Alumnus of the Year

Med School alumnus and humanitarian forges paths for service

Dr. Nicholas Comninellis has always focused on the poor, the marginalized and the neglected. After reading Deliver Us from Evil, the autobiography of U.S. Navy physician Tom Dooley who cared for refugees fleeing from North to South Vietnam in the late 1950s, Comninellis was certain that he had found his calling.

“The faith, courage and compassion of Dr. Dooley’s work created a vision that fueled my entire professional life,” he said.

After his high school graduation, Comninellis said he chose to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine because of its innovative approach to health care education and its emphasis on integrated learning and patient-centered care. He graduated from the six-year program in 1982.

Following a resident physician post in Shanghai, a two-year assignment in Angola, residencies with UMKC Family Medicine and Research Family Medicine in the United States and teaching at UMKC, Comninellis embarked upon a new venture that utilized all of his public health, teaching and medical mission experience to found the Institute for International Medicine (INMED). INMED equips health professionals to serve in medical missions by providing international medicine didactic courses, conferences that link health care professionals with service opportunities and clinical training in developing countries.

Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes 16 alumni and one family with top honors. UMKC will honor Comninellis and other outstanding alumni at the 2015 Alumni Awards Luncheon April 23 at Swinney Recreation Center. The luncheon is one of the university’s largest events and proceeds support student scholarships. Last year’s luncheon attracted nearly 600 attendees and garnered more than $117,000 in student scholarships.

Comninellis’ distinguished career and his dedication to serving others around the globe led to his selection as the Alumnus of the Year by the independent committee of past awardees appointed each year by the chancellor.

Bringing health care and wellness to impoverished people is only part of Comninellis’ story.

Comninellis is currently the president and CEO of INMED. He lectures on relevant topics and develops curriculum for international medicine training at clinical sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Under his leadership, INMED has become a widely recognized leader in international health training and mentorship.For information and tickets for the event, visit the 2015 Alumni Awards web page.


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