(Kansas City, Mo. – May 8, 2022) Kansas City University (KCU), the 8th largest medical school in the nation, celebrated commencement ceremonies on its Kansas City and Joplin campuses May 7 and 8, 2022.
KCU conferred the degree Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) on 433 graduates (KC – 381, Joplin – 156). Of those who received a DO degree, 31 graduates earned a dual degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Bioethics and 38 graduates earned a dual degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care Leadership from Rockhurst University.
The College of Biosciences presented 125 students for a Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Science.
Additionally, KCU presented its inaugural clinical psychology class with the degree of doctorate of clinical psychology (PsyD).
Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MACP, FRCP (Lon.), president and chief executive officer of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) of the United States, and co-manager of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), delivered the keynote address.
Chaudhry’s remarks titled “Look, Listen and Learn” reminded graduates that open minds and scientific innovation enabled medicine to make great strides over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the osteopathic philosophy of patient care.
“We don’t just look at a blood test and prescribe a medication or change a dose,” he said. “We look at the whole patient, literally and figuratively, which means we carefully look at a patient’s body language as they speak. We even look at their gait and posture as they enter our examining room, for clues about their mood. We listen carefully, without interrupting, to understand their concerns.”
Marc B. Hahn, DO, KCU president and CEO also addressed the graduates, congratulating them on their accomplishments and expressing confidence in their ability to face new and unique challenges in the days and years ahead.
“Together you will redefine the future of health care as physicians, scientists, psychologists, ethicists and leaders,” Hahn said. “Throughout it all, you will be guided by KCU’s mission to improve the well-being of the communities we serve. It is my hope that these words will serve as a permanent rudder, always helping you to navigate the complex and uncharted waters of our current health care system.”
An additional and unexpected highlight of the ceremony featured keynoter Chaudhry as the soloist singing the National Anthem at the start of the KCU-Joplin ceremony. Both commencement ceremonies in their entirety can be viewed here.
