Mercede Hess OMS-II

About Mercede Hess:

Biography & Education

Mercede Hess is a second-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 Parliamentarian of the National Student Executive Board, Student Doctor Hess helps maintain order and structure during all meetings of the Student Association of the ACOFP, following Robert’s Rules of Order. She also serves as the NSEB liaison to the Resolutions Committee, coordinating student-submitted resolutions with both the board and the national ACOFP Resolutions Review Committee. In addition, she represents students as the alternate delegate during the ACOFP Congress of Delegates.