Capitol News

Travis Gordon's journey from Lansing, Michigan, to Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, highlights his commitment to osteopathic medicine and international collaboration. With a background in exercise and health science and Spanish from Alma College, Gordon volunteered with the Peace Corps focusing on HIV/AIDS public health initiatives. His efforts were recognized with the International AIDS Day Award.

After earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) in 2013, where he received the Fred Mitchell Sr. OMM Award and Andy Award for international osteopathic research, Gordon pursued a career dedicated to serving others as a physician.

Currently an assistant professor at MSUCOM and director of Medical Education for International Studies in Merida, Gordon oversees projects between MSU IGH and Merida. He resides in Mexico where he combines osteopathic medicine with research efforts aimed at improving lives.

Reflecting on his experiences in Mexico, Gordon stated: “While in Mexico, I finally began to take psychotherapy... I learned things about myself that I somehow had never understood.” This led him to pursue a Masters in Humanistic Psychotherapy which altered his perception of body, mind, and spirit alignment—a perspective resonating with osteopathic principles.

Gordon emphasizes the holistic approach of osteopathic medicine inspired by its founder A.T. Still. "Osteopathic medicine includes a philosophy that is very patient-centered," said Gordon. He believes integrating pharmacological approaches with other care methods can enhance treatment effectiveness.

In collaboration with David MacFarlane from MSU's Department of Forestry—backed by a $50,000 grant—Gordon explores vanilla's health benefits. He highlights vanilla’s medicinal uses such as anxiolytic properties and wound healing while acknowledging its historical cultivation by the Mayans.

Gordon actively participates in reintroducing vanilla cultivation within Yucatan’s Mayan communities through sustainable practices aimed at empowering local women and children economically.

Through partnerships with hospitals, universities, research centers, and government entities across Yucatan alongside connecting MSU affiliates to these regions’ initiatives—Gordon remains committed to fostering educational exchange programs grounded in mutual growth opportunities for all involved parties.