KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) Dean Philip Slcoum, D.O., formally recognized the service of second-year student doctor John Thurman Jr. with a Dean’s Letter of Commendation. This is an infrequent recognition honoring the rare student who displays all of the positive virtues sought by the University. Only three letters have been extended since 2004. Thurman was honored during a surprise ceremony on May 28 on ATSU’s Missouri campus.
“This letter is presented to John in recognition of his leadership, courage, strength of character, perseverance, honesty, integrity, and compassion,” said Dr. Slocum. “In the 118-year history of KCOM, few people have been better ambassadors. John Thurman will be a success in whatever field he chooses to serve humanity.”
Thurman grew up in Midland, Texas, and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point Academy from 1996-2000. He served seven years in the U.S. Army, including tours in Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq, for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As president of the Class of 2012, Thurman has initiated a ceremony recognizing Fellows who contribute to a medical student’s education; organized a 9.11 memorial service; lent tremendous support to fellow classmates and residents of Kirksville, who suffered loss in the 2009 tornado; led a fundraiser for Haiti in the wake of that country’s January earthquake; initiated Operation Osteopathic Service, a bi-annual community-wide service project, partnering with the city to clean up downtown; and developed a peer disciplinary program, setting expectations for younger students to behave more professionally.
Thurman is the recipient of many honors at ATSU. He is the first KCOM student nominee for a Still Spirit Award, a recognition program by the University that honors outstanding community leaders. He also was recently named Student D.O. of the Year and now represents ATSU with the opportunity to be named national D.O. of the year, who is to be announced later this year. In 2009 he was recognized by the University with an Above and Beyond Humanitarian Award for his leadership following Kirksville’s tornado.
Humble, caring, and supportive of classmates, the college, and the community, Thurman believes in living a life of service to others. “Life isn’t all about you,” he said. “It’s about your contributions and helping others.”
Thurman will spend the next two years completing clinical rotations at Via Christi Health System in Wichita, Kansas.
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