ATSU-KCOM student finds close community amongst fellow students in Kirksville
Posted: January 4, 2024
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) student Hunter Katherine Gentry, OMS II, knew the founding school of osteopathic medicine was the right choice for her when she visited the Kirksville, Missouri, campus on her interview day.
“My interview was unforgettably warm,” Gentry said. “The staff I spoke with and the ambassadors I met were welcoming and genuine. I felt like the school would offer me support and really cared about my success.”
Gentry was so inspired by the students she met that she decided to become a student ambassador herself.
“The ambassadors that were part of my interview day really made me imagine myself living in their shoes. They were normal, cool people that I felt comfortable talking to and it encouraged me. I hope that my role as an ambassador makes the interviewees more comfortable in the process and realize that they too can get to where I am,” she said.
Gentry is originally from Ridgway, Colorado, and graduated from Clemson University with a major in genetics and minor in biochemistry and psychology.
She’s become very involved on the Kirksville campus, serving as secretary of the Sports Medicine Club, coach with Osteoblasters, member of the OB/GYN and Family Medicine clubs, a mental health student ambassador, and president of Hope’s Kitchen.
“Hope’s Kitchen is my pride and joy. We are a student organized club that cooks meals for the community of Kirksville two Saturdays a month. We serve around 150-160 meals and deliver them to anywhere in the area, which gives access to those who may not have reliable transportation or are uncomfortable leaving the house,” Gentry said.
Outside of class, Gentry enjoys baking, golfing, and swimming, and spending time with her friends and classmates.
“My whole cohort is close because we are going through everything together,” she said. “Everyone is a friendly face and I feel incredibly supported in the group.”
One day, Gentry hopes to provide that kind of support in the form of healthcare to her community.
“I want to be a physician loved and respected by patients, because I not only have the knowledge base to help them, but also because I make them feel as though they are truly cared for and heard,” she said.