Open Mics with Dr. Stites: Recent Episodes
The University of Kansas Health System
Steve Stites, MD, executive vice president, clinical affairs and chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Health System, interviews physicians and leaders about advances in healthcare and current affairs.
A routine bike ride along Missouri's Katy Trail turned catastrophic when Nate Prater crashed into a truck and suffered a rare Le Fort IV fracture — a severe facial injury that separated his upper jaw from the base of his skull. Doctors at The University of Kansas Health System performed complex reconstructive surgeries and intensive rehabilitation to help Nate relearn how to speak, swallow and smile. Nate now shares his powerful recovery story and the message he believes saved his life: always wear a helmet.
Lester McKinzy was working construction and spending long days on his feet when a rare disorder suddenly changed everything. What started as weakness, numbness and trouble walking eventually left him wheelchair bound as doctors searched for answers. In this episode of Open Mics with Dr. Stites, Lester shares his journey with POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex disorder connected to plasma cells that can affect the nerves, organs, hormones, blood and skin. His care team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center explains why POEMS syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, how it may be mistaken for conditions like neuropathy or multiple sclerosis, and why early recognition is so important. Doctors also discuss how POEMS syndrome is treated, when stem cell transplant may be needed, and why Lester was able to use his own cells for the procedure. This is a powerful look at a rare, life-threatening diagnosis, the role of specialized cancer care and the determination it takes to move from a wheelchair back to walking again.
Cancer screenings can save lives, but the right screening plan can change as we age. In this episode of The University of Kansas Health System Open Mics, Dr. Steve Stites talks with geriatric medicine specialist Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich and clinical oncologist Dr. Nina Mathew about cancer screenings for older adults and how seniors can make informed decisions about early detection. The conversation covers common screenings such as colonoscopy, mammograms, prostate cancer screening, lung cancer screening and skin cancer checks. The doctors also discuss why some screenings stop at a certain age, how health status and personal risk affect recommendations, and how patients can weigh the benefits and risks of routine cancer screening. They also look at newer options, including blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests, mail-in colon cancer screening, and mobile cancer screening programs designed to reach rural communities.
Some people with cystic fibrosis have seen life-changing results from Trikafta, but not every patient responds to the treatment. The University of Kansas Health System looks at the research helping the group of CF patients who have been left behind by current therapies. Dr. Steve Stites is joined by cystic fibrosis patient Jason White, pulmonologist and critical care specialist Dr. Joel Mermis, and Dr. Matthias Salathe, Chief Research Officer for the University of Kansas and Chief Science Officer of The University of Kansas Health System. Together, they explain how CFTR mutations, theratyping, swab testing, and gene therapy clinical trials may help identify new treatment options for people living with cystic fibrosis and those with the common F508del mutation.
A stroke can happen at any age. The University of Kansas Health System now has a special clinic focused on young stroke survivors. Hear from a patient and her doctors on how this clinic works.
Join us for an amazing discussion around organ donation. An anonymous donor previously donated a kidney and has now decided to donate part of her liver. Hear from doctors and the patient they saved.
The University of Kansas Health System and Children's Mercy are now have the NORD designation. That means we are recognized place for rare disorders and diseases. Today we speak with a patient about her care and hear from doctors about why this recognition matters to people in our region.
Could the pandemic have aged your brain — even if you never got COVID? A new study using brain scans suggests it's possible. But not all experts are ready to sign off on the findings. Up next, we hear from the doctors who've seen long COVID firsthand, and a neurologist who breaks down what 'brain aging' really looks like on an MRI — and what stress and isolation may have done to all of us.
Cancer care should be close to home. It's not just convenient, it's necessary for good patient outcomes. We take a closer look at the growing options in the Northland for patients and their families.
A young woman thought she had a simple infection--but it was breast cancer. She questions if lifestyle choices played a role in her diagnosis. We explore the link between alcohol and cancer.
When you are diagnosed with cancer, it's not just about the treatment... but the physical and emotional challenges. Missy's Boutique shows us it's more than medicine. We celebrate as patients find style and confidence.
