Meet Wetzel Scholar – Zenobia Tucker

Name: Zenobia Tucker

COM: KCU-COM Joplin

Graduation Year: 2026

Hometown: Willard, MO

Number of Years in the Scholar Program: This is my first year!

How did you first become aware of the Wetzel Scholar Program?

• • After attending MOAC 2023 as a first-year medical student.

Why were you interested in becoming a Wetzel Scholar?

• • Being involved in organized medicine is an essential part of any physician’s career. I was interested in becoming a Wetzel Scholar to support the mission of MAOPS, and expand the outreach of the organization to ensure its longevity.

To date, what have you enjoyed the most about your Wezel Scholar experience?

• • I have only been a candidate since MOAC 2025, but truly enjoyed being an integral part of the board meetings.

What personal goals do you have that you believe the Scholar Program will help you achieve?

• • I want to be more knowledgeable of the legislative processes that occur both on the state and national levels and about how I can be involved in those proceedings. The Scholar Program has already helped me reach those goals by facilitating Physicians Advocacy Day in Missouri, and designating me an Alternate Delegate at the AOA HOD 2025.

Tell us about a couple personal influential relationships you have developed being a part of the Scholar Program and/or being engaged with MAOPS?

• • Among the many wonderful interactions I have had with countless members of MAOPS, Dr. Katie Davenport-Kabonic and Dr. Elizabeth Lucore have had a large influence over my desire to be more involved in MAOPS. Dr. Davenport-Kabonic enthusiastically agreed to give a presentation to students at KCU-Joplin about how state legislation can impact one’s practice of medicine which inspired so many Joplin students to be more involved with MAOPS. Dr. Lucore reminded me that “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu” – further cementing for me the importance in being active in organized medicine. They have both set an example for me as physicians and MAOPS members who lead with compassion, intelligence and strength and I hope to emulate them as a future physician and MAOPS member.

What has surprised you the most about MAOPS since you have become involved?

• • The most surprising thing I experienced when becoming involved in MAOPS was how inclusive, warm and respectful the organization was towards students. I still remember how Brian Bowles not only took the time to introduce himself to all of us at MOAC 2023, but even chatted with me independently about how my experience had been at the conference, and what I hoped to gain from MAOPS in the future. Those interactions made me feel that I had a place at MAOPS where I would be valued not only as a student but as an upcoming Missouri clinician.

Tell us something surprising/interesting about you.

• • For ten years between undergrad and medical school I lived and worked in the film/TV industry in Los Angeles, and have travelled to more than thirty countries across the globe. I still love being on my century family farm in Missouri with my chickens and horses more than anywhere else!