ATSU-KCOM residency programs adopt new names to reflect University’s identity
Posted: August 27, 2026
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) is updating the names of its medical residency programs to better reflect their connection to the University.
The organization that oversees these residency programs, formerly called Still OPTI, will now be known by the ATSU-KCOM name. The change was approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and helps prospective residents more easily identify the schools and hospitals involved with each residency program.
“This approval represents an important step forward for our institution and our residency programs,” said Richard LaBaere, DO, MPH, FAODME, FNAOME, designated institutional official for ATSU-KCOM. “By aligning our graduate medical education programs more closely with the ATSU-KCOM name, we reinforce the strength of our osteopathic heritage, academic mission, and commitment to preparing exceptional physicians.”
Going forward, each residency program’s name will include both ATSU-KCOM and the name of its clinical partner. Sites include Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) in Kirksville, Missouri, and Rocky Vista University (RVU) in Englewood, Colorado. The updated names apply across specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
Kent Blanke, DO, director of medical education at NRMC, said the new names better show how closely the programs work together.
“Our residents benefit from outstanding clinical training opportunities, while also being connected to the legacy and academic excellence of ATSU-KCOM,” Dr. Blanke said. “This rebranding strengthens that identity and helps prospective residents immediately recognize the quality and depth of our partnerships.”
Scott Wilkie, DO, program director at RVU, said the change also reinforces the shared values among the partner institutions.
“This change highlights the collaboration and shared educational values that support our residents and ultimately benefit the communities they serve,” Dr. Wilkie said.