An autoimmune disease left one woman battling joint pain, fatigue, and even lung problems. Learn how the health system is using a team approach--from rheumatology to pulmonology--to slow the damage.
In hospitals and clinics, AI is helping with data, diagnostics, and documentation so physicians can do what they do best: focus on their patients. Today doctors with The University of Kansas Health System show n tell three ways AI is assisting them during your clinic visit… quietly transforming care behind the scenes.
A treatment for cancer now has applications for patients with sickle cell disease. Scientists genetically modify the patient’s own blood cells—transforming them into healthy ones—and then infuse them back into the body. Listen to the inspiring journey of a patient undergoing this life-changing therapy at The University of Kansas Cancer Center for a pain-free future.
Every year we celebrate our birthday. Researchers are now learning our bodies don’t age in a slow and steady process. We actually age in bursts and there are two key windows of time. Specialists with The University of Kansas Health System explain what’s happening at ages 44 and 60.
It’s back to school for millions of children. One challenge for some families is the food allergies their children face. Research shows food allergies among children are more common than ever. We’ll explore the scope of the problem and learn strategies to keep children safe.
Medicine is a team sport whether it’s a clinic or operating room. Nurses are there giving compassionate care. Meet the nurses supporting our Chief Medical Officers.
Sickle cell disease is painful, costly and now possibly- curable. A new treatment reprograms a person’s own blood cells to fight the disease. We break down how it works and introduce you to a woman ready for relief.
Music stirs the soul, but can it heal the body? We’ll show you the science turning melodies into medicine.
Measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000. It’s now making a comeback with outbreaks identified in numerous states including Kansas. It’s highly contagious and highly preventable. Infectious disease specialists put the current outbreak into perspective.
He woke up in the hospital, unsure why he was even there. Now the mayor of Overland Park is thanking the specialists who saved him.
Our genes contain clues to our health. Doctors can now use these clues to tailor treatments to each patient. We discuss precision medicine and what we know about the role of genetics in health care.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation – or TMR – offers new hope for people who've lost a limb but struggle with phantom pain. Our doctors discuss how TMR works to help people live pain free. Guests include orthopedic surgeon and microsurgeon Dr. Jacob Brubacher.
April marks National Donate Life month. We explore a kidney chain involving 24 patients across eight different states. What does it take to pull this off? Learn about the coordination that makes this happen. Guests include Medical Director of Kidney and Nephrology Medicine Dr. Diane Cibrik, Director of Nursing, Center for Transplantation Jaime Bartley, Director of Transplant Services for the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation Krista Sweeney, Transplant Surgeon for the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation Dr. Michael Reese, Transplant Surgeon and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sean Kumer, Living Donor Nurse Coordinator Samantha Brenner, and Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control Dr. Dana Hawkinson.
Tens of millions of people around the world have recovered from an acute COVID infection ... only to face additional symptoms that can linger for months or years. We review long COVID research and hear from a patient.
Parkinson’s Disease is more than a tremor and stiff muscles. Some patients experience delusions and hallucinations. We explore the hidden burdens of Parkinson’s Disease.
Breastfeeding benefits mom and baby, so why are so many infants missing out? Discover the science and explore the barriers keeping families from best practices.
Food insecurity affects health, but what if doctors could prescribe food just like medicine? Explore a new program helping patients make healthy choices.
Imagine treating GI cancers with precision, while sparing patients from major surgery. We explore the powerful new tools in gastrointestinal care offering faster recovery and life-changing outcomes.
Ten years since the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We explore the real impacts of that viral trend. New research and novel drugs but still no cure. Meet one woman who is not giving up, but is giving back, in the face of a terminal diagnosis.
What seemed like a sprained ankle turned out to be much more for one high school athlete. Learn how a trainer's sharp eye saved her from surgery and got her back in the game.
Can seniors learn to fall safely? Hear from researchers testing new methods and one participant's experience! It's all about reducing injury.
Can losing weight before surgery make a difference in prostate cancer outcomes? A new study reveals the power of weight loss interventions. Tune in to learn how it can save lives!
