ATSU-KCOM alumnus Dr. Megafu presents Championing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speech
Posted: January 22, 2025
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) alumnus Michael Megafu, DO, MPH, ’24, delivered the university’s annual Championing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speech on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Mehegan Classroom on the Kirksville, Missouri campus.
Dr. Megafu discussed personal experiences and those shared by historically underrepresented groups in healthcare and healthcare education, and steps that must be taken to address inequities and disparities for students, physicians, and the communities they serve.
Dr. Megafu joined The University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut, as a PGY1 orthopaedic surgery resident in July 2024.
Born in Brooklyn and growing up in Queens, New York, Dr. Megafu’s early healthcare influences included his mother, who was a nurse, and his father, a public health investigator for the New York State Department of Health. Though he believed early on teaching would become his career path, and it was for a short time as a teacher of physics and gospel choir at his former high school, his heart pulled him back to pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minor in chemistry from St. Joseph’s University New York in May 2016, a master of public health degree in epidemiology and biostatistics from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, School of Public Health in May 2019, and a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from ATSU-KCOM in May 2024.
While a student at ATSU-KCOM, Dr. Megafu distinguished himself as a leader by accepting roles with the Christian Medical and Dental Association and Student National Medical Association, serving as an ATSU-KCOM student ambassador and completing a one-year medical education fellowship. He was also active with several student organizations, including Physical Medicine & Rehab, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and the MEDleys, an ATSU a cappella group.
Dr. Megafu was an ATSU Graduate Health Professions Scholar, and he was named ATSU-KCOM Student Doctor of the Year and ATSU-KCOM Student Researcher of the Year simultaneously. He was also recognized as the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s 2024 National Student Doctor of the Year.
Dr. Megafu’s research interests include medical education and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in orthopedics, global orthopedics, joints, and sports. His passion projects include focusing on debunking myths about osteopathic medicine, increasing match rates for all orthopaedic applicants, and improving research and mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups in medicine.
A talented musician, Dr. Megafu also enjoys playing the piano and has served as pianist and bassist for his church. His additional hobbies include spending time with his wife, family, and friends; playing basketball and bowling; and watching movies.