$1.3M for student scholarships, strong COMLEX scores, and what's next for KHSU

.FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS. Support That Helps Students Thrive

A Lasting Investment in Kansas Healthcare

We recently announced a $1.3 million gift from the Riverside Health Foundation to establish an endowed scholarship fund for KansasCOM student doctors. The scholarship will support future physicians who demonstrate academic success and a commitment to serving rural and underserved communities across Kansas.

Once fully vested, the fund will provide scholarship support in perpetuity, helping reduce financial barriers for students who plan to practice in the state.

The gift builds on the Riverside Health Foundation's longstanding partnership with KHSU, which includes a transformative $15 million lead gift in 2019 that helped establish Kansas' first osteopathic medical school. Since KansasCOM opened in 2022, the foundation has also provided scholarships to every incoming class.

Learn more and view the story via KWCH News.

Strong Performance on National Boards

KansasCOM's Class of 2028 achieved a 96.82% first time pass rate on COMLEX-USA Level 1, one of the first major benchmarks in a physician's training. The exam measures students' understanding of biomedical sciences, clinical problem-solving, and osteopathic principles.

Their achievement reflects months of preparation and readiness for what's ahead. Learn more about how students prepare for COMLEX, on our blog.

.MOMENTUM AT KHSU. What's Next for the University?

Recently named the second president, Kimberly Long, PhD, spoke with the Wichita Business Journal to discuss the university's evolution into a growing health sciences university.

President Long Discusses KHSU's Next Chapter

On the latest episode of the BizTalk podcast, President Long discusses emerging partnerships in downtown Wichita and how KHSU is poised to address healthcare workforce needs in the region. Listen now.

From Startup to Growth

In a Q&A, President Long reflects on KHSU's evolution from startup institution to fully accredited university.

She explains how institutional accreditation is expanding clinical rotation opportunities for students, enabling KHSU to explore new academic programs in addition to the osteopathic medical school. Dr. Long also shares how lessons learned during the university's early years are shaping a culture of continuous improvement. Read on the Wichita Business Journal website.

.BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. Mentorship, Leadership, and Service

'Be the Mentor You Needed': Graduate featured by AAFP

KansasCOM graduate Tyler Wilson, DO, now a family medicine resident at Univ. South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, was recently featured by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

In the article, he shares lessons from his first months of residency, including what he has learned about mentoring medical students, fostering confidence in clinical training, and growing into the role of educator while still learning himself. Read the article.

Faculty Help Shape National Osteopathic Licensing Exams

KansasCOM's presence in national medical education continues to grow. Three faculty members, Dr. Kacie Stull, Dr. Laurieanne Hemric, and Dr. Paul Misasi, were recently appointed National Faculty for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), joining four KansasCOM colleagues already serving in those roles. As NBOME National Faculty, they help develop and review content for the COMLEX-USA licensing exams taken by osteopathic medical students nationwide.

Supporting Wichita's Young Athletes

KansasCOM students served on the medical support team for NBA player Gradey Dick's annual youth basketball camp, helping care for more than 150 young athletes while gaining hands-on experience.

Second-year student doctor De'Andra Ogala said, "It shows us as student doctors that being a physician is more than school. It's what you do for your community." Read the story on our blog.

.MED SCHOOL SHORTS.

Stay connected with KHSU

Photo on the right: KansasCOM students and Dr. Travis Engel on duty at the Frontiers in Flight Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base ✈️ They were proud to support the medical crew and serve the Wichita community.

For other questions including regarding the Scope newsletter, reach our team at info@kansashsc.org.

The content and dates mentioned in this newsletter are subject to change. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but unforeseen circumstances may occur.