The award is MAOPS’ highest honor and recognizes extraordinary commitment, leadership, and service to the osteopathic profession.
“Dr. Davis exemplifies the very essence of this award,” said MAOPS Executive Director Brian Bowles. “His leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to our mission make him not only a distinguished physician but also a role model for our entire profession.”
Dr. Davis has been a long-time leader and advocate within MAOPS and is one of the youngest recipients of this award. Historically, the honor has been bestowed upon individuals nearing the culmination of their careers. However, this year’s selection underscores a different narrative, recognizing a physician whose impactful contributions are already profound and whose leadership continues to shape the profession’s future.
A member of MAOPS for decades, Dr. Davis was among the organization’s earliest Wetzel Scholars in 1998. Since then, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication, serving in numerous leadership roles across virtually every committee within the organization. He currently chairs the Finance and Audit Committee and remains actively involved in advancing MAOPS initiatives.
Dr. Davis has also played a pivotal role at the national level, serving as a delegate to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for over 20 years. In 2017, he served as president of MAOPS and continues to lend his expertise through ongoing committee work and leadership contributions.
Widely recognized for his advocacy, Dr. Davis has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policy at both the state and national levels. He is known for building strong, lasting relationships with state and federal legislators, who frequently seek insight on key healthcare issues. His proactive engagement ensures that the voice of osteopathic physicians remains influential in policy discussions.
In addition to his work within MAOPS, Dr. Davis currently serves on the AOA Board of Trustees, where he recently led the organization’s Strategic Planning Process. He also has served in back-to-back years as the chair of the AOA’s Committee on AOA Governance and Organizational Structure. In this capacity, he continues to champion the priorities and perspectives of MAOPS and the osteopathic medical profession on a national stage.
Chidalu Mbonu, PA, ’26, is a student in the A.T. Still University-College for Healthy Communities (ATSU-CHC) Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program, class of 2026. A native of Montgomery County, Maryland, she brings an exceptional academic foundation to her PA training, earning a bachelor of science in public health from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2021, followed by a master of public health in health policy and clinical practice from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in 2023.
Mbonu was drawn to ATSU-CHC by its commitment to whole person healthcare and its mission to serve underserved communities, values she has carried throughout her academic and professional journey. She serves as co-moderator of the Fellowship of Christian Physician Associates, a peer mentor, an elected AAPA Student Academy Representative, a 2025–2026 Student Academy Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates, and a student ambassador.
Why did you choose the PA program at ATSU’s College for Healthy Communities?
“I chose ATSU-CHC because of its strong commitment to whole person healthcare and its mission to serve underserved communities. As someone with a background in public health, I was drawn to ATSU’s emphasis on integrating medical science with community-oriented care. The program’s rigorous clinical training and focus on compassionate, patient-centered medicine aligned closely with my goals of becoming a clinician who not only treats disease but also addresses the broader social and public health factors that influence health outcomes.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the opportunity to give back through volunteering. I participate in the Dreamline Pathways program, where I help introduce high school students to the PA profession and encourage them to pursue career paths that empower them and their families. Through this program, I hope to inspire them to dream boldly and believe in the possibilities ahead of them. I also participate in community service through student government, such as packing school supplies for school-age children to support their learning. These experiences make the journey through PA school both rewarding and meaningful.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to practice medicine in a way that integrates clinical care with a broader understanding of public health and the social factors that influence health outcomes. I aspire to contribute to healthcare not only by treating illness but also by promoting prevention, education, and community well-being. ATSU is preparing me for this path through rigorous clinical training and an emphasis on whole person care, which encourages us to consider the biological, psychological, spiritual, social, and environmental factors that shape health. Through my education and clinical experiences at ATSU, I am developing the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to serve patients thoughtfully and compassionately.”
Why did you choose to get involved in student organizations?
“I enjoy representing the student body and ensuring that every voice is heard and thoughtfully advocated for. Through my role as SGA’s AAPA Student Academy Representative and as a 2025–2026 Student Academy Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates, I am able to promote justice, equity, and transparency in student representation while helping to strengthen communication between students and leadership at both the program and national levels.
In the midst of the many demands of PA school, it is always uplifting to gather with classmates who share the same faith. Our Fellowship of Christian Physician Associates provides a space for prayer, reflection, encouragement, and worship, reminding us to remain grounded in our purpose to serve others through medicine.
