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Name: Kevin Du
Anticipated graduation year: May 2023
UMKC degree program: Master of Medical Science – Physician Assistant
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
When Kevin Du, MMS, ’23, lost his father to an acute myocardial infarction three years ago, he was numb, but he remembers that a care provider in the ICU stopped to comfort him.
“I remember how kind she was and how heard I felt,” he says. “Looking back on that is what initiated my interest in the physician assistant profession, and I know that I want to be that type of provider in my career.”
Du is currently enrolled in the physician assistant program at the UMKC School of Medicine. He says the pace of the program can be a challenge, but he loves the small class sizes and the support he receives from the staff members.
“Also, we are a smaller cohort, so we receive more personalized attention from our amazing, supportive faculty when we need it.”
“UMKC is culturally diverse and encourages students to be understanding of others’ backgrounds. I admire the commitment to the community.”
Du is a first generation college student. His parents immigrated to the United States following the Vietnam War and settled in Kansas City. While his parents’ goals for him were more focused on having a happy life than the pursuit of an advance degree, Du would like his achievements to inspire future generations in his family and make his mother proud.
“I want to pay my mom back for all the sacrifices she made for me and validate my parents’ choice to immigrate here,” he says.
Du believes his confidence has allowed him to learn new things and expand his opportunities.
“We are a smaller cohort, so we can receive more personalized attention from our amazing, supportive faculty when we need it.”
“I will always be the first one to volunteer or answer a question,” Du says. “Whether I answer correctly or perform well does not matter to me. I take all my successes and failures in stride and just treat everything as a learning experience. After every experience I ask, ‘How did I do that, and can I do it better?’ This has given me a positive outlook on life and more perspective on how I can improve on myself.”
Du is the president of the UMKC Physician Assistant Student Association and appreciates the inclusivity of the UMKC environment.
“UMKC is culturally diverse and encourages students to be understanding of others’ backgrounds. I admire the commitment to the community.”
MORE ABOUT KEVIN
What’s your favorite spot-on campus?
My favorite spot is the 5th floor of the School of Medicine because it has the relaxation room. I can hang out there, or there’s a nice little lounge area near a window which lets me people watch when I’m bored.
Where’s your favorite spot to hang out in Kansas City?
My girlfriend and I like to chill at the rooftop bar of Percheron.
What’s your favorite spot to eat in Kansas City?
This is a tough question because trying new restaurants is my #1 hobby. Here’s my list.
Pizza: Il Lazzarone
Sushi: Sushi Mido since they have all you can eat. Sushi Uni for taste
Burger: Tay’s Burger Shack (NKC location way better than OP)
BBQ: SLAPS
Chicken Sandwich: Sauced if you like a thicker, juicy chicken sandwich. Brown Sugar Chicken and Donuts if you want a super crispy chicken sandwich
Street Tacos: Bonito Michoacan for $1 tacos on Tuesday
Thai: Baramee Thai or Spices
Vegan/GF: Kind Food
Coffee: Café Ca Phe
Donuts: Donut King for cake donuts. Lamar’s for glazed
Dessert: I Am