UMKC School of Medicine

UMKC is one of the best universities in the world! Ranked in the top third of universities globally out of more than 2,250 institutions across 100+ countries, UMKC ranked No. 727 worldwide and No. 145 nationally by U.S. News and World Report. Among the 197 public U.S. universities included in the rankings, UMKC earned the No. 98 spot and ranked No. 2 among Missouri's public universities recognized on the list.

The UMKC School of Medicine also earned global recognition. In Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems, UMKC ranked No. 1 among all Missouri and Kansas universities. In Clinical Medicine, UMKC ranked No. 1 among Missouri's public universities.

Learn more about UMKC being named a 2026-2027 Best Global University: https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/june/umkc-named-a-best-global-university-by-u.s-news-world-report.html

At the UMKC School of Medicine, Michelle Wu (BLA '25/M.D. '26) stood out as both a dedicated scholar and an innovative researcher. Through a Foundation of Anesthesia Education and Research fellowship, she explored how chronic opioid use impacts pain processing in patients.

"We actually found that patients on chronic opioid therapy had higher pain levels in terms of frequency and severity compared to those who weren't exposed to opioids," Wu said. "So, that meant over time, opioids actually cause more frequent and more severe pain, which was really interesting and kind of the first of its kind of a study to be done. As a future physician and anesthesiologist, it really reinforced for me how important it is to be thoughtful when managing patients, both in the chronic pain and also perioperative settings, being especially mindful of the long-term effects opioids can have."

Now a proud UMKC graduate, Wu is headed to UCLA for a anesthesiology residency. We look forward to seeing the impact she'll continue to make in medicine and on the lives of the patients she serves.

Leading up to commencement, UMKC School of Medicine graduates participated in their hooding ceremony in recognition of their accomplishments and the journey ahead. Students were hooded alongside faculty and recited their professional oaths in the presence of family and friends.

Congrats, doctors — we can’t wait to see what you do next!

Thank you to Nelson Sabates (B.A. ’83/M.D. ’86) for returning to UMKC School of Medicine to deliver the Take Wing Lecture: “The Financial Evolution of Healthcare: A Physician’s Perspective.” Through a wide-ranging and insightful discussion, he explored how factors such as insurance, drug pricing, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and shifts in the physician workforce are reshaping the business of medicine.

Congratulations again to Dr. Sabates on earning the School of Medicine's highest alumni honor, the Take Wing Award. Your leadership, generosity and decades of impact continue to shape UMKC and the future of medicine.

The 13th Annual Vijay Babu Rayudu Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Day showcased 40 abstracts from our students, residents and fellows focused on improving patient outcomes.

Congratulations to our top abstract and poster winners for leading the way in safer, higher-quality care:

Abstract Winner - Student: Lauren Roberts
Abstract Winner - Student: Ayra Ali
Abstract Winner - Resident/Fellow: Dr. Alison Fowler
Abstract Winner - Resident/Fellow: Dr. Justin Chu
Poster Winner - Student: Alyson Lewis
Poster Winner - Student: Neha George
Poster Winner - Resident/Fellow: Dr. Souvik Saha
Poster Winner - Resident/Fellow: Dr. Timothy Burchard

Congratulations to all of our School of Medicine graduates! Here are just a few of them who will be walking across the stage today! 🎓

UMKC School of Medicine Graduating Student Spotlight: Samir Mehta

Who would you like to thank for support during your academic career?
“Thank you to my parents for their constant support throughout this journey. Thank you to the boys — I could not have done it without you. We made it.”

What are your future plans?
“After finishing internal medicine residency at WashU, I plan to pursue cardiology fellowship and possibly subspecialty training.”

What is your favorite School of Medicine memory?
“Late-night drives and winning dance competitions with Kansas City Chakra.”

What advice do you have for current and future students?
“Find a hobby you enjoy and lean into it during this program. It will keep you sane and grounded when the going gets tough.”

UMKC School of Medicine Graduating Student Spotlight: Manu Kaur

Who would you like to thank for support during your academic career?
“No words can capture the gratitude and love I have for my younger sister, Arshu, and my parents, Dev and Jassi. Thank you for always being by my side.”

What are your future plans?
“Translating clinical understanding into proactive patient care and community advocacy through a solution-oriented mindset and unwavering determination.”

What is your favorite School of Medicine memory?
“Docent rotation with my senior partner!”

What advice do you have for current and future students?
“Lead with connection over convenience. Stay humble enough to ask for help and curious enough to keep finding new ways to grow into your favorite self.”

Congratulations to these UMKC School of Medicine students on receiving the Dean of Students Honor. Every semester, exceptional graduating students are honored with this award recognizing excellent academic achievement, leadership and service to our community.

- Lauren Baetje
- Mira Bhatia
- Carey Bickford
- Kailee Bunte
- Karen Moussa
- Khyathi Thallapureddy
- Gabriella Thornton
- Michelle Wu

We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished while at UMKC! Read more about the 2026 Dean of Students Honor Recipients: https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/may/graduating-students-named-dean-of-students-honor-recipients.html

UMKC School of Medicine Graduating Student Spotlight: Ruthvick Kasireddy

Who would you like to thank for support during your academic career?
“Thank you to my family and mentors for their support and belief. And a special shoutout to my WICK-STICK boys. I wouldn't have made it without them.”

What are your future plans?
“My future plans include continuing my education and training in emergency medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.”

What is your favorite School of Medicine memory?
“Celebrating match day with my friends and family, along with the festivities that followed.”

What advice do you have for current and future students?
“Have fun, make good friends and work hard.”