As for peer mentoring and serving as a student ambassador, there were times when navigating the PA school application process felt daunting because I did not personally know anyone who could guide me or explain what to expect. Through social media, I was able to connect with PA students and graduates willing to share their experiences, but there were also many messages that never received responses. Because of this, I make it a priority to volunteer as a mentor and ambassador so that prospective, incoming, and first-year students always have someone they can reach out to for guidance and encouragement.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I enjoy writing and reflecting on issues related to healthcare, public health, the evolving role of medical professionals, and public policy. I recently had the opportunity to publish an article discussing the role of physician associates in medicine, which allowed me to contribute to broader conversations within the healthcare community. I also enjoy learning about different cultures through food and spending time with family and friends. These experiences help me maintain perspective and remind me that within our differences lie many shared similarities.”
Before coming to ATSU, Flores Aguilar built an extensive clinical background as a multi-skilled technician, anesthesia technician, surgical tech, and lead cath lab tech, gaining hands-on experience across orthopedics, cardiology, and cardiovascular care in hospital and traveling surgical settings throughout Texas. He now serves as president of the PA Student Government Association Kettel Society and as a student ambassador, and is currently founding four new PA student organizations as part of his class legacy.
Why did you choose the PA program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU because it simply made sense to me for the kind of provider I wish to become and how I want to impact my community, due to its renowned reputation nationally throughout the medical community of consistently producing and molding excellent community-oriented practitioners in the osteopathic heritage that focus on whole person healthcare. I wanted to personally immerse myself in a program that honors and highlights the same three core values that have exemplified my atypical path to PA school: experience, example, and excellence. I hope to use my experiences to serve and give back to bilingual communities of underserved populations through leading by example as the next generation of PAs that strive to assimilate the ATSU ‘body, mind, and spirit’ philosophy of team-centered medicine.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is how genuinely connected our community is. It doesn’t feel like I’m just enrolled in a program, it feels like I’m part of a close-knit family where students, faculty, and staff all show up for each other. PA school is intense, but at ATSU you never feel like you’re doing it alone. There’s always support around you, whether that’s faculty who truly want you to succeed, classmates who have your back, or resources like counseling and tutoring that are actually encouraged and easy to access.
“Student life here is also active and meaningful, and it really brings people together. We stay grounded in service through community outreach and volunteering, which reminds us why we chose medicine in the first place. The Diversity Festival and student-led events like Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month have impacted our program as a whole, diving deep into each other’s cultures in ways that unite us in sharing and understanding what makes us truly alike. Interdisciplinary events like Founder’s Day, PA Basketball Games, and PA vs. PT Pickleball and Powderpuff Football tournaments build camaraderie across all our programs. We’ve also had huge pride moments, like defending our title by winning the ASAPA Challenge Bowl for the second consecutive year. On top of that, Lunch and Learns give us the chance to connect with ATSU alumni, clinicians, and faculty in a way that feels approachable and practical. Overall, ATSU has this balance of hard work, service, culture, and genuine support, and to me that’s what home should always feel like.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?
“With my prior roles focused in pre-op/OR, anesthesia/PACU, and surgical care, I saw firsthand the importance of every individual’s respective task and how it aligns toward the uniform purpose of playing your role on a clinical team to ensure the patient’s overall success. I would love to be a versatile PA throughout my career – providing primary care with consultations to diagnose, while also lending a steady hand first-assisting in the OR in either cardiothoracic or cardiovascular specialties.
“I am privileged to learn from faculty who teach unique approaches to treating patients from all different ages, races, and backgrounds. I will utilize my diverse upbringing and life experiences, along with the innovative strategies offered at ATSU, to advance our shared commitment to increased access to higher quality medical care for bilingual communities of Arizona and along the U.S.-Mexico borderland. Whatever my future holds, I know ATSU will give me the tools necessary to help bridge the physician shortage gap in serving diverse rural settings and medically underserved communities all over the border region, which I, along with thousands, proudly call home.”
Why did you choose to get involved in student leadership and founding new organizations?
