KCU Alumnus Receives 2016 Power of One Award From Heart to Heart International

Royce Keilers, DO, a member of the 1965 graduating class of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU), received Heart to Heart International’s (HHI) 2016 Power of One Award for his life’s work to advance primary care medicine and build bridges between people, organizations and cultures. Dr. Keilers was honored with the award during the Compassion Gala at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel on May 7.

The Power of One Award is presented to an individual who significantly supports HHI’s humanitarian mission by exemplifying compassion toward the underserved and victims of crisis. Dr. Keilers led the way in forming the International Primary Care Educational Alliance with the goal of bringing together physicians, health care providers, foundations, governments and industries to enrich global health through primary care education.

“Our mission at KCU is to improve the well-being of the communities we serve, and increasing access to primary care medicine is a key strategy for fulfilling that purpose,” said Marc B. Hahn, DO, KCU president and chief executive officer. “It’s rewarding to see our alumni truly embody our University’s mission in such far reaching ways. Dr. Keilers’ dedication to increasing access to primary care throughout the world is commendable and serves as an example for us all.”

With a focus on “train-the-trainer” programs in China, Dr. Keilers found ready and experienced partners in HHI and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) to enhance and expand the primary care profession and strengthen the bonds between osteopathic medicine, volunteerism and humanitarian service.

“With 1.3 billion people in need of health care, the Chinese government has recognized the lack of adequate resources related to primary care medicine in their health care system,” said Dr. Keilers. “For the last 10 years, the International Primary Care Educational Alliance has been assisting China’s effort to provide high-quality, cost-effective primary medical care for all its citizens. I’m honored to be recognized for this noble work.”

Dr. Keilers lives in La Grange,Texas, with his wife Elva, who also graduated from KCU with a degree in osteopathic medicine.