Missouri ACP invites you to participate in the 2025 Governor's Council elections!
This year, we have six outstanding candidates for six open positions. Take a moment to review each candidate's background, highlighting their qualifications and vision for the Council. Your vote is your voice—help shape the future of our organization.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your choice count!
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your choice count!
Voting deadline: January 30, 2025
Dr. Abigail Emerson, MD |
Dr. Abigail Emerson, MD is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics with a distinguished career in academic and clinical practice. She graduated from the Combined Medicine-Pediatrics (Med-Peds) Residency Program at the University of Missouri in 2009. Dr. Emerson served as the Med-Peds Residency Program Director for 11 years before transitioning to the role of Associate Program Director in 2023. Since 2017, she has been the Division Director of General Internal Medicine.
In her leadership role, Dr. Emerson is dedicated to revitalizing the joy of primary care by reducing administrative burdens, streamlining processes to empower team members to work at the top of their licenses, and integrating innovative technologies. She credits the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Med-Peds Program Director Association (MPPDA) with providing invaluable support and resources throughout her career. As a member of the Missouri ACP Governor’s Advisory Council, she aims to give back to the professional community that has greatly influenced her journey. |
Dr. Joshua Fernelius, MD |
Dr. Joshua Fernelius, MD is an academic internist with a passion for clinical education and patient care. Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Dr. Fernelius earned his undergraduate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Missouri State University. Prior to medical school, he gained valuable experience as an emergency room technician. He completed his medical degree at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he also pursued his Internal Medicine residency and served as a Chief Resident.
Dr. Fernelius currently practices at SSM St. Louis University, focusing on inpatient wards, hospital discharge care, and primary care clinics. Active in the Missouri Chapter of the American College of Physicians (MO ACP) since 2020, he recently chaired the Doctor's Dilemma competition at the 2024 chapter meeting. His clinical interests include bedside diagnosis, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), street medicine, and providing care for the unhoused community. |
Dr. Melissa Gaines, MD |
Dr. Melissa Gaines, MD is a highly regarded geriatrician practicing at Cox Advantage Care Clinic in Springfield, Missouri. She holds key leadership roles as the Director of Hospice and Palliative Care and as a Medical Director for the General Inpatient Hospice Program within the CoxHealth system.
Previously, Dr. Gaines served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. During her tenure, she was instrumental in medical education, serving as the Clerkship Director of Geriatrics for third-year medical students and the Director of Internal Medicine Education at Wesley Medical Center, an HCA facility. Currently, Dr. Gaines continues her commitment to medical education as Volunteer Faculty with the Springfield Clinical Campus of the University of Missouri School of Medicine. In this role, she educates fourth-year medical students on palliative care and geriatrics. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Gaines enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, exercising, and reading. |
Dr. Joanne Loethen, MD |
Dr. Joanne Loethen, MD is a dedicated primary care physician based in Kansas City, Missouri, board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obesity Medicine. She is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC). Driven by a commitment to quality improvement, Dr. Loethen focuses on advancing primary care practices to enhance patient outcomes while fostering a sustainable and supportive environment for healthcare teams.
Dr. Loethen completed her medical degree at Michigan State University and her Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at UMKC. In addition to her clinical work, she is deeply involved in physician advocacy at local, state, and national levels. She holds leadership roles within the Missouri State Medical Association, serves on the board of the Kansas City Medical Society, and co-chairs the Missouri ACP Health and Public Policy Committee. |
Dr. Moon Woo, MD |
Dr. Moon Woo, MD is a Hospitalist at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, specializing in bedside procedures such as paracentesis, thoracentesis, and line placements. They serve as the Director of the Hospitalist Procedure Team at Mercy, showcasing their expertise in procedural care.
A passionate advocate for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), Dr. Woo also holds the position of Director of POCUS for the Internal Medicine Residency at Mercy. They are committed to advancing POCUS knowledge and application among internal medicine physicians, frequently teaching at regional and national courses to promote its integration into clinical practice. |
Dr. Kelvin L. Pollard II, MD |
Kelvin L. Pollard, II, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Internal Medicine Associate Program Director, and General Internal Medicine physician at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. He is deeply committed to medical education, eliminating health disparities, and delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in the ambulatory setting.
Dr. Pollard actively contributes to the Missouri Chapter of the American College of Physicians as a member of the Membership and Education Committees. Additionally, he is currently participating in the ACP's Guided FACP program, reflecting his dedication to professional growth and excellence in internal medicine. |