The transition from one year to the next typically includes reflecting upon those we’ve lost. For the Des Moines University community, those individuals include Max McKinney, D.O., FACFP, a member of the DMU College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1969, who passed away on Dec. 27.
Dr. McKinney played a significant role in the University’s excellence and advancement. A past president of the DMU National Alumni Association, he joined the University’s Board of Trustees in 1973 and served as a member and chair. He was named an emeritus trustee in September 2014. During his remarkable 41 years on the board, which began shortly after the DMU campus moved from downtown Des Moines to its current location, the institution grew from one college to three in that time, expanded from one degree program to its current eight, and opened the DMU Clinic. Its students continue to excel academically and professionally, too.
Board-certified in family practice, Dr. McKinney treated many patients over the years in clinics and Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He was active in osteopathic organizations at all levels. He served as president of the Oakland County, Michigan, Osteopathic Association; as secretary/treasurer and president of the Michigan Osteopathic Association; and as a delegate, first vice president and trustee of the American Osteopathic Association. He was a member of several other professional organizations, including the American College of Family Practitioners and the American Osteopathic Foundation.
Dr. McKinney received many honors for his leadership and service, including the Distinguished Lifetime Award of both the Michigan Hospital Association and Michigan Osteopathic Association. He was named a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice in 1991 and the DMU Alumnus of the Year in 1996.
Dr. McKinney is an inspiring example of an individual who acted on his gratitude to DMU for preparing him to treat so many families during the years and to do much to benefit the osteopathic profession.
“He was one of DMU’s strongest, most selfless advocates,” says Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., DMU president and CEO. “This caring physician and leader in the osteopathic profession will be greatly missed by his loving family, friends and members of the DMU community.”
