Springfield Standard

Shelly Meents, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist at the CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic, has been named the 2024-25 Regional Preceptor of the Year by the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM). The award is given to educators who demonstrate a strong commitment to mentoring medical students through clinical training.

Dr. Meents was chosen from among hundreds of regional educators based on nominations and feedback from students. Students highlighted her compassionate care, teaching abilities, dedication to her community, and commitment to medical education.

One student commented, “Dr. Meents took time to get to know me and teach me about every patient. She knew her patients, their background and their stories. She spent time talking to them and was an excellent educator not only to me, but to her patients as well. Her patients never left with questions.”

Another student said, “Dr. Meents was my very first preceptor beginning third year. I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. She made me remember why I wanted to become a doctor after two long years in the classroom.”

Since 2020, Dr. Meents has served as a preceptor for KCOM students at Citizens Memorial Healthcare (CMH), providing clinical rotations in obstetrics and gynecology at the CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic. Over her career at CMH, she has mentored many students from medical schools across Missouri.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award,” Dr. Meents said. “Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Watching students grow in confidence and skill, and knowing I’ve played a small part in their journey, is incredibly fulfilling.”

Dr. Meents has practiced at Citizens Memorial for more than 20 years.

Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is part of A.T. Still University and was founded in 1892 as the founding school of osteopathic medicine.