A purple-heart veteran thought his battle days were behind him, until he found himself in a battle to save his own leg. Why doctors at the V.A. trusted surgeons at The University of Kansas Health System to lead the fight.
Brain-fog pushed an accomplished pianist away from the keyboard. What she thought might be Alzheimer’s was actually her kidneys! The surprising side-effect of kidney transplants. How a new healthy organ can change what's happening in your brain. Visit our website, www.kansashealthsystem.com or findadoctor.kansashealthsystem.com.
Today we are learning about a family of bacteria called "mycobacteria". Not "micro" as in small, but "myco". They are everywhere, soil, dust, water, even tap water. But don't be scared, because they are typically not harmful. However, in some cases, these germs may cause serious and deadly infections.
Covid numbers are up- along with hospitalizations. Just as a new vaccine comes out. Join us Friday, for a special Open Mics with Dr. Stites.and other chief medical officers to hear what's happening at hospitals on our area. Plus, Dr. Dana Hawkinson explains the new variant and when to get your shot. Bring your questions as we talk covid- and other seasonal viruses headed our way.
What started as a dream vacation in Jamaica for David Kaemmer's 30th anniversary turned into a fight for his life. Thanks to the team at The University of Kansas Health System, David made it through a rare, life-threatening infection. Hear how they brought him back from the brink!
She's in her forties, but doctors say Becci Ryberg has the lungs of an 85-year-old and it's all due to her genes. The genetic condition that hurts the lungs but may not show symptoms until middle age. We explore the key signs of the condition and what it means for Becci's kids.
This may be your best chance to help shape the future of healthcare! Learn how to enroll in All of Us Research and hear what your input could mean for future research.
https://allofus.nih.gov
Visit our website, www.kansashealthsystem.com or findadoctor.kansashealthsystem.com.
When you eat, breathe, and bleed for your sport, you need a therapist who understands the commitment. We ask a sports psychiatrist their biggest tips for keeping athletes' minds.
As all eyes turn to Paris and the Summer Olympics, we explore expert care for elite athletes. You’ll meet the gold medal Olympians who chose The University of Kansas Health System to keep them healthy. Guests include orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vincent Key, Erik Kynard, 2012 Olympic high jump gold medalist, and Shawn Morelli, 3-time Paralympic cycling gold medalist.
Whether they're caused by fireworks, flames, or boiling water-- severe burns need complex treatment. Meet a woman living with scars from a fireworks mishap, and see the surgical techniques that can replace missing skin.
We all understand, the couch is comfortable! But getting up, and getting active, is the key to a healthier life. So how do you start? A beginner's guide to exercise. Expert advice on getting out of your comfort zone, and making fitness something to enjoy.
LVADs can extend the lives of people living with advanced heart failure. We hear what it's like relying on a machine to help your heart pump blood.
We explore the newest advancement in treating tinnitus that uses stimulation to retrain the brain. Meet a person using the Lenire system and one of the first doctors in the country to work with it.
Exercise is healthy, even during cancer treatment. We explore the first-ever guidelines for fitness and physical activity while going through cancer treatment.
Countless Americans want weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound, but supply isn't meeting demand. So, what should patients do in the meantime? We ask if supply will ever catch up and learn how patients can make the most of their time on the "weight loss wait list".
Nurses share some of the most complex wounds, infection and pain for patients here at the health system. These extraordinary nurses and nurse practitioners share their expert advice that we can all learn from as we celebrate nurse's week.
COVID is a concern, but not a crisis anymore. We reflect on four years of helping the public understand what the pandemic really means. Vaccine expert Dr. Greg Poland joins Dr. Stites and Dr Hawkinson.
Today we're talking about breast cancer. It's a diagnosis no woman wants to hear. But there is research into drugs that may reduce the risk of breast cancer and alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
Interested in breast cancer prevention research?
Email BCPCresearch@kumc.edu to Learn More
Or call 913-588-7791
Freedom from migraines without a pill spray or drug. Migraine relief surgery offered close to home. Why patients are desperate for a permanent fix and how to tell if you're a candidate.
