President’s Message
Katie Davenport-Kabonic, DO, FAAP, FACOFP
In addition to the notable white coat ceremonies that occurred at our three 
osteopathic medical schools (welcome, ATSU-KCOM, KCU-KC, and KCU-Joplin classes of 2029!), July was also the month of the AOA House of Delegates (HOD). Over two dozen Missouri delegates and alternate delegates, comprised of osteopathic physicians, residents, and medical students, represented MAOPS and the state of Missouri at the annual Chicago meeting. After numerous hours spent reviewing over 130 resolutions, we met virtually and in-person on late evenings and early mornings to ensure our time there was effective. We served on and provided testimony to various committees and on the house floor to uphold our osteopathic distinctiveness as well as our broad responsibilities to healthcare in the United States. Deep gratitude is due to all who attended the AOA HOD, volunteering their time as well as their mental and social stamina to represent Missouri while there.
This was my third year attending the AOA HOD, and it was wonderful to see both familiar and new faces in our delegation. Over the past three years this has become one of my favorite events. Admittedly, I overlooked this opportunity for many years as a MAOPS member, believing I had little interest in policy and that I was a little too late to the game, so to speak, to get involved and contribute meaningfully. It wasn’t until a bright medical student (and Wetzel Scholar) shared their impassioned story of their AOA HOD experience and encouraged me to go, regardless of my experience or lack thereof. I am so, so thankful I listened. The experiences at each HOD thus far have reinvigorated me professionally and personally, providing ways to connect and contribute efforts to make differences for my colleagues, our patients, and the osteopathic profession. If you have any interest, any curiosity, or even an unchecked belief that policy isn’t for you, I highly encourage you to explore that further. Consider reaching out to MAOPS Executive Director Brian Bowles for more information on our delegation at the 2026 AOA HOD. Or please call or email me. I’d love to pass on the gift that passionate medical student (now a resident physician) once gave me.
On a different note, last month I reflected on “change” and its inevitable occurrence in our lives. MAOPS is not immune to the inevitability of change, so as we prepare for our upcoming strategic planning retreat, I ask for your voice as we plan for the future. Last week, you should have received an email requesting your input and participation in a survey that will help inform MAOPS of changes that may need to occur to ensure our organization can continue to operate effectively and sustainably for each other, our patients, and our profession. If you haven’t already, please find that email sent on July 30, and take time (less than 10 minutes) to provide your perspective and help our organization see itself in the fullest light possible. As our MAOPS leadership and other stakeholders prepare for strategic planning in October, having the broadest view of our organization will help identify not only what changes may need to occur, but what opportunities await us.