ATSU-KCOM students, staff, project sense of pride with status as founding osteopathic school
Posted: May 13, 2025
Agatha Beier, OMS II, grew up a little more than two hours away from Kirksville, Missouri, calling Carlisle, Iowa, home.
That made A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) a geographically convenient choice for medical school, but what went into her decision had a lot more to do with what she found in Kirksville instead of its physical location.
“During my interview, I felt welcomed by everyone I met, who genuinely wanted to get to know me as a person, rather than just a transcript,” Beier said. “As the founding school of osteopathic medicine, ATSU has a strong sense of pride, evident with both the students and staff, which further solidified my decision. Additionally, I chose ATSU for the professional staff and class size, which has fostered a strong, close-knit learning environment.”
Beier has a bachelor of science in health service management from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. At ATSU-KCOM, she serves as medical president of Still Caring Health Connection, vice president for the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and as a member in ATSU’s Garden Club, OB/GYN Club, Hope’s Kitchen, and Student American Academy of Osteopathy.
“As a member of Still Caring Health Connection, I have had the opportunity to give back to community members and strengthen my clinic skills, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Our student organization offers free healthcare clinics and educational events for members of the Kirksville community, and we have made numerous trips to an Amish community in La Plata, Missouri to provide free healthcare,” she said. “IIn addition, we have hosted a weekly booth at the local farmers’ market to connect with the community and distribute educational materials on a variety of topics.
“I became a member of the executive team for the Christian Medical and Dental Association, as I enjoy Bible studies and wanted to assist with the preparation of the organization’s weekly Bible studies, as well as to organize semester events. We have also created prayer boxes that are located around campus and allow students to submit anonymous prayer requests that we pray over each week.”
Beier also serves as a student ambassador, recalling how impactful the ambassadors were who she met during her interview day and tour.
Outside of class, Beier enjoys exercising, gardening, and reading, and recently took up making sourdough bread. On campus, she truly appreciates all the University has to offer, from student organizations and staff support, to intramural sports and community events.
“The staff is exceptional – fair, compassionate, and dedicated to both their roles and the success of students,” she said. “ATSU is unique in many respects, including the fact that ATSU has integrated an ultrasound course into our curriculum and has leveraged the human patient simulation lab to provide a valuable, safe environment for practicing patient care and clinical skills.”
Beier is looking forward to leading a meaningful and impactful career in medicine.
“While I am still exploring which field to pursue, my goal is to provide compassionate care, educate patients on their healthcare options, and empower them to advocate for their own health,” she said. “ATSU offers a wealth of opportunities that have exposed me, and will continue to expose me, to various areas of medicine, helping me determine the right path for my future.”
