Medical Student Biographies (Class of 2028)
Kennedy Schmohe is from Hannibal, Missouri, and earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Central Methodist University. She is a medical student at Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2028.
Kennedy became interested in medicine through her family’s healthcare experiences. Her sister, now a cardiac sonographer, was born with multiple heart conditions and saw a cardiologist every year. Kennedy attended a few appointments with her sister and found them fascinating. In high school, her grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While in anatomy class, Kennedy became interested in learning more about the disease and spent time researching it. Medicine is always changing, and she enjoys that every patient brings a unique challenge.
Kennedy has worked in emergency medicine and enjoyed her time there but looks forward to experiencing other specialties as well. At Phelps Health, she hopes to gain confidence in her medical abilities after spending the past 2 years learning the foundations of medicine.
Outside of school, Kennedy enjoys reading and spending time with her dog, Rocky, who is a big cuddler. She also enjoys watching football and baseball—Go Packers and Cardinals!
Lily (Yurika) Matsuda is from Sidney, Iowa, and earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences from Buena Vista University. She is a medical student at Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2028.
During her undergraduate studies, Lily was a STEM Scholar, exposing her to a variety of STEM careers across the Midwest. Through her experiences in healthcare settings, she felt drawn to the field and knew she wanted to pursue a career caring for others. Growing up in a rural community as a female minority, Lily experienced challenges with accessing healthcare. Because of this, she hopes to help improve access to care while helping patients feel capable and empowered in their health.
Lily is passionate about women’s health and desires to serve a rural community. She is currently planning to pursue family medicine with an OB fellowship but remains open to change. At Phelps Health, Lily looks forward to learning from physicians who will support and educate her as she grows into a well-rounded doctor.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys reading, embroidery and crochet. She also has two free-roam bunnies. While in Wichita, she volunteered with the Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
Crystal Chaney is from Aurora, Missouri, and earned her undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. She is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2028.
Crystal was inspired to become a physician through her community and nearly 20 years of experience in emergency services. She has worked in many roles, from clerk to house supervisor, and saw how people working together can create positive change. Her mother, who worked as a CNA at a veterans home for 40 years, also inspired her passion for healthcare.
Crystal is interested in emergency medicine, especially rural medicine. She credits her friends, family and fellow volunteers for encouraging her to reach goals she once thought were impossible.
Phelps Health supports Crystal’s goal of providing high-quality care for the community as a whole.
Outside of school, Crystal enjoys exploring her artistic side. She has a bachelor’s degree in fine art and is a printmaker. She is also a wife, mother of two and hobby farmer. Crystal has served as a volunteer firefighter for 10 years, where she also teaches EMT programs and CPR classes.
Reagan Quick is from Unadilla, Nebraska, and earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Doane University. She is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2028.
During her undergraduate years, Reagan knew she wanted to continue her education. After volunteering at a rehabilitation hospital, she developed a passion for patient care and knew she wanted to become a physician. She was also inspired by her cousins who work in healthcare, including one in family medicine and another in optometry.
Reagan is interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation. At Phelps Health, she looks forward to learning from experienced physicians and expanding her understanding of patient care.
In her free time, Reagan enjoys spending time outdoors, including hunting, fishing and kayaking. She also enjoys playing volleyball, tutoring students and volunteering with the elderly.
Gia Calbaza is from Chicago, Illinois, and earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical science from Bradley University. She is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2028.
Growing up in an immigrant family, Gia witnessed the socioeconomic and language barriers many families face when navigating healthcare. These experiences inspired her passion for medicine and her desire to advocate for patients, listen actively and address the many factors that impact their care. In high school, Gia volunteered in medical-surgical units, which sparked her interest in medicine. She later worked as a medical scribe in an emergency department and as a medical assistant in urgent care.
Gia is interested in internal medicine, where she can care for patients with chronic conditions. At Phelps Health, she looks forward to connecting with the community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and colleagues.
In her free time, Gia enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends. She is passionate about nutrition and enjoys strength training, running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and encouraging others to stay active. Gia has volunteered with her local hospital, food pantries, student mentorship programs and Almost Home Kids. She looks forward to serving in the Rolla community.
Medical Student Biographies (Class of 2027)
Justine Farrell is from Troy, Missouri, and earned her undergraduate degree from Spring Hill College. She is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2027.
Justine’s interest in medicine began in high school during an AP anatomy class, where she was fascinated by the complexity of the human body. Since then, she has pursued opportunities in pediatrics and women’s health, volunteering at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in St. Louis and USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. She also draws inspiration from her younger sister, who works as a speech pathologist.
Justine values the meaningful, personal connections formed between physicians and patients. Currently interested in pediatrics, and she hopes to gain a broad view of patient care at Phelps Health. Justine is eager to learn both the science of medicine and the art of building trust with patients and care teams.
Outside of school, she enjoys being outdoors, attending concerts and spending time with friends. A former Rotaract president in Kirksville, Justine looks forward to volunteering with the Rotary Club of Rolla.
Hailey Derifield is from Plainfield, Iowa, and earned her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Wartburg College. She is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2027.
Hailey’s interest in medicine began early, as she spent time at the hospital where her mom worked as a cardiac nurse. That early medical exposure grew into a deep passion for healthcare. Her experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) during the pandemic shaped her understanding of compassionate care and strengthened her desire to become a physician.
At Phelps Health, Hailey looks forward to hands-on learning and exploring various specialties to help guide her future career path. She’s especially interested in holistic care and lifestyle medicine and is excited to work alongside experienced care teams.
Outside of school, Hailey enjoys time with her husband and dog, hiking, working out, true-crime podcasts, and all things self-care. She also volunteers regularly at a nursing home and with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Jordan Lubell hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned his undergraduate degree in cognitive science from Case Western Reserve University. He is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2027.
Jordan was drawn to medicine through personal experience—watching a cousin’s struggle with a mysterious illness sparked his interest in patient care and the power of being heard. His work with Camp Kesem and Title IX survivors further deepened his passion for connecting with people during times of crisis.
With both parents in pediatrics and a grandfather who practiced dermatology, medicine has long been a part of Jordan’s life. He’s now pursuing pediatrics himself, where he hopes to blend problem-solving with empathy and cultural understanding. At Phelps Health, Jordan looks forward to growing his clinical and communication skills while becoming part of the community.
In his free time, Jordan enjoys playing tennis, listening to music, traveling and watching movies. He also volunteers regularly—most recently tutoring students in Kirksville—and is excited to find similar opportunities in Rolla.
Emily Lorene Pick is from Columbus, Nebraska, and earned her undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a medical student at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and is expected to graduate as part of the Class of 2027.
Emily’s interest in medicine began early, after being diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip condition) as a child. Her pediatrician’s kindness and clarity during that difficult time made a lasting impact. Later, inspired by her aunt, an anesthesiologist, and through years of experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), Emily knew she wanted to become a physician.
She is especially drawn to pediatrics, internal medicine and anesthesiology. At Phelps Health, Emily looks forward to applying her classroom knowledge in clinical settings, gaining exposure to rural medicine and exploring which specialty best aligns with her goals.
Outside of school, she enjoys volunteering—especially tutoring kids and helping at soup kitchens—and is hoping to find local organizations to get involved with in Rolla. Emily also loves hiking with her dog Daisy, baking, painting, working out and thrifting.