2025 Health Care Champions Physician: Dr. Kyle John

Nearing 20 years as a behavioral health provider in Springfield, Dr. Kyle John sees his role as both an advocate for his patients and the community.

In 2023, John was hired as medical director for The Arc of the Ozarks’ Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, which opened in January 2024 and provides psychiatric and behavioral services in Springfield, with satellite locations in Joplin, Kansas City and Hollister. The center provided more than 500 diagnostic evaluations in its first year.

John says the state-funded autism center, the first of its kind in southwest Missouri, provides comprehensive care to its patients in a one-stop shop approach. That includes behavioral health care, counseling, applied behavior analysis and therapies, such as speech, occupational, physical, music and aquatic.

“I am blessed to work with a team of providers who cater to the needs of those who often cannot advocate for themselves,” he says. “Leading this team to better meet the demands of our community is an awesome challenge and opportunity.”

John, who previously worked 16 years in the Mercy health care system, says he champions the care of individuals with developmental intellectual disabilities, such as autism, noting they are “often relegated to the sidelines or treated as second class.” He says The Arc of the Ozarks endeavors to support patients and families toward full inclusion and maximum independence.

“What motivates me as a physician is to treat my patients and their families in the same way I would want my family members treated,” he says, adding he welcomes feedback and information from other members of the patient’s health care team. “I want my patients to walk out of my office feeling that their doctor heard them, cares about them and genuinely wants them to feel better.”

Mike Powers, president and CEO at The Arc of the Ozarks, says John brings both clinical excellence and visionary leadership to his role at the nonprofit.

“Dr. John is more than a highly skilled physician; he is a passionate advocate for children and families,” Powers says. “His vision for the Neurodevelopmental and Autism Center includes timely assessments, best-practice behavioral and medical care and helping patients reach their highest potential at every stage of life.”

Among John’s professional memberships are the Greene County Medical Society, where he serves on its executive council and health advisory committee, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Beyond the medical field, John is a member of the Southeast Springfield Rotary Club and a board member for nonprofit organization Friends of Abilities First, where he serves as its vice president.