For Success of Tomorrow's Physicians

Growing up in a modest household in Brooklyn, New York, Bruce Ogin, DO (COM '68), began nurturing what would prove to be a lifelong desire to give something good back to the world. His prodigious enthusiasm followed him from the bustling New York City borough to the wide, open spaces of Kansas City, where he enrolled in Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine. Joining him was his wife of two years, Sandi, who settled into a teaching job in a Midwest city far from the familiar surroundings of Brooklyn.

"The philosophy of osteopathic medicine appealed to me, combining elements of chiropractic with conventional medicine for the care of a person's body, mind and spirit," Dr. Ogin says. "The education I received at the university prepared, inspired and helped me grow in my chosen profession."

Dr. Ogin, now retired from one of Denver's largest anesthesiologist practices, returns to his alma mater every five years to celebrate the anniversary of his graduation as a seasoned and grateful alumnus and encourages fellow classmates scattered across the country to join him. Each time Dr. Ogin steps foot on campus he reflects on the tremendous growth and expansion of the school's physical facility—a striking difference from the late 1960s when he was a student.

"The grounds and buildings of KCU weren't initially designed to accommodate a medical school," Dr. Ogin says. "Today the campus is modern and gorgeous, with state-of-the art buildings and technology to enhance students' education. There are many exciting things happening at the university that impress me, from the high caliber of the faculty to the quality of students to the clinical opportunities for those students and more, making it one of the country's top osteopathic medicine schools."

Pride and Belief in the Strength of KCU's Legacy for Tomorrow's Physicians

Supporting KCU as it continues to evolve, prepare and guide students in their emerging roles as healers is important to Dr. Ogin and Sandi. For the couple, giving back helps foster the important tradition of alumni willing to help KCU flourish, enhancing not only a world-class educational experience for students but also lessening their financial burdens and contributing to the advancement of osteopathic medicine.

"KCU was a respected institution when I was a student and it certainly is today," Dr. Ogin says. "Including the school, which provided me with life-changing experiences and a better understanding of the human condition, in my estate planning is important."

When it comes to the provenance of their strategic philanthropic giving to KCU, Sandi echoes her husband's sentiments.

"Our entire livelihood, what we were able to achieve for our family, evolved from Bruce's education at KCU," she says. "We both have fond memories of being part of the school and the Kansas City community. Participating in KCU decades after Bruce graduated is a responsibility we embrace. Fulfilling that obligation is a gift."

Decades of Quality Patient Care

The ability to go to work every day and practice compassionate medicine was the highlight of Dr. Ogin's career as an anesthesiologist. Through his skills as a physician and his zeal for nurturing the human spirit, he thrived on personal interactions with his patients, often calling them the night before their surgery to calm their fears and answer their concerns.

"Anyone about to have an operation, no matter how minor the procedure, is nervous. It's human nature," he says. "That was my reward as a physician—the ability to help people, the human connection. I was never a 9-to-5 anesthesiologist. I never worked for the money. The money will come if you have dedication. It was the human element that motivated me."

Dr. Ogin acknowledges the tremendous impact educational debt can have on influencing a student's career choice and that it's often a struggle to balance financial concerns with that decision. However, he notes that it's career affirming to choose medicine not because of the money that can be earned, but because of the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone's life.

"KCU attracts top-notch students and Sandi and I hope that our planned giving will support and benefit both the university's efforts to produce excellent physicians and the students' efforts," he says. "Alumni being engaged in the vision of the school will help ensure its success today and in the future."

Like the Ogins, you, too, can include KCU in your will or other estate plan to help train the next generation of health professionals. Contact Jennifer Ingraham at jingraham@kansascity.edu or (816) 654-7282 to discuss a variety of ways to make a future gift.