ATSU students, staff, alumni honored by Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Posted: May 29, 2025
Former A.T. Still University (ATSU) Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Haxton, MA, received the Wilbur Hill, DO, FACOFP, dist., Distinguished Service Award, and numerous ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) students, staff, and alumni were honored by the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) during the 2025 Missouri Osteopathic Annual Convention in April in Jefferson City, Missouri.
ATSU-KCOM honorees included:
Graduating Wetzel Scholars: Nichelle Chastain, OMS IV, and Justin Hajicek, OMS IV
Continuing Wetzel Scholars: Samantha DeLuca, OMS III, and Caleb Liles, OMS III
New Wetzel Scholars: Erin Martin, OMS III
Medallion Awards: Kelly Kirkland, MBA, manager, ATSU-KCOM business operations
Young Physicians Network Student Physician of the Year: DeLuca
MAOPS Physician of the Year: Ben Cook, DO, ’14
Also at the convention, Katie Davenport-Kabonic, DO, FAAP, FACOFP, ’12, was installed as MAOPS president. Jordan Palmer, DO, ’17, Tessa Tolen, DO, ’23, and Shannon Buehre, OMS I, were installed as new MAOPS board trustees.
John Bailey, DO, ’90, Victoria Damba, DO, ’97, and Jeffrey Dryden, DO, ’82, transitioned off the board and were recognized for their service on the board and as past-presidents.
ATSU-KCOM students Olivia Collier, OMS II, Christeena Jojo, OMS II, and Krinal Gandhi, OMS II, presented research at the convention.