More and more women are facing long drives to deliver their babies. How far is "too far" for adequate prenatal and maternity care? The challenges and solutions in ensuring every mother receives the care she deserves.
Taking a dip, for Alzheimer’s research. How can hot tubs help your brain health? We show you the science of a study that sounds almost too good to be true. What scientists are measuring while participants soak.
Nanotechnology, implanted in the brain and spine. Remarkable research is letting paralyzed patients walk again. The blurry boundary between what's your brain at work and what's technology. Meet researchers teaching AI to decode your thoughts.
More research than ever is happening at KU Medical Center. How do millions of dollars in federal grants trickle down to the everyday patient? The explosive growth of research into cancer, Alzheimer's and so much more.
Masks, shutdowns and a brand-new vaccine. To live through COVID was to witness history. But how will history remember the pandemic? COVID in a historical context. How the world suffered and learned through other pandemics.
Genetic tests are changing healthcare and doctors aren't the only experts who should read your results. We show you the science behind genetic counselors how their niche expertise can help prevent misdiagnosis.
When prostate cancer spreads a new kind of treatment can seek it out and destroy it. The radioactive particle that doctors compare to a “heat seeking missile" providing a better life, with fewer side effects.
Instead of 6 weeks of radiation, imagine needing just one second of treatment. The amazing promise of "flash radiation” which could spare your tissue and your immune system. We ask how close this medical breakthrough is to reaching patients.
Why do married people live longer? What does a loving relationship do to the brain? Does sharing a bed actually improve sleep health? The Science of Love. The surprising health benefits of a loving relationship.
What happens when high blood pressure reaches inside your lungs? The changing treatments for pulmonary hypertension. Meet one young woman hoping new medicine will help reclaim her life.
After nearly four years of the covid pandemic, where do we stand now? The virus is still out there, and vaccination rates are lagging. Hear what leading doctors across the metro are seeing in their hospitals.
Scar tissue inside the lungs, with an interstitial lung disease, symptoms don't start until the damage is done. Life with an I.L.D. means putting effort into every breath. We discuss treatments and training that give patients more air.
A rare condition comes with a choice, remove your colon, or wait for cancer. New research aimed at delaying the cancer as long as possible. The important first step and need for new treatments.
No two people are the same and that means the best healthcare is tailored to the individual. Creating a database that can shape the future of medicine. We look at what the "All of Us" research program wants from you.
It's called "the Angelina Jolie effect." More women than ever are having their breasts or ovaries removed, just in case, they get cancer. Risk-reducing surgery. We ask doctors when it makes the most sense and hear from one woman who made a drastic decision based on her genetics.
Steve Thon, kidney recipient and Cindy’s uncle A diehard Kansas Jayhawks fan, eight years ago Steve started experiencing renal disease. He felt sick all the time and was close to going on dialysis right before his niece surprised him with a call about being a living kidney donor.
Silvia Byer learned she had breast cancer while she was thousands of miles from home, on vacation, overseas. She had no clue one of the world's leading experts in her specific kind of cancer was waiting for her back home. The treatment and research that helped Silvia, and countless other future patients.
Living with epilepsy means never knowing when the next seizure will strike. What happens when you treat the seizures at their source? Meet one man reclaiming his life thanks to a unique brain implant.
We've all heard about the new group of medications, GLP-1 drugs, and the FDA has approved these and others to help people lose weight. When used for the right reasons, like avoiding pre-diabetes for example, these injectable drugs can be lifesaving. But the weight loss from these medications alone won't provide all the health benefits you need. You've got to exercise! And there is now research and science to back that up.
It’s Pink Week – the first week in October dedicated to all things breast cancer. Learn more about how new proton therapy is a gamechanger for treating cancer.
Chief medical officers from around the region discuss plans for COVID, flu, and RSV in the upcoming months. Guests include Dr. Jennifer Watts, chief emergency management medical officer, Children’s Mercy; Dr. Mark Steele, executive chief clinical officer, University Health; Dr. Chaksu Gupta, FCAP, CMO, Liberty Hospital; Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, public health officer, Douglas County; infectious disease physician, Lawrence Memorial Hospital; Dr. Cliff Jones, vice president, subspecialty medicine, Stormont Vail Health; and Dr. Elizabeth Long, CMO, Olathe Health.
