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Executive Officers & Staff

DEAN & PRESIDENT

Nicholas Comninellis, MD, MPH, DIMPH

Nicholas Comninellis is Dean and President of INMED, the Institute for International Medicine. He is also faculty in the Department of Medical Humanities at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine and faculty at Research Medical Center Family Medicine Residency. Over two years Dr. Comninellis served inner-city citizens at Shanghai Charity Hospital. Over another two years, he led a healthcare ministry in the war-besieged nation of Angola in southern Africa. Dr. Comninellis next served for six years in the Kansas City public hospital before launching INMED in 2003. He graduated from UMKC School of Medicine and Saint Louis University School of Public Health and was a family medicine resident at John Peter Smith Hospital. Dr. Comninellis also earned a professional diploma in tropical medicine from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and became board certified in both public health and family medicine. Among his authored books are Shanghai Doctor, Where Do I Go From Here, and INMED International Medicine & Public Health. Dr. Comninellis is a classical guitarist and faculty advisor for UMKC Cru. He was recognized as the 2009 United Nations Association of the United States World Citizen and the 2015 University of Missouri-Kansas City Alumni of the Year.

CHIEF PROGRAMS OFFICER & ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR/STUDENT SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Burgos, MPA

Elizabeth Burgos joined the INMED staff in 2010. She began work as an intern and was thereafter hired as the Director of Student Affairs. In December of 2010, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in History. During the summer of 2012, Elizabeth completed her Masters in Public Administration from UMKC’s Bloch School of Management with an emphasis in Health Services Administration and began full-time with INMED as the Director of Programs. In June of 2013, Elizabeth transitioned into the role of Chief Programs Officer. Elizabeth lives in Kansas City, MO with her husband and son. They enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and serving with their church family. Elizabeth’s work has taken her to the INMED Training Sites, Haiti Health Ministries and Clinica Esperanza. “I knew that I wouldn’t be satisfied with a job that didn’t align with my passions. INMED has allowed me to combine my skills with my desire to serve others in a job that makes a lasting impact in people’s lives.”

STUDENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Leda Rivera

Leda joined INMED’s staff part-time, after volunteering at the 2019 Humanitarian Health Conference. Born in Honduras, raised in the U.S., gave her an appreciation of different cultures and languages, and the opportunity to help family and peers. However, it wasn’t until she was a 5th grader attending a missions conference that she knew her calling extended beyond that. Leda’s been a part of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, the Independence Youth Court, and has volunteered with several clubs. Through observing and working alongside people from all walks of life, Leda has seen how one person can truly make a difference. It has ignited a passion for empowering people to know that they matter and that a single choice can set off an incredible ripple effect. This is one of the main reasons she joined INMED, now as the Student Affairs Director. She loves supporting and equipping people as they find their path, especially when it comes to the world’s most forgotten people.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MANAGER

Kim Boyd

Kim joined the INMED staff in 2019 as CME Coordinator, soon advancing to CME Manager. She lives in Olathe, KS with her husband, Jason, and their 3 children. She has served as a volunteer at her children’s school and her church for the last 16 years and is passionate about Women’s Ministry and leading Bible studies.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT MANAGER

Valerie Geier

Valerie Geier joined the Continuing Education Team with INMED in 2016. Val attended Pittsburg State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in marketing. She is married with three children. Val is an active volunteer at the schools her children attend and with her church.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS/DIRECTOR OF FINANCES/FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Todd Franks

Todd Franks joined INMED’s staff in the summer of 2020. He graduated from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. After six years of teaching English, Spanish, and English as a Second Language to high school students, Todd became a full-time pastor. He then spent the next six years leading a youth group as well as ministry to immigrants and refugees. Todd’s passion is to live out Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” He and his wife live in Raytown with their two sons and are active members of their church in Kansas City.

Administrative Assistant/Event Coordinator

Lauren O’Hora

Lauren O’Hora joined INMED’s staff in February of 2021 as an Administrative Assistant and Event Coordinator. Lauren came to Christ at the age of 12 and looks back to a moment after salvation her then pastor called the congregation to “pray for the nations,” it was at that time she walked down before the congregation and put her name on the prayer board. At the time, she had little idea of what that would look like. Fast forward, she’s had countless opportunities to fulfill what she signed up to do many years later. Today she is an active member at her church, Midtown Baptist Temple, where she has served as a youth ministry counselor for three years, spent several years in ministry with international students, and been on both stateside and international trips. Outside of work and church, she loves to be active with her two dogs, Harlee and Pippen.