ATSU provides educational, professional, research opportunities of osteopathic medicine student

ATSU provides educational, professional, research opportunities of osteopathic medicine student

Joshua Avina, OMS II, knew exactly what kind of school he was getting into when he chose to pursue his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at A.T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM).

Avina had already been in Kirksville, Missouri, for two years, having completed ATSU-KCOM's Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program in 2024.

"I officially chose ATSU after completing my master's program," Avina said. "The faculty here are some of the strongest advocates for their students. Bill Sexton, PhD, professor, physiology, along with my mentor Suhail Akhtar, PhD, MS, BSc, associate professor, biochemistry, have played a huge role in helping me excel in research and truly understand the scientific process at a level that makes me competitive for any medical school.

"After two years of spending countless hours seeking guidance from professors and dedicating myself to research, I realized this is where I wanted to continue my education. ATSU has given me opportunity after opportunity to grow both academically and professionally, and I will always be grateful for that."

Avina is a recipient of the Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP) scholarship, which gave him the opportunity to take part in a summer research experience.

"I worked at the Massey Cancer Center in Richmond, Virginia, analyzing retrospective data from patients to look into the prevalence of acute myeloid leukemia and how social determinants of health can impact access to adequate care," Avina said. "It's been a truly rewarding experience not only academically, but also personally. Especially by meeting cancer patients and survivors. Their perspectives on treatment and experience are invaluable."

Avina is from Branson, Missouri, and has an undergraduate degree in cell and molecular biology and psychology from Missouri State University.

He's been a highly engaged student at ATSU-KCOM, serving as KCOM's Student Government Association (SGA) president, Wellness and Research committees member with the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP), and a Mental Health Ambassador and student ambassador.

"Being involved in SGA since my time as a biomedical sciences student has given me valuable experience in team communication and executing plans. It's been a joy to work on events like the Gift of Body Ceremony as the former SGA president of the biomedical sciences program, and to represent our school at national conferences in my current role as SGA president of KCOM. Each experience has been incredibly rewarding," he said. "As president, I've also had the opportunity to participate in COSGP through the Wellness and Research committees. This role has allowed me to help select the COSGP Student Researcher of the Year and contribute to developing wellness resources that will be shared with our student body."

Avina also cherishes his role as a Mental Health Ambassador, having trained to support someone in crisis.

"Mental health is deeply important, and I want to be someone my peers can rely on if they ever need help," he said.

As a student ambassador, Avina recalls his own experiences of being welcomed by student ambassadors when he first became a biomedical sciences student.

"Interviewing for a master's program or medical school can be intimidating, and their support made a big difference for me. I want to be that same reassuring presence for others. Someone who helps them feel at ease and shows them that this truly is a great school to be a part of," he said.

"What I enjoy most about ATSU is the opportunity to meet so many kind and supportive people. Going through challenging classes together has really brought us closer, and it shows in how we lift each other up when someone is struggling or in need. Outside of academics, we find plenty of ways to have fun, such as playing intramural sports or taking a break to catch a movie at the theater in Kirksville."

In his free time, Avina enjoys playing chess, saying he may not be the best player, but he enjoys learning the intricacies of the game and continuously challenging himself to improve.

It seems an appropriate hobby to match the determination for excellence Avinia has in his life and educational pursuits.

"What I hope to achieve professionally is the ability to provide the highest level of care to my future patients through empathy and clinical excellence," he said. "After completing our preceptorship, I truly feel that ATSU does a great job preparing us to confidently engage in clinical settings. Performing a physical exam on a real patient for the first time was a surreal experience that brought everything we've learned in the classroom to life."