Most patients walking into an Emergency Department get treated and go home. We meet one man who ended up needing to be rushed to the operating room, as well as the emergency surgeons standing by for cases like his. Guests include Dr. Jennifer Hartwell, section chief, emergency general surgery, and Mary Perry, RN, clinical program coordinator, emergency general surgery.
Fatigue is common among older adults and finding the cause is important. We explain the medical meaning of fatigue and when it's worth seeing a doctor. Guests include Dr. Christian Sinclair, hospice & palliative care specialist, and Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, geriatric specialist.
Millions of people either have or will develop macular degeneration at some point. If untreated, it can cause blindness. We'll show you how it's diagnosed and treated through the eyes of a Kansas City woman who has it. Guests include Dr. Radwan Ajlan, comprehensive ophthalmologist.
We all know about COVID, but there are other infectious diseases that keep the specialists awake at night. Dr. Dana Hawkinson shares what he's watching worldwide and here at home to keep us safe along with the other health care professionals working together to guard against the next pandemic.
Older adults need 3 vaccines this fall, Flu, COVID and the first ever shot for RSV. We walk you through the complicated vaccine schedule with world-renowned vaccine expert Dr. Gregory Poland.
Long COVID is not getting the same attention or funding as COVID itself. We’ll meet two researchers leading the push to simply define what Long COVID means, and help millions of patients in the process. Guests include Dr. Mario Castro, pulmonologist with The University of Kansas Health System and Vice Chair of Clinical and Translational Research at The University of Kansas Medical Center, and Dr. Cliff Rosen, endocrinologist, associate editor at the New England Journal of Medicine; and the Director of Clinical and Translational Research at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute.
A life-saving gift sometimes leaves a troubling mark. From rashes to lesions to infections, organ and bone marrow donations can lead to skin disorders. Dermatologists delve into post-transplant skin problems, why they happen and how they're treated. Guests include dermatologist Dr. Adela Cardones.
How do doctors, pharmacists and patients navigate global drug shortages? Guests include Rick Couldry and Dr. Holzbeierlein.
Our experts dive into an unusual form of chemotherapy called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy – or HIPEC – where drugs are administered through the belly. Guests include Dr. Mazin Al-Kasspooles.
Learn more about the challenge of diagnosing sleep disorders and the growing range of treatment options that go way beyond a CPAP machine. Guests include Dr. Christopher Larsen and Dr. Damien Stevens.
Learn how The University of Kansas Health System is improving healthcare for rural Kansans and how overall healthcare needs are changing for rural America.
Some people wait to see a doctor until they're sick. But from a doctor's perspective, they still want to see patients even when they're feeling fine. Our experts talk about the way a routine a wellness exam, also called a "check-up," is perhaps the most important interaction you can have with your healthcare provider.
Experts discuss the end of the COVID emergency. What does it mean for patients, providers and the future of vaccines? Guests include the health system's medical director of infection prevention and control Dr. Dana Hawkinson, the health system's Director of Admitting Loretta Stoufer and the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Gregory Poland.
Headscarves, wigs and prosthetics are crucial for cancer patients during and after their treatment. But it’s more than just the visual benefits. We show you the science behind why these personal items make a mental difference. Guests include Lizzie Wright, social worker and Program Director at Turning Point, and Judy Newell, the Appearance Center Manager at Missys' Boutique.
From allergies to Alzheimer's, inflammation contributes to all kinds of problems. But it's also a fundamental immune response meant to protect us. New research is changing what doctors think about inflammation and what we should be eating. Guests include Dr. Winston Dunn, Dr. Selina Gierer and Dr. Matt Shoemaker.
You've heard of a blood bank. But what about a stool bank? A fecal transplant may sound strange or even gross, but the procedure is saving lives. We’ll look at who qualifies and why. Guests include gastroenterologist Dr. Mollie Jackson.
