ATSU-KCOM faculty and staff speak at Missouri Graduate Medical Education Annual Summit
Posted: August 3, 2026
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) faculty and staff attended the Missouri Graduate Medical Education (GME) 2026 Annual Summit from April 16-17, 2026, speaking alongside healthcare leaders and physicians from throughout the state and highlighting ATSU-KCOM’s role in strengthening Missouri’s physician workforce.
Held in Columbia, Missouri, the Summit brought together stakeholders committed to supporting sustainable GME programs, and retaining physicians in Missouri’s urban, rural, and underserved communities.
Dana Nelson, MA, Still OPTI director and GME Technical Assistance Center (TAC) coordinator, presented “Graduate Medical Education & Accreditation 101,” covering the fundamentals of GME, the role of the ACGME, the five stages of GME development, and key strategies for success.
Richard J. LaBaere II, DO, MPH, FAODME, associate dean, graduate medical education, presented “What the MO GME TAC Can Do for You,” highlighting the TAC’s goal to add 1,000 new physicians to Missouri by 2036 while detailing the specific support and resources the organization provides.
Additionally, Patricia Sexton, DHEd, associate dean, medical education, was on a panel about the role of Missouri medical schools in expanding the physician workforce and promoting primary care, and Brent Gonda, DO, ’25, Still OPTI/NRMC family medicine resident, was on a panel of medical students, residents, and program directors to discuss strategies for residency recruitment and physician retention.