alumni explored simulation, osteopathic manipulative medicine and point-of-care ultrasound, learning about the technology and training now offered to all KCU medical students. Some alumni had not been back to campus in 50 years.
Cole Zanetti, DO, MPH, delivered the Hubbard Lecture, exploring the evolving role of artificial intelligence in health care and its potential to support patient care. Alumni also participated in continuing education sessions and campus experiences, including a screening of VIENNA: Suddenly an Angel featuring KCU alumna Denise Wunderler, DO, FAOASM. Donors committed to the future success of KCU and its students gathered for the Benefactor’s Brunch. The KCU Alumni Awards Gala recognized graduates whose careers and service have made an impact in medicine, medical education and communities around the country and beyond.
“We are pleased to welcome our alumni back to campus and celebrate the many ways they continue to make a difference in health care and their communities. There is a common thread: each has taken the knowledge, skills and sense of purpose developed at KCU and used them in service to others," said Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and CEO of KCU. "In many ways, they represent the continuum we hope to see in the life of every KCU graduate — from the promise of a career just beginning, to the impact of a life of service, to a legacy that has influenced generations.”
Beyond the events and activities, Alumni Weekend offered an opportunity for alumni to connect wth the KCU community, revisit the campus and reflect on the lasting impact of their time at the University.
“What makes KCU so special are the lasting connections that bring everyone back to one another,” said Jennifer Ingraham, vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “Alumni Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our graduates, honor the remarkable impact they are making in health care and their communities and take pride in the difference they continue to make across the profession.”
Alumni Awards
Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award
Elaine M. Wallace, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1980
Leader in osteopathic medical education, mentorship and global health
Wallace spent more than two decades in leadership, education and clinical roles at Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, including serving as dean. A longtime educator and mentor, she has been recognized for teaching excellence, humanism and service. Her career has included leadership in osteopathic medicine, international medical outreach and the development of health professions education programs. She has led students on global health outreach serving communities in Guatemala, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Galapagos and Cuba.
Graduate of the Last Decade Award | College of Biosciences
Qwynton Qhai Johnson, DO, MS | College of Biosciences, Class of 2020; College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2024
Advancing medical education through research, mentorship and advocacy
Johnson is a physician-advocate whose work focuses on medical education, research and equitable access to health care. His research has explored potential biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease, along with clinical case reports across several medical specialties. He also founded Jump-Start, an initiative designed to introduce undergraduate students to medical school and careers in medicine. His commitment to mentorship, service and humanistic care has earned recognition through the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Phi.
Graduate of the Last Decade Award | College of Osteopathic Medicine
Shruti Sharma, DO, FACP | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2016
Physician, researcher and advocate for cancer care and medical education
Sharma is a hematologist and medical oncologist who has built a career combining patient care, research and medical education. During her training, she founded a research symposium for medical students, residents and fellows and developed partnerships to expand research opportunities. Her scholarly work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and she has held leadership roles within the American Osteopathic Association. She now practices with Texas Oncology, where she is committed to providing quality cancer care to her community.
Distinguished Legacy Award
G. Michael Johnston, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1973
A lifelong educator and leader in osteopathic medicine
Johnston has devoted more than five decades to patient care, medical education and the advancement of osteopathic medicine. During his career at KCU, he served in several leadership roles, including associate provost for faculty and student success and vice dean and campus dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City. A respected educator and mentor, he has received numerous honors for his contributions to medical education and professional leadership. His influence extends across KCU and the broader osteopathic profession.
Alumnus of the Year Award
Ryan Coute, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2018
Physician-scientist advancing resuscitation science
Coute is a physician-scientist and assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham whose research focuses on improving treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. He has authored 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts and received numerous national research awards, including recognition from the American Heart Association and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. His research has also led to national service with the American Heart Association, where he contributes to resuscitation science and clinical guidelines.
Star Spangled Banner Medallion
Colonel Patrick T. Birchfield, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2002
Leader in military and aerospace medicine
Birchfield has served in the Armed Forces since 1990 and built a career in aerospace and military medicine. As an operational flight surgeon, he served in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division and later held leadership roles shaping military medical education and aeromedical policy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he commanded the Army hospital system at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, supporting military beneficiaries and working with local, state and federal partners. He now serves as command surgeon for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
Alumni Service Award
M. Adele King, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1965
Six decades of service to medicine, education and community
King has built a career spanning anesthesiology, proctology, medical education and professional leadership. She held numerous leadership positions at Tahlequah City Hospital and served as a leader in medical education and student rotations. In 1997, she became the first woman president of the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists. The organization later established the M. Adele King Professional Service Award in recognition of her contributions to the profession.
Rural Service Award
J. Andrew Bukaty, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2002
Dedicated to expanding access to care in rural communities
Bukaty has spent more than two decades providing care in rural emergency departments and hospitals across the Midwest through Docs Who Care. He has served as a medical director and now chief medical officer, helping guide clinical operations and support health care access in communities that might otherwise face challenges maintaining local services. He has also devoted years to serving children and families affected by cancer, including as a volunteer and medical director for a summer camp in central Kansas.
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