Desai will oversee medical school operations while advancing student success, faculty development and clinical partnerships at KCU.
KANSAS CITY, MO, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Kansas City University (KCU) has named Gautam Desai, DO, FACOFP dist., dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) for its Kansas City campus. Desai, a national leader in osteopathic family medicine and medical education, previously served as the interim campus dean for the KCU-Kansas City COM.
As dean, Desai will oversee the daily operations of the medical school, with a focus on student well-being and academic success. He will also support faculty recruitment and development, strengthen clinical partnerships and advance the College’s educational mission.
Desai brings extensive experience in academic leadership, physician education and global health to the position. A professor of family medicine at KCU, he serves as director of the University’s Global Health program and honors track in global medicine, helping prepare future physicians to address health care needs in communities across the United States and around the world.
“Dr. Desai has demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound judgment and a steadfast commitment to our students, faculty and staff during his tenure at KCU,” said Josh Cox, DO, senior vice president of Clinical Affairs and executive dean of KCU-COM. “His experience, dedication and understanding of our academic mission make him well prepared to lead our Kansas City campus. We look forward to his continued leadership.”
Desai’s commitment to service extends beyond the classroom and clinical setting. He served as the 2025-2026 president of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. As former president of DOCARE International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing health care to underserved and isolated populations around the world, he has helped advance opportunities for physicians and medical students to participate in international medical outreach.
His contributions to osteopathic medicine, medical education and global health have earned numerous honors, including the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons Professional Medallion Award and the International Healthcare Preceptor Award.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional faculty, staff and students at KCU, and I’m honored to continue serving the University in this role,” said Desai. “I look forward to building on the strengths of our Kansas City campus and expanding the partnerships that help prepare our graduates to meet the evolving health care needs of the communities they serve.”
Jennifer Lindholm
Kansas City University
+1 913-314-0235
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