From the Desk
of the President
January 2018
Marc B. Hahn, DO President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Greetings KCU Family:
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2018! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and is settling into what is already a busy start to the new year.
Our University continues to be extremely proud of our faculty and student research. We begin 2018 acknowledging the outstanding work of some of these individuals, who were recently recognized by their peers and by our Kansas City community. Our scientists, in partnership with their collaborators and student researchers, illustrate KCU's commitment to strengthening our research to positively impact patient outcomes.
 KCU Research Shines Through
Dr. Abdulbaki Agbas Featured in KC Business Journal
Research by KCU Associate Professor of Biochemistry Abdulbaki Agbas, PhD, was highlighted in the November 10, 2017, cover story of the Kansas City Business Journal. Dr. Agbas and Dr. Russell Swerdlow, co-director of the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center, shared their thoughts on the future of Alzheimer's and the work being done to treat the disease. Research is still at an early stage, but Dr. Agbas is very hopeful for future advancement. While there is no known cure for Alzheimer's, early detection and identification will enable the development of viable treatment options. (read more)
KCU researchers Drs. Abdulbaki Agbas, Barth Wright and Jingsong Zhou, along with KCU anatomy fellow Amy Whitaker, joined scientists from three other local medical institutions to present research findings during the Kansas City Musculoskeletal Diseases Consortium (KCMD) annual conference. Formed in 2015 as a catalyst to capitalize on the strengths of the top medical schools in the area, KCMD brings together the best minds in medical research focused on gaining a better understanding into diseases of muscle and bone through collaboration. (learn more)
Dr. Jingsong Zhou Publishes Latest ALS Research  Jingsong Zhou, PhD, professor of Physiology, was recently published in Bone, an interdisciplinary forum of articles and reviews on basic, translational and clinical aspects of bone and mineral metabolism. Dr. Zhou and her research collaborators have been studying the muscle, bone and gut of the ALS mouse model on mitochondria, looking specifically at the "cross talk" between defective cells. The ultimate outcome is to improve mitochondrial function in multiple organs with the goal of helping patients live a better quality of life. (read more)
AOA Report Shows Strong Growth in Osteopathic Profession
Osteopathic medicine continues on the rise in the U.S., according to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) 2017 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report. In the past 30 years, the number of DOs practicing in this country has more than tripled. Physicians are increasingly younger, with the number of female DOs entering the profession growing markedly. Over half of active DOs practice in primary care specialties with 44 percent practicing in non-primary care specialties such as emergency medicine, obstetrics and general surgery, helping to meet the shortage of physicians in those critical areas. The numbers, as gathered and reported by the AOA, bode well for the future of our osteopathic profession. (read the full report)
Be sure to stay connected with your university! Follow me @KCUMBpresident to learn more about the latest KCU initiatives and updates in the osteopathic profession.
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Remembering Two Notable Alumni
KCU regrets the passing of two longtime friends and supporters, Leonard Smith, DO (COM '54) and Donald Krpan, DO (COM '67). Our condolences go to the family and friends of these alumni.
Dr. Krpan located to California following his graduation where he was among the first DOs to receive a California license following the Supreme Court decision reauthorizing osteopathic licensure in the state. His involvement with the osteopathic profession was wide-ranging. In addition to practicing family and emergency medicine for over 20 years, he was actively involved in a number of professional organizations, where he provided leadership and guidance, including his position as president of the American Osteopathic Association from 2000 to 2001. (learn more) Read the story in The DO.
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KCU Library Staff Recognized for Efforts in Joplin
 The staff of The D'Angelo Library has been recognized for the "Outstanding Academic Health Science Library" award from the Health Sciences Library Network of Kansas City (HSLNKC) for contributions to health librarianship. The award acknowledges their hard work and determination in helping to get KCU-Joplin's Dawson Library ready to open on time last summer. HSLNKC awards are given out once a year to libraries providing outstanding service to their institutions. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City. (read more)
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KCU Hosts MO-M1, Welcomes 215 First-Year Students
More than 200 first-year medical students from across Missouri visited the campus of KCU to network, collaborate and learn from faculty, alumni and each other. An annual event, the MO-M1 conference is hosted by Missouri medical schools on a rotating basis and provides an early opportunity for students to begin to build important networks and relationships as they journey through their academic career. This year, the event themed "Innovation and Leadership in Multi-Disciplinary Care," included speakers from KCU, Rockhurst University and University of Missouri - Kansas City. Watch our video. See photos in our Facebook album.
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Speaking From The Heart: Professor Motivates Students Of All Ages
 Robert Walker, PhD, associate professor of Physiology, has a unique approach when speaking to young people about their goals and the future: Throw out the Power Point presentation, speak from the heart and connect one-on-one. Dr. Walker recommends a disciplined, "knock it out" approach, minimizing distractions and maximizing interactions with individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement. In these matters, Dr. Walker knows firsthand, having had the benefit on a "no nonsense" family support system that pushed and encouraged him every step of the way. Dr. Walker spends a lot of his time outside the classroom mentoring students of all ages. Read more about his successful approach and review his five tips on motivation.
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We Couldn't Do It Without You
We are grateful to our donors and benefactors for the myriad ways their generosity benefits KCU, our students and our community. Students and faculty extend a heartfelt "thank you" in a creative way to those who help our university continue to grow and thrive. View our "Thank You" video.
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