“What I enjoy most about being class president is realizing that leadership in PA school isn’t about having a title, it’s about creating a sense of belonging in an endeavor that can feel overwhelming and isolating. I love being able to connect people and help classmates feel seen, supported, and heard, especially on the hard weeks when everyone’s running on caffeine and pure grit. Whether it’s organizing something that brings us together, advocating for what our cohort needs, or simply being a steady point of communication, it’s meaningful to know I’m helping build a culture where we don’t just survive PA school, we absolutely crush it and do it together as a team. Watching this cohort grow into incredibly diverse future clinicians, and knowing I played even a small part in strengthening our community, is what makes it worth it.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because of the impact they made on me since Day 1 during my interview as a nervous prospective PA student. They were a big part of my decision to come to ATSU, which I now know is the best place for me to be successful. I have enjoyed being a helpful resource for others and giving back in the same way, especially for students who are moving to a new city or state to pursue their dream career, as I had to do. Whether giving campus tours or offering transparent feedback on interview days, I have enjoyed representing ATSU to prospective students who will soon be in my position. We were all in their shoes at some point, and it’s humbling and extremely rewarding to know you may have been a positive part of their journey.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“I love spending time with my family and classmates outside of school. My hobbies include watching and playing sports, going to the gym, listening to music, singing, dancing, and traveling. My favorite hobby is playing basketball with my mentor on the weekends. I’m also planning to get involved with YMCA Mesa/Gilbert Youth Sports development programs so I can continue coaching basketball, something I did for five years in El Paso. I wholeheartedly believe that teaching young people the importance of teamwork through sports is one of the best ways to give back to the next generation of our communities.”
In this Q&A, Farrow shares what brought her to ATSU-ASHS, how the program is shaping her clinical skills, and why community has been at the heart of her experience.
Why did you choose the Physician Assistant program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS because of its strong commitment to educating compassionate, patient-centered clinicians, and its emphasis on whole person healthcare. The program’s focus on communication, professionalism, and evidence-based medicine stood out to me during the application process. I was also drawn to the supportive learning environment and faculty dedication to student success. Being part of ATSU has reinforced my passion for becoming a PA who can make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the strong sense of community within the program. My classmates are supportive and collaborative, which makes navigating the challenges of PA school more rewarding. Student life includes opportunities to participate in organizations, leadership roles, and events that bring students together outside of the classroom. These experiences help foster teamwork and friendships while preparing us for our future careers as physician assistants.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a compassionate and knowledgeable physician assistant who provides patient-centered, evidence-based care. I am especially passionate about patient education and lifestyle medicine, and I hope to pursue a specialty in sports medicine where I can work with athletes and active individuals. My background in competitive athletics has inspired my interest in helping patients recover from injuries, optimize performance, and maintain long-term health. ATSU’s rigorous curriculum and emphasis on whole-person care are helping me build strong clinical reasoning, communication, and teamwork skills, preparing me to confidently care for patients and make a meaningful impact in their health.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, such as Still-Well Ambassadors?
“I joined student organizations as a way to stay connected with my classmates and contribute to the supportive community within our program. PA school can be incredibly demanding, so having opportunities to collaborate, encourage one another, and spend time together outside of the classroom is really meaningful. I appreciate how these organizations help foster connection, support student mental health and wellness, and remind us that we are all navigating this journey together. Being involved has strengthened my sense of community and helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills that I will carry with me throughout my career as a PA.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to support prospective students and share my experience in the ATSU-ASHS PA program. Applying to PA school can feel overwhelming, and I enjoy helping applicants learn more about the program and feel confident in their decision. Serving in this role has allowed me to represent a program that has had a meaningful impact on my development as a future PA. It is rewarding to connect with prospective students and highlight the supportive community and opportunities that ATSU offers.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I enjoy staying active and spending time with friends as a way to stay balanced during the demands of PA school. I love trying new coffee shops, cooking at home, and getting outside for activities like pickleball or workouts. These moments help me recharge and stay connected with the people around me. Finding time for these hobbies has been important for maintaining wellness and perspective while in a rigorous program.”
ATSU faculty, staff, and students,
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
In observance of this significant milestone in our nation’s history, ATSU offices and patient care centers in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026. Facility access will be limited. The Kirksville Thompson Campus Center will also be closed.
To view library hours at each location, please click here.
*Click on the blue calendar tile and select Juneteenth.
Kurtz was drawn to the University by its storied history as the first osteopathic medical school and the firsthand recommendation of a physician mentor who trained there. A dedicated leader and advocate, she serves as president of both the L. Linton Budd OBGYN Society and Medical Students for Choice, as national liaison for the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons Medical Student Section (ACOS-MSS), and as a student ambassador.
