Kansas Health Science University

What does it look like to train forward-thinking physicians? At Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine every first-year student doctor contributes to a literature review project, engaging with research from the very beginning of medical school. During our Health Systems Science Research Poster event this week, students shared their work with peers and community partners, explaining their thinking and responding to questions.

Experiences like this help students develop habits that carry into patient care: staying current with evidence, thinking critically about complex problems, and making informed decisions. What an impressive body of work from this year’s class!

This group represents only a fraction of the leadership behind Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine built through strategic partnership, planning, and persistence within The Community Solution Education System Our cooperation continues to bring our capabilities together to benefit students and invest in the people doing the work every day.

We’re grateful for the guidance of Richard Thacker, DO, President-elect of the American Osteopathic Association, at this year’s commencement.

“This profession has provided me with boundless opportunities… there has never been a more meaningful time to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine,” he said.

Dr. Thacker recognized the Class of 2026 on behalf of AOA leadership, celebrating both their achievement and the promise they carry forward into a growing profession, now representing more than 200,000 osteopathic physicians and students nationwide, with more than one in four U.S. medical students pursuing osteopathic medicine. He continued, “When I look out, I see leaders of the future, I see innovators for the future, and I see healers for our future."

Read more about his leadership and work: https://osteopathic.org/leadership/richard-thacker-do/
Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

It took many partners to build our university, but one pivotal vision helped turn the ending of one chapter—the closure of Wichita’s Riverside Health System—into the bedrock of our college of osteopathic medicine.

During our first commencement, we recognized Robert Dixon, former president and CEO of Riverside Health System and founder of the Riverside Health Foundation, with the University’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

As Wichita’s osteopathic hospital evolved under his leadership, Mr. Dixon expanded its reach, growing community clinics and strengthening access to care. When the system closed, he ensured its momentum did not end. Instead, he carried it forward through the Foundation to support medical students and ultimately help establish Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Through the Riverside Health Foundation’s continued investment in education, training, and direct student support, Mr. Dixon’s vision remains a driving force. Every graduate we celebrate exists, in part, because of him. Please join us in honoring Robert Dixon and his enduring impact on health care in Kansas.

You’ve built a career caring for patients—now take the next step toward becoming a physician.

KansasCOM’s We Heart pathway was created for experienced health care professionals, including nurses, physician assistants, and paramedics, who are ready to advance their impact in medicine. This unique pathway recognizes the value of your clinical experience and offers a more streamlined route to our Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program—without some of the traditional barriers like the MCAT or EXPANSIVE ADDITIONAL prerequisite coursework.

Join us May 12, 4:00pm CST for our next virtual information session to learn more about the KansasCOM DO program, We Heart admissions requirements, and important application timelines. With multiple session dates available, you can choose the option that works best for you.

Register today:
https://kansashsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_l6uvbdOsRDmnxiGCczWOzg #/registration

All aboard! Our Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) group "Partied on the Tracks" with Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine students, employees, and families coming together in the heart of downtown at the Great Plains Transportation Museum

From sharing a delicious stew and chatting above Douglas Street to exploring historic train cars and hopping on rides, it was fun for all ages. A huge thank you to the museum for hosting us; we couldn’t ask for a more iconic Wichita experience. If you haven’t been yet, we highly recommend a visit

With commencement on the horizon, we recognize Annaka Applequist and the intention she has brought to every step of her journey.

Originally from Hays, Kansas, Annaka’s path in medicine has been guided by a deep commitment to serving others and staying connected to the community that shaped her.

At KansasCOM, Annaka embraced the principles of osteopathic medicine, and was drawn to its focus on treating the root causes of disease in a whole-person-perspective. The philosophy of “form follows function” became central to her training, strengthening her clinical reasoning and deepening her understanding. Through hands-on experience in anatomy and osteopathic manipulative medicine, she developed a precise, patient-centered approach to care.

Annaika matched into Internal Medicine at University of Kansas SOM/Wichita.