Wetzel Scholars and Fellows
If you are enrolled at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) or Kansas City University – College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM; Joplin or Kansas City campus), you are a MAOPS member! Welcome to the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS)! Membership benefits include student scholar and postgraduate fellowship opportunities; advocacy programs; a variety of members only resources, including a newsletter; representation at the local, state and federal government levels; and networking opportunities with a community of your peers and osteopathic professionals.
Wetzel Scholar Program
First, second, and/or third year osteopathic medicine students planning to practice in Missouri are eligible for the Wetzel Scholar Program.
Application Window
October 1 – March 1 with decisions made in early April annually.
Questions can be submitted to MAOPS Executive Director Brian Bowles.
Award
$3,000, renewable annually awarded upon completion of required activities.
Lodging and registration at the Missouri Osteopathic Annual Convention.
Expenses paid for approved program responsibilities.
Interested Scholars successfully completing all requirements will be encouraged to apply for a Wetzel Fellowship during postgraduate training.
Application Process
Completion of the standard Wetzel Scholar application by March 1.
Submission of at least one letter of recommendation.
Finalist(s) will be interviewed by a member(s) of the MAOPS Leadership Development Committee (LDC).
10 Tips for a Successful Wetzel Scholar Application.
Renewal Process (for renewing Scholars only)
Completion of all requirements in previous year.
Notification of Leadership Development Committee by March 1 annually.
Annual Requirement Checklist
OMS I – III may apply
Intent to practice in Missouri upon completion of postgraduate training.
Desire to actively participate in organized medicine activities.
Demonstrated leadership ability/skills and commitment to the profession and continued development of leadership skills.
Completion of required Scholar activities as outlined below (reasonable expenses to be covered by MAOPS).
View the annual requirements checklist HERE.
Wetzel Postgraduate Scholarship
Available to all postgraduate osteopathic physician members of MAOPS with the intention of practicing in Missouri upon completion of training.
Application Window
October 1 – March 15 with decisions made in early April annually.
Questions can be submitted to MAOPS Executive Director Brian Bowles.
Award
Registration and lodging for the postgraduate and a guest attending the MAOPS annual convention.
$1,000 additional stipend upon attendance of all required events at the annual convention and after co-hosting a postgraduate dinner/social with your program.
Recipients of the Postgraduate Scholarship will be designated as a postgraduate scholar and receive the $1,000 stipend upon successful completion of a hosted social event for their postgraduate program. The following are the expectations to be eligible for the stipend and postgraduate scholarship designation:
Work with the MAOPS Executive Director and/or leadership to:
Identify a date to hold a dinner/social for your postgraduate program.
Identify three potential venues that would be sufficient to host dinner/social (appropriate size, menu, costs) and submit to the Executive Director by the deadline.
Attend the dinner/social as a co-host with MAOPS leadership with specific responsibilities to be determined at a later date.
Application Process
Completion of the standard Wetzel Postgraduate Scholarship application by March 15.
Submission of a letter of recommendation from program director that also indicates applicant’s availability to attend the entire Missouri Osteopathic Annual Convention.
Applications will be reviewed and selections made by the MAOPS Leadership Development Committee in early April.
All successful applicants must be members of MAOPS at the time of application.
Wetzel Fellowship Program
Postgraduate MAOPS members who plan to practice in Missouri are eligible for the Wetzel Fellowship Program.
Application Window
Applications can be submitted from October 1 – February 28 annually. Applications are reviewed and interviews of finalist occur in March.
Submit questions to MAOPS Executive Director Brian Bowles.
Award
All expenses, within reason, will be paid for activities related to completion of the Wetzel Fellowship.
$5,000 upon completion of the Wetzel Fellowship requirements and upon establishment of permanent, full-time practice in the state of Missouri.
Wetzel Fellows will receive a plaque commemorating their achievement.
Wetzel Fellows will be recognized on a plaque at the MAOPS Central Office upon completion of the Wetzel Fellowship Program.
Application Process
Completion of the standard Wetzel Fellowship Application.
Submission of two letters of recommendation with one being from their postgraduate program director
MAOPS postgraduate membership is required (or student membership if an OMS IV).
Interview with the MAOPS Leadership Development Committee (LDC).
Annual Requirement Checklist
Applicants should be osteopathic postgraduate physicians or Missouri OMS IV intending to practice in Missouri.
Each Wetzel Fellow will have three years to complete the program requirements. However, discernible progress must be made each year once the program is started.
View the annual requirements checklist HERE.