Dean Betty M. Drees assembles Board to help guide and promote medical school mission

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine has announced the formation of the National Board of Visitors, a distinguished group of regional, national and international School of Medicine alumni; leaders in business, government and industry; and academicians and community volunteers. Serving at the invitation of Betty M. Drees, M.D., dean of the UMKC School of Medicine, members of the Board are charged with providing advice and counsel to the administration of the medical school in order to advance the school’s mission and help to sustain and strengthen the school’s reputation both locally and nationally.

The Board will provide input to the Dean and other senior leadership of the school in matters such as strategic planning, research, education, marketing and community, community outreach and alumni relations and development. Members serve as informed advocates for the School in their local communities and professional associations. The Board will meet twice a year to provide input to the Dean and other senior leadership of the school in matters such as strategic planning, research, education, marketing and communications, community outreach and alumni relations and development. Members are nominated and appointed by the Dean of the School of Medicine in coordination with the UMKC Chancellor. Members serve a three-year term and may be reappointed.

The Board convened its first meeting at the School of Medicine on Nov. 4, 2010, during which members were presented with an update of the UMKC Health Sciences campus master plan, a review of the School of Medicine’s strategic plan and news and information from the UMKC Foundation. The inaugural members of the UMKC School of Medicine National Board of Visitors are (years in parentheses denote School of Medicine alumni year of graduation):

• Board chair: Michele Kilo, MD (1984); Developmental Pediatrician; Chief, Section of Development and Behavioral Sciences; The Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics; Kansas City, MO
• Raymond Cattaneo, M.D. (2003); Private Practice Pediatrician; President, School of Medicine Alumni Association; Kansas City, MO
• David Hayes, M.D. (1976); Chief, Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic; Rochester, MN
• James Mongan, M.D.; Retired President and CEO, Partners Healthcare; Boston, MA
• Joseph Melookoran, ACA, CPA; President, JMA Chartered Information Technology; Overland Park, KS
• William Neaves, Ph.D.; President Emeritus, Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City, MO
• Barbara Potts; Community Leader; Former Mayor, City of Independence; Independence, MO
• Douglas Reed, M.D. (1978); General Partner, Hatteras Venture Partners, Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Venture Capital Group; Durham, NC
• Steve Reintjes, M.D.; Board Member, Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute; Managing Member, Kansas City Neurosurgery Group; Kansas City, MO
• James Spigarelli, Ph.D.; Retired President and CEO, Midwest Research Institute; Kansas City, MO
• Catherine Spong, M.D. (1982);(Bethesda, MD)
• Michael Weaver, M.D. (1977); Vice President, Clinical Diversity, Saint Luke’s Health System; Kansas City, MO
• Vernon Wilson, M.D. (1982); Private Practice – Dermatology; Faculty — UCLA & Charles Drew Medical Schools; Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
• Joan Dimond Wu-Chang, M.D. (1986); Practicing Ophthalmologist, Hong Kong Hospital & Sanitorium; Hong Kong, China

About the UMKC School of Medicine

The UMKC School of Medicine was founded in 1971 as an innovative combined degree program. From its baccalaureate/MD curriculum to a docent system that emphasizes small group learning, the school has remained a trendsetter in medical education and research. For more information about the UMKC School of Medicine, visit www.med.umkc.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.