ASHER HELPS WITH EDUCATION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

First-year medical students from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) recently completed two-weeks of clinical education under the supervision of Kennett Asher, D.O. of Jackson.

"As one of 123 Missouri physicians who volunteered their time and expertise as preceptors, Dr. Asher is making a significant contribution to the education of future osteopathic physicians," said Mike French, co-director of the Missouri Area Health Education Centers (MAHEC) system.

The MAHEC program coordinates these rotations for KCOM, the University of Missouri at Columbia, and various other health professional programs in the state. The Regional AHEC offices in Missouri include: Northeast Missouri AHEC in Macon; the Mid-Missouri AHEC in Rolla; the Southeastern Missouri AHEC in Poplar Bluff, the Northwest Missouri AHEC in St. Joseph; the Southwest Missouri AHEC in Springfield; the East Central Missouri AHEC in St. Louis, and Kansas City AHEC in Kansas City.

This education program is designed to provide first-year medical students with valuable experience in the provision of primary health care with an experienced physician as a role model.

"Spending time with practicing physicians like Dr. Asher provides our medical students with a tangible leaming experience that they just can't get from lectures or books," said course director Julia E. McNabb, D.O., Associate Professor of General Practice/Family Medicine at KCOM.

Shemi Hinrichs, Executive Director of the SEMO AHEC, noted that "The efforts of Dr. Asher and the entire Jackson community made this educational experience a success for the students. We want to express our appreciation to all those involved," said Hinrichs.