Kendi Hensel

Kendi Hensel, DO is an Associate Professor at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, part of UNT Health Science Center. She specializes in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), with leadership roles including President-elect of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) and chair of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s Education Council on Osteopathic Principles. Dr. Hensel holds a PhD in OMM Clinical Research and Education from UNT Health Science Center, alongside prior degrees from Northwestern State University and Oklahoma State University.

Her research focuses on OMM applications in pregnancy, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic pain management. Key areas include OMT efficacy in preterm labor prevention, hemodynamic control during pregnancy, low back pain diagnosis, and pneumonia treatment protocols for elderly patients. She has authored 23+ peer-reviewed publications and led 8 sponsored research projects funded by organizations like the American Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Hensel’s recent projects include MRI-based cerebral blood flow studies in mild cognitive impairment and tongue pressure analysis in infants via OMT. Her work emphasizes translational research between clinical practice and educational standards in osteopathic medicine.