Pregnancy and childbirth should be safe and joyful. But America has a maternal health problem. Black mothers in particular are at risk. Meet an expert who has dedicated her life to keeping black mothers and babies healthy. And how she's working with others to fix the disparities.
When standard chemotherapy wasn’t working for one patient, a blend of two remarkable therapies – CAR-T and CRISPR – trained the immune system to exterminate the cancer. Guests include patient Katie Kopp and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, hematologist and medical oncologist and the Division Director of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
The federal government recently outlined a plan to revamp the nation's organ transplant system, hoping to make it more efficient. We’ll talk with transplant doctors and a U.S. Senator about what those changes could mean for us in the Midwest.
It’s been three years since the pandemic broke out. We’ll talk with Dr. Lee Norman, former Kansas Health Secretary, about what we’ve learned and where we’re headed.
Getting off the sideline and back in the game. One high school athlete went from crutches to an operating table, then back to the pitching mound. Our Women in Sports series turns its focus toward injuries, both healing them and preventing them. Plus a live report from Royals Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona.
Alex Goodwin's cancer survival story reached halfway around the world. What happens now that Alex is outgrowing the implant that helped save his life six years ago? We will talk live with Alex, his father and his doctor.
Every minute matters when you have a stroke. New research could change how doctors react in those critical moments. We highlight brand new research on "Show Me The Science" focused on better outcomes in some of the worst strokes. We’ll hear directly from a survivor.
Most heart transplant programs would not operate on a 74-year-old man. How old is too old to get a new heart? You’ll meet a man who found out why age is sometimes just a number.
We’ll take you live to the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade, where you’ll meet the health system’s Dream Team that kept Patrick Mahomes and others on the field. And imagine getting your blood checked without having to go near a needle. We’ll outline a clinical trial of a Bloodless Blood Test.
Learn how doctors discovered and fixed the sudden change in one woman's personality that not only saved her life, it saved her marriage.
What do you do if your heart starts failing, but you’re not able to get a transplant right away? Many patients are relying on a small device called LVAD to keep them alive. You’ll learn more about tiny machines that pump blood for your heart and the promising new research about LVADs.
We’ll show you a brand new way to treat cancerous brain tumors without having to undergo radiation treatment every day for six weeks.
Is10,000 steps a day really the magic number? We know walking improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of dementia, but how many steps do you really need to feel the benefits? Our experts weigh in on a recent study.
It's been nearly six months since The University of Kansas Cancer Center achieved Comprehensive status. A lot has happened including more funding for cancer trials to keep patients closer to home as well as the vision for a new research building.
Nearly 4 out 5 people suffer from chronic and often debilitating lower back pain... are you one of them? Watch to learn if you qualify as a trial participant in research aimed at easing your pain. The University of Kansas Medical Center hopes to enroll hundreds of patients. We'll show you how to sign up.
Jill Sondker is an active woman who has something in common with rock icon Peter Frampton – they both suffer from inclusion body myositis, a muscle wasting disease that threatens hips and fingers first. She shares her story.
It used to be you had to see a doctor, get a prescription and have a custom fitting from an audiologist to get a hearing aid. Not anymore. We’ll explain why and show you what to look for if you’re looking to buy one on your own.
While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., it receives the least research funding. Dr. Stites will explain and share why 50 organizations are coming together to address this. And we’ll show how a study focusing on millennials may change the course of lung cancer treatment.
While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., it receives the least research funding. Dr. Stites will explain and share why 50 organizations are coming together to address this. And we’ll show how a study focusing on millennials may change the course of lung cancer treatment.
Rear Admiral Dr. Michael Iademarco, assistant Surgeon General of The United States, and Catherine Satterwhite, Ph.D., Region 7 administrator, Department of Health and Human Services, join Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control, to outline the latest long COVID-19 research. He'll explain how anyone can participate in a new national study of long COVID-19.
Experts focus on how to battle the obesity epidemic with a story about how a woman’s fatty liver diagnosis turned her life around.
Experts focus on how to battle the obesity epidemic with a story about how a woman’s fatty liver diagnosis turned her life around.
