Paula Gregory, DO, Assumes Helm as Dean of KCU-Joplin Campus

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) today welcomes Paula M. Gregory, DO, as dean of its new College of Osteopathic Medicine in Joplin, Missouri. The announcement of Dr. Gregory’s selection for the role came earlier this year.

As dean, Dr. Gregory will lead the academic, research and clinical services of the University at the Joplin campus. KCU has been a leader in new and innovative methods of medical education, and Dr. Gregory will be instrumental in delivering this pioneering work at the new medical school in Joplin. In addition, she will engage in ongoing outreach with the community and enhance the relationships with local hospitals and physicians.

“Serving as the dean of KCU-Joplin is truly an honor,” said Dr. Gregory. “It’s a role I look forward to using to help improve the lives and education of our students, as well as the surrounding community. KCU holds a heritage of training high-quality physicians, and plays an active role in improving rural health care. KCU-Joplin will produce top-notch osteopathic physicians who will further enhance health care around the corner and across the globe.”

Prior to her role with KCU-Joplin, Dr. Gregory served as assistant dean of clinical education for Georgia Campus-Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She brings a comprehensive background in medical education, family practice and rural medicine to KCU’s Joplin campus. She has started and directed residency programs, overseen clinical simulation training, and actively taught in the classroom and the clinic. KCU-Joplin, which will enroll its first class of 150 students in the fall of 2017, will benefit from Dr. Gregory’s leadership and expertise — specifically in primary care with an emphasis in rural health.

“On behalf of the University, I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Gregory,” said Marc B. Hahn, DO, KCU president and chief executive officer. “Her depth of expertise and success in medical education will further KCU’s commitment to maintaining a culture of excellence for its students. We are fortunate to have Dr. Gregory and look forward to her many contributions as dean.”

The development of the new KCU-Joplin College of Osteopathic Medicine has been accelerated by the collaborative efforts of Mercy Hospital Joplin, Freeman Health System, the City of Joplin and philanthropic leadership from the surrounding community. It will be the first new medical school to open in Missouri in 46 years.