In an ever-evolving health care landscape, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine is leading the way with two innovative tracks in behavioral health and leadership. Collaborative efforts from faculty across diverse disciplines have been crucial in designing and advancing these tracks. From improving mental health outcomes to guiding health care teams through complex systems, these tracks are intended to equip students with the essential skills needed to tackle critical issues.
Behavioral Medicine Honors Track: Integrating behavioral health with primary care
The Behavioral Medicine Honors Track combines psychiatric care with primary health, giving students a unique opportunity to diagnose and treat mental health conditions within the broader context of overall health. Students will gain expertise through research, clinical experience and specialized training in areas like osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and relaxation techniques. This track is ideal for those pursuing careers in psychiatry, med-psych, family and addiction medicine.
“Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of early diagnosis and intervention in behavioral health, I’m deeply committed to ensuring our students gain the skills and compassion to treat not just the condition, but the whole person,” said Robert Cooley, DO, MA, associate professor of Primary Care and facilitator of the Behavioral Medicine Honors Track. “This track empowers students to address the mental health needs of patients while integrating those needs seamlessly into their broader medical care.”
This exemplifies how multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive care can revolutionize patient outcomes and shape the future of health care. There are currently 17 students enrolled.
Leadership Honors Track: Developing the next generation of health care leaders
The Leadership Honors Track prepares the next generation of medical leaders by equipping students with essential leadership, management and organizational skills. This track focuses on both the academic and practical aspects of leadership, from leading health care teams to navigating complex medical organizations. Students will gain hands-on experience through networking with successful alumni, participating in leadership workshops and applying strategic decision-making in real-world settings. These experiences will help them excel in private practices, hospitals and health care organizations.
“The Leadership Honors Track is about more than just managing teams; it’s about shaping the future of health care systems,” said Sharon Gustowski, DO, MPH, Kansas City campus dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and facilitator of the Leadership Honors Track. “Our goal is to provide students with the tools to lead with confidence, tackle organizational challenges and inspire change in the medical field, both on a personal and systemic level.
With these specialized skills, students will emerge as adaptable leaders ready to make a lasting impact on the health care system. There are currently 16 students enrolled.
About Kansas City University
Kansas City University, founded in 1916, is a fully accredited, private not-for-profit health sciences university with Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences and a developing College of Dental Medicine. The College of Osteopathic Medicine is the eighth largest medical school in the U.S., the ninth most impactful medical school for primary care for the nation, the tenth most affordable of private medical colleges, and the leading producer of physicians for the State of Missouri. The College of Osteopathic Medicine has two sites strategically located on the University’s campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri, to address the growing needs of both urban and rural populations. The University offers multiple graduate degrees; a doctor of osteopathic medicine; a doctor of psychology in clinical psychology; a master of arts in bioethics; a master of science in the biomedical sciences; a master of business administration in partnership with Rockhurst University; a new master of public health in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center; and plans to seat the first doctor of dental medicine students in 2023.
Reference:
Haley Reardon, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Kansas City University
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