Katherine Kirby, DO
Dr. Katherine Kirby is a PGY 3 OBGYN Resident at Mercy Health in Muskegon, Michigan. She graduated from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia in 2018. Her 2012 undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science and General Science were from Middle Tennessee State University earning summa cum laude and Alpha Chi Academic Honor Society membership.
Before her medical career, Dr. Kirby was employed as a physical therapy administrative staff member, a manager for a preschool gymnastics department, and a certified pharmacy technician. She enjoys her current role as MSU faculty for medical students who rotate in Muskegon by providing OBGYN surgical skill training, mentorship, and evaluation critique.
Dr. Kirby has been involved with the single accreditation process on a national level, as a medical student and as a resident, and thus understands the history and goals of ACGME and the AOA. As an OMS I, she was elected by her peers to serve as the VCOM National Liaison Officer to the National Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA). She participated in three national conferences and helped to raise approximately $2800.00 for the VCOM chapter. For 2016-2017, Dr. Kirby was appointed by the SOMA Board as the National Public Relations Director. In this position, she accelerated and oversaw the marketing and brand awareness of SOMA’s national conferences, service events, and social media campaigns. The following year, she was appointed as the National Chairperson to the SOMA Foundation. Dr. Kirby was influential in leading this non-profit organization in the management and distribution of scholarships and grants with approximately $10,000 in annual donations.
As a resident, Dr. Kirby has continued her leadership and involvement in GME through the multi-specialty Resident and Fellows Council of the Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education. From 2019-2020, Dr. Kirby served as the inaugural Membership and Recruitment Chairperson, where she developed marketing strategies and recruitment opportunities. This year, Dr. Kirby serves as the National Chairperson while leading bi-weekly meetings, including a monthly Membership Forum discussion for Residents and Fellows interested in pursuing careers in UME, GME, or other healthcare leadership roles. Dr. Kirby serves as the only resident voting member of the AOGME board.
Beyond her national leadership, Dr. Kirby has been active in the Mercy Health Obstetrics Quality Improvement Initiative, SOMA’s StoryCorps@ interview task force, the Osteopathic Political Action Committee, and an AACOM FAQ Website brainstorming committee.