You may not know that Osteopathic Medicine was founded here in our little town by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine was the first of its kind and remains the center of the larger A.T. Still University, which has campuses in Mesa, Arizona, as well. The Mesa location is home to the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, the School of Health Management, the Arizona School of Health Sciences, and the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. The new Kirksville Dental School will be a branch of the Arizona school and will follow that same model of instruction, which is community based education. The mission is very distinct - to bring dental care to areas and people who cannot afford it. In Arizona, the students work primarily with Indian reservations. Here in Missouri the students will work with Community Health Centers. It is a unique model in that it focuses attention and care on those who have the greatest need. What a blessing for our rural community and our state.
Daddy has worked SO hard on this project and, although this is only the first of several hurdles in bringing the school to fruition, it is arguably the largest hurdle. There is still much work to be done, but the outpouring of support from our little community has been a wonder to behold and played a big part in the Board of Trustees decision. Just another reason why I love living here. :)
You can read the article from our local newspaper here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate hearing from you!