Why did you choose the DO program at ATSU-KCOM?
“I chose ATSU-KCOM because of the school’s strong reputation and its history as the first osteopathic medical school. A physician I worked with who trained here spoke very highly of both the education and the sense of community at ATSU. Hearing about his positive experience made it clear to me that ATSU would be a supportive place to learn and grow as a future physician, which made my decision to attend an easy one.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I enjoy the strong sense of community that comes with being an ATSU student. The friends I have made here have had such a positive impact on my overall happiness and have made medical school a much more supportive and enjoyable experience. Outside of studying, I love attending spin classes at the Thompson Campus Center as well as kayaking. I also enjoyed participating in intramural softball this past fall. While I hadn’t played since I was 8, it was a fun way to meet new people and have fun.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM helping prepare you for your career?
“My primary professional goal is to become a compassionate and skilled physician who takes the time to truly listen to patients and make them feel heard. I believe that strong patient–physician relationships are essential to providing good care, and I hope to create an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected, and involved in their healthcare decisions.
“ATSU-KCOM is helping prepare me for this career by providing a strong foundation in both medical knowledge and the osteopathic philosophy of patient-centered care. The supportive learning environment, hands-on opportunities, and emphasis on treating the whole patient are helping me develop the skills I need to become not only a competent physician, but also one who prioritizes empathy and communication in every patient interaction.”
Why did you choose to get involved in student organizations?
“I joined these organizations because they align closely with both my professional interests and my desire to be involved in the medical student community. As president of the L. Linton Budd OBGYN Society and Medical Students for Choice, I enjoy creating opportunities for students to connect, learn, and explore topics related to reproductive health and obstetrics and gynecology. Through the OBGYN club, we host activities such as HPS deliveries, IUD workshops, and documentary nights. These events allow members to practice hands-on skills while also learning about important topics in reproductive health and patient care in a collaborative environment.
“Serving as the National Liaison for ACOS-MSS has also allowed me to represent ATSU at a national level. I had the opportunity to travel to Salt Lake City for the ACOS conference, where I connected with other medical students interested in surgery and participated in surgical skills workshops. Being involved in these organizations has been incredibly rewarding because it allows me to meet new people, develop leadership skills, and further explore the areas of medicine I am most passionate about.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to help prospective students get an honest perspective on what it is like to attend ATSU-KCOM. Choosing a medical school is a big decision, and I remember how helpful it was to hear directly from current students during my own application process. Serving as an ambassador allows me to share my experiences, answer questions, and help applicants feel more comfortable as they learn about the school.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“I love cooking and am working on creating a vegetarian and plant-based cookbook. My husband and I adopted a dog my first semester here, and we spend time going to the local dog parks and taking her on walks around the lake.”
Wackerman was drawn to ATSU by its culture of empathy, collaboration, and patient-centered care. Active across multiple student organizations, including the Internal Medicine Interest Group, Make-A-Wish at ATSU, the ATSU Harm Reduction Club, and the student ambassador program, he brings a strong commitment to community both inside and outside the classroom.
Why did you choose the DO program at ATSU-SOMA?
“I chose A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona because of the genuine sense of community I felt when speaking with current students. What stood out most was the culture of empathy, teamwork, and collaboration. It didn’t feel competitive or isolating – it felt supportive, like everyone was working toward the same purpose. I was especially drawn to the School’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and its holistic approach to medicine. It felt like a place where students are treated like family and where developing into both a skilled physician and a thoughtful human being truly matters.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the inclusive and welcoming environment. From the beginning, I’ve felt supported by both my classmates and faculty. The open-door policy has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with professors, which has played an important role in my personal and professional growth. The culture here is centered on teamwork rather than competition; we collaborate, support one another, and genuinely want to see each other succeed.
“The campus also truly embodies diversity. There is a wide variety of student organizations and clubs that help everyone feel represented and included, and if something feels missing, students are encouraged to create it. That sense of empowerment and belonging is something I really value.
