Mercede Hess OMS-III

About Mercede Hess:

Biography & Education

Mercede Hess is a third-year osteopathic medical student at Kansas City University – Joplin. Originally from South Dakota, she earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota – Morris before completing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Kansas City University in Kansas City, MO. Motivated by a desire to serve, lead, and advocate for fellow students, Mercede joined the ACOFP National Student Executive Board to help shape national conversations and promote leadership and educational opportunities. She is especially passionate about creating a collaborative, supportive space for student leaders and ensuring transparency and fairness in board operations. Outside of school, she is active in volunteering, playing music with her campus band at local senior centers, and exploring her interests in global health—recently participating in a medical outreach trip to Kenya. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting national parks, playing sports, and is currently learning American Sign Language. Mercede also plays multiple instruments, including the trumpet, trombone, and bass guitar.

As President of the ACOFP National Student Executive Board, Student Doctor Hess plays a key leadership role in guiding the student organization. She leads all meetings of both the National Student Executive Board and the general membership of the Student Association of the ACOFP. She is responsible for maintaining accurate records of official actions, overseeing student committees, and facilitating communication with ACOFP national committees to support shared goals. Additionally, she prepares and presents an annual report to Student Delegates at the Annual Student Meeting and serves as the student delegate during the ACOFP Congress of Delegates.