INMED
Administrators
“True leadership is found in giving yourself in service to others.”
– Max Lucado
INMED Staff
Dive into our vibrant community, where we proudly showcase the faces and talents that constitute our dedicated staff. Get to know the individuals who contribute to the heartbeat of our institution, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to create a rich and collaborative environment. Explore the profiles of senior administrators and key staff members who play pivotal roles in fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence across our institute.
Nicholas’ Blog
Nicholas’ Videos & Presentations
Nicholas Comninellis is President and Professor of INMED, the Institute for International Medicine. He is also part-time faculty at Research Medical Center Family Medicine Residency. Over a two-year period 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 the University of Missouri-Kansas City (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 co-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.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Elizabeth Burgos MPH
Elizabeth Burgos joined the INMED staff in 2010. As the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Elizabeth oversees the educational programs for INMED, including the Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH), and the Graduate Diploma Programs in International Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health. She enjoys collaborating with the faculty and staff to serve students and help carry out the mission of the institute. Her prior roles at INMED have been as Director of Student Affairs, Director of Programs, and Chief Programs Officer. Elizabeth graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in History. In 2012, she completed her Masters in Public Administration from UMKC’s Bloch School of Management with an emphasis in Health Services Administration. Elizabeth lives in Kansas City, MO with her husband and three young children. 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.”
Vice President of Operations,
Continuing Medical Education Director,
& English Language Assessor
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.
INMED
“The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Director of Student Affairs & Admissions
& Helpdesk Coordinator
Leda Rivera
Leda, a dedicated INMED staff member since volunteering at the 2019 Humanitarian Health Conference, was born in Honduras and raised in the U.S. Holding a deep appreciation for cultures and languages, she committed herself to assisting family and peers. At ten years of age, her profound calling grew during Graceway’s Missions Conference, which sparked a commitment beyond herself. With a rich background in community involvement, including roles with the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, Independence Youth Court, and Graceway’s Outreach, Leda has actively contributed to diverse communities. Observing the impact of even a single person has continually ignited Leda’s passion for empowering others, emphasizing the significance of every individual and the potential for a single choice to create a profound ripple effect. As the Director of Student Affairs & Admissions at INMED, Leda brings this enthusiasm for positive change to the forefront. Her dedication extends to supporting and equipping individuals as they navigate their paths, mainly focusing on those often overlooked – the world’s most forgotten people. Beyond her professional endeavors, Leda finds fulfillment in her personal life with her British husband and their three beloved canine companions.
Dean of Faculty
Scott Armistead MD, DIMPH
Dr. Armistead trained at the Medical College of Virginia and Truman East Family Medicine Residency in Kansas City, where he met Dr. Comninellis as a faculty member. Dr. Armistead and his family lived in Pakistan from 1999-2015, providing medical care at Bach Christian Hospital, with a 1 1/2 year stint at Kanad Hospital in the United Arab Emirates when the security situation in Pakistan worsened.
Since returning from Pakistan in 2015, Dr. Armistead has taught family medicine at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine and was in private practice before joining INMED. Since 2015, he has also worked part-time as a CMDA staff worker at VCU. At the School of Medicine, he started the month-long International Medical Mission elective for senior students during which he has taken a group annually to Karanda Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe. He completed VCU’s TIME (Teaching in Medical Education) certificate course. He loves teaching and has received teaching awards in the Practice of Clinical Medicine program at VCU and from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He is very keen on the professional, moral and spiritual formation of students. He is active with the Urdu-speaking S. Asian refugee and immigrant population in Richmond, Virginia. His wife, JoAnn, is an ESL teacher and they have three grown sons.
Service-Learning Manager
& CME Coordinator
Amy Gilmore
Amy joined the INMED team in the spring of 2022. She attended both Southwest Baptist University and Midwestern Seminary, where she received degrees in counseling and gained a wide range of ministry experiences. Following her graduation, she devoted a number of years to working in the Student Life department of Midwestern Seminary/Spurgeon College in Kansas City. Now at INMED, Amy serves as the Service Learning Manager and the CME Coordinator. This role allows her to play a part in many facets of INMED and she loves the opportunity to work with people from all over the world. One highlight of her time at INMED thus far has been the opportunity to attend the Roatan Learn and Serve Conference in Honduras and to visit the INMED training site, Clinica Esperanza. She also greatly enjoys the Humanitarian Health Conference, and she is thankful that she has the privilege of being involved in so many fun and impactful events. Above all, Amy has a passion for investing in the growth and lives of others. She is grateful for her family and for the privilege of walking closely with many friends from within her church family. She shares her home with a lively little dog named Ember, and she loves spending her free time working on her house, enjoying the outdoors, and reading.
Continuing Medical Education Manager
Kim Boyd
Kim joined the INMED staff in 2019 as CME Coordinator, soon advancing to CME Manager. She strives to uphold the standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education by participating in the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education Academy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason and three adult children. She’s an avid reader and loves organizing Women’s Ministry Conferences and Bible Studies at her Church.
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.