“Student life is vibrant and engaging as well. We have events like yoga sessions, mini-fairs, class-wide review sessions, sports tournaments such as basketball and flag football, and even traditions like Med Prom. These experiences help us stay connected, build community, and enjoy the journey through medical school together.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-SOMA helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a compassionate physician who serves diverse populations with empathy and cultural humility. I’m also excited to continue exploring different specialties as I discover the path that best aligns with my strengths and passions. ATSU has helped prepare me by exposing me to physicians across a wide range of specialties, giving me valuable insight into different approaches to patient care and the importance of collaboration in medicine. The CBI course, in particular, has strengthened my ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, helping me feel confident and prepared for the collaborative nature of the medical workplace.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I remember how overwhelming and nearly impossible the decision process felt during my own application cycle. I wanted to be the kind of resource I wish I had – someone who could offer honest insight, transparency, and reassurance during such a pivotal time.
“Serving as an ambassador allows me to help guide the next generation of physicians by sharing a genuine perspective on what makes A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona so special. I hope to strengthen our community by providing thoughtful, authentic conversations that help applicants determine whether this environment aligns with their values and goals. Ultimately, I want to ensure students feel informed, supported, and confident as they make one of the most important decisions of their careers.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I love spending time outdoors, especially hiking in the Arizona desert. I also enjoy staying active at my local gym. Being outside and moving helps me recharge and maintain balance during medical school.”
De La Pena chose ATSU-ASHS for its strong faculty mentorship, small class sizes, and fully in-person, hands-on curriculum. As a clinic board member and student ambassador, she is committed to both her professional development and to helping prospective students make informed decisions about their own paths in healthcare.
Why did you choose the DPT program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU because of its strong faculty mentorship, small class sizes that support individualized learning, and its fully in-person, hands-on lab curriculum that aligns with my preferred learning style.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I truly value the wide range of resources available to support me as I work toward this challenging and rewarding career. I also appreciate the strong sense of community within the program. Building meaningful connections with my classmates has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my experience. Whether we are reserving study rooms to prepare for exams or taking walks around campus to recharge and enjoy the sunshine, these moments have helped create lasting friendships and a supportive learning environment.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?
“Upon graduating from ATSU, I hope to specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy, with a focus on supporting women during the pre- and postpartum periods, as well as helping individuals experiencing incontinence regain confidence and return to their daily lives. ATSU is equipping me with a strong clinical foundation that will prepare me to pursue advanced certifications in this specialty. Additionally, the guidance and mentorship of my professors have been instrumental in helping me move toward this professional goal.”
Why did you choose to join the ATSU OT/PT Clinic Board?
“I value being part of the ATSU OT/PT Clinic Board because it provides a meaningful leadership opportunity and offers insight into the operational and administrative aspects of running a clinic. It allows me to gain hands-on experience and perspectives that extend beyond what is taught in the classroom.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I chose to become a student ambassador to offer incoming students an honest and relatable perspective on the program. It is incredibly meaningful to help them explore whether this is the right environment for them and to guide them as they gather the information needed to make a thoughtful, well-informed decision.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“Outside of my academic commitments at ATSU, I enjoy crocheting and reading, both of which allow me to unwind and recharge. I also prioritize regular exercise, which not only supports my own well-being but reinforces my passion for physical therapy.”
William F. Brechue, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Physiology, ATSU-KCOM, served as grand marshal. After 37 years in higher education, Dr. Brechue will be retiring from the University in June.
Susan L. Thomas, PhD, president, Truman State University, was the recipient of the 2026 Chancellor’s Medallion Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Thomas was recognized for her outstanding service and support to healthcare and the osteopathic profession. Under her leadership, Truman State University has been a valued partner to ATSU and a cornerstone of Kirksville’s higher education legacy.
David L. Rhoiney, DO, FACS, ’14, vascular surgery fellow, Emory University, former department head of surgery, U.S. Navy, served as commencement speaker and was awarded an honorary doctor of science in osteopathy degree.
Speakers also included ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, ATSU’s Missouri campus, and Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, who delivered the Board of Trustees greeting. ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, provided closing remarks.
Watch the complete commencement ceremony and check out more photos below!
Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH, vice president and chief clinical officer, Dentsply Sirona, senior advisor and former chief dental officer, Overjet, delivered this year’s commencement address. Dr. Dolan urged graduates to lead with compassion and innovation to drive meaningful change for underserved patients and communities.
Speakers included Donald S. Altman, DDS, DHSc, EdD, ’12, interim dean, professor, ATSU-MOSDOH, Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, ATSU Missouri campus, and Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, who delivered the Board of Trustees greeting. ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, provided closing remarks.
Watch the full commencement ceremony and view more photos below!
