Rich history and outstanding present day faculty, staff, students made ATSU-KCOM the right choice
Posted: April 8, 2024
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) student Hope Welter, OMS II, already knew a lot about the founding school of osteopathic medicine before she applied. That, plus what she learned during her interview process, made ATSU-KCOM the right choice for her.
“I chose ATSU-KCOM in part due to its rich history in osteopathic medicine, producing physicians who have become role models to me in my journey pursuing medicine,” Welter said. “Aside from this, the staff and students at KCOM made me feel right at home even over my Zoom interview. I felt they welcomed me with open arms, and I could see myself getting along well with everyone I met that day.”
Welter is from Grand Blanc, Michigan, and earned a bachelor of arts in Spanish and bachelor’s of science in biomedical sciences from Western Michigan University. She was highly involved on campus at her undergraduate school, and she’s kept up that activity at ATSU-KCOM. Welter is Internal Medicine Course Liaison for the class of 2026, Student Government Association class of 2026 secretary, ATSU Research Club co-president, Cardiology Club president, Gamma Beta Phi vice president, Alpha Phi Omega secretary, Point of Care Ultrasound Club (POCUS) event coordinator, and a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, OB/GYN Club, Internal Medicine Club, and Student Ambassador – Human Patient Simulations coordinator.
“I wanted to become a student ambassador after the impact the ambassadors had on my interview day. Even over Zoom, I was able to appreciate the camaraderie amongst the students and faculty at ATSU. Personally, I enjoy being able to mentor students through their interview process and show them the best parts of our school,” Welter said.
Outside of class, Welter enjoys spending time with her family and four dogs. In the summer months, she said she “has been known” to try to improve her golf swing, and during the week she attends spin class at the Thompson Campus Center.
“Though there are many things I have enjoyed about my ATSU experience, by far I am most grateful for the friendships and connections I have made at KCOM,” she said. “The faculty makes efforts to form relationships with the students, and goes beyond the open-door policy to aid in our education. Amongst my peers, I have made friendships that I know will extend for many years after my time as an ATSU student. ATSU supports the camaraderie amongst students by hosting events like Founder’s Day, where first- and second-year students participate in a powderpuff football game, complete with cheerleaders.
“Aside from the ATSU campus, KCOM integrates its students into the Kirksville community. Due to this, I was able to spend about every Sunday of the last year with the Kirksville Special Olympics athletes, which has grown to become my favorite part of the week.”
Welter participates in research in the lab of ATSU-KCOM faculty members’ Tim Ostrowski, PhD, associate professor, physiology, and Daniela Ostrowski, PhD, assistant professor, pharmacology, and attends conferences to present her work and learn about updates in clinical research. She recently received awards for poster and oral presentations and will be attending the American Physiological Society (APS) annual summit in Long Beach, California.
“Eventually, I hope to pursue an internal medicine residency followed by a cardiology fellowship. I envision myself working in a community-based hospital, with the hopes of impacting my community both in and out of the healthcare setting,” Welter said. “ATSU is helping me achieve this goal by providing different networking opportunities, from research conferences to MAOPS (Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons) advocacy days. Along with this, I am fortunate enough to be completing my clinical rotations at Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, which has residency programs and fellowship opportunities that align with my interests.”