Wichita, Kansas — It was announced Tuesday, Feb. 17, that Donna Sweet, M.D., AAHIVS, MACP, who has been a faculty member at KU School of Medicine-Wichita for almost 45 years, is the namesake for the new medical academic society at KU School of Medicine-Wichita.

The Sweet Society, the second medical academic society at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, will be open to half of the third-year class (the Jager Society will be open for the other half) and the first-year class of medical students in 2027 after the school expands into the new Wichita Biomedical Campus.

Sweet, an internal medicine professor and the director of the KU Wichita Internal Medicine Midtown Clinic, directs an HIV program with federal Ryan White Parts B, C and D funds where she cares for approximately 1,500 patients with HIV. In addition, she has a general internal medicine practice. She is a national and international speaker and expert in the research, education and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and also opens her home to host an annual fundraiser that provides financial assistance for lifesaving medications for people living with HIV/AIDS. 

"Dr. Donna Sweet has shaped KU School of Medicine-Wichita for more than four decades through extraordinary service as a physician, educator, mentor and advocate,” said Laura Tatpati, M.D., dean of KU School of Medicine-Wichita. “She leaves an imprint on clinical excellence and professionalism that extends far beyond the classroom. As KU School of Medicine-Wichita grows into its next chapter, this new society stands as a tribute to Dr. Sweet’s enduring legacy, excellence in education, leadership through service, and the belief that medicine is best when it is compassionate, courageous and community-centered.” 

During the announcement of the Sweet Society, Sweet encouraged students to be active in the community and discussed the importance of equal access to health care for all. As she reflected on the challenges she faced in years past, when HIV first emerged, she advised other faculty members to remain steadfast in what they believe is right.

“Don’t be afraid to get involved … if what you’re doing is right and should be carried forward,” Sweet said. “Don’t let the naysayers get by with it. Speak up, and don’t be afraid of crossing people.”

Sweet earned undergraduate, graduate and master’s degrees from Wichita State University. In 2015, WSU awarded her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her 35 years of service to patients with HIV/AIDS, as well as her contributions to health care as a clinical educator.

Sweet earned a Doctor of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine at KU School of Medicine-Wichita. After residency, she joined the Department of Internal Medicine and received promotion to full professor in 1993.

The Sweet Society is now one of nine societies on the three medical school campuses in Kansas City, Wichita and Salina. Medical academic societies foster shared learning environments through interactions between students and faculty with a focus on learning, leadership development and community service. Upon admission, each student is assigned a society assistant director who will serve as their coach and problem-based learning facilitator.

Beginning with the first-year class of 70 students on the Wichita Biomedical Campus, students will spend all four years of medical school with the same society assistant director. This longitudinal model allows for continued growth and development over the course of the medical school curriculum. In addition to promoting scholarship, professional development and reciprocal relationships, the academic societies also promote student wellness through socials, various activities and off-campus events. 

Above, left: Laura Tatpati, M.D., dean of KU School of Medicine-Wichita, announces the new Sweet Society and unveils an image of the new Sweet Society pin that features a red ribbon and a representation of the iconic Blackbear Bosin Keeper of the Plains statue – usage was graciously permitted by the Nola Bosin Kimble estate.