It’s been two months since we’ve heard from area hospital chief medical officers, but tomorrow we’ll gather them for a COVID status report. We’ll find out if we’re gaining any ground on the pandemic and look at what the winter looks like for COVID and the flu.
It’s been two months since we’ve heard from area hospital chief medical officers, but tomorrow we’ll gather them for a COVID status report. We’ll find out if we’re gaining any ground on the pandemic and look at what the winter looks like for COVID and the flu.
Imagine having to put your life in the hands of a stranger. That’s what happened to a Kansas City man, and the outcome was amazing. You’ll see the emotional moment they met for the first time.
Imagine having to put your life in the hands of a stranger. That’s what happened to a Kansas City man, and the outcome was amazing. You’ll see the emotional moment they met for the first time.
Triple negative breast cancer is diagnosed three times more in Black women than White women. Did you know where you are born could also be a big factor? We'll look at the science inside cancer cells.
Triple negative breast cancer is diagnosed three times more in Black women than White women. Did you know where you are born could also be a big factor? We'll look at the science inside cancer cells.
People either love COVID vaccines or hate them. But there's no question they've made a difference in this pandemic. We're going to stick to the science as we welcome Dr. Greg Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. We'll look at where we are with vaccines and where we're headed in our fight against COVID.
People either love COVID vaccines or hate them. But there's no question they've made a difference in this pandemic. We're going to stick to the science as we welcome Dr. Greg Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. We'll look at where we are with vaccines and where we're headed in our fight against COVID.
People either love COVID vaccines or hate them. But there's no question they've made a difference in this pandemic. We're going to stick to the science as we welcome Dr. Greg Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. We'll look at where we are with vaccines and where we're headed in our fight against COVID.
People either love COVID vaccines or hate them. But there's no question they've made a difference in this pandemic. We're going to stick to the science as we welcome Dr. Greg Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. We'll look at where we are with vaccines and where we're headed in our fight against COVID.
Dr. Steve Stites joins us live from from Las Vegas to learn what the nation's premiere professional organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes wants to learn from us about this program.
Dr. Steve Stites joins us live from from Las Vegas to learn what the nation's premiere professional organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes wants to learn from us about this program.
Violence is now one of the leading causes of death among young people. But there’s an effort to do something about that, and keep young victims of violence from returning to the emergency department. You’ll meet the group that’s putting a new program into place and find out how it works.
Violence is now one of the leading causes of death among young people. But there’s an effort to do something about that, and keep young victims of violence from returning to the emergency department. You’ll meet the group that’s putting a new program into place and find out how it works.
We’re edging closer to the medicine you see in Star Trek. Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center are now using artificial intelligence to study some kidney injuries. We’ll show you the science that’s putting Kansas in the spotlight.
We’re edging closer to the medicine you see in Star Trek. Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center are now using artificial intelligence to study some kidney injuries. We’ll show you the science that’s putting Kansas in the spotlight.
We will present a news conference with 13 area chief medical officers to talk about the state of COVID-19 in the region. We’ll also find out how it’s still impacting hospitals in everything from staffing to supplies and look ahead at what to expect this fall.
We will present a news conference with 13 area chief medical officers to talk about the state of COVID-19 in the region. We’ll also find out how it’s still impacting hospitals in everything from staffing to supplies and look ahead at what to expect this fall.
School has been tough for students for the last couple of years during the pandemic. How will it be this fall? We will focus on the mental health of students and how teacher staffing shortages affect this.
School has been tough for students for the last couple of years during the pandemic. How will it be this fall? We will focus on the mental health of students and how teacher staffing shortages affect this.
Nature is filled with beauty...and snakes too! Five million people are bitten each year worldwide. We’ll talk about how you can protect yourself.
Nature is filled with beauty...and snakes too! Five million people are bitten each year worldwide. We’ll talk about how you can protect yourself.
According to The American Cancer Society, 45,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year. Dr. Steves Stites shows us the science behind a new treatment that made rectal cancer disappear in acute patients.
The B-A five variant is dominating as COVID hospitalizations creep up in the metro. What's behind this latest increase? Our panel of experts weighs in with what you need to know to keep you and your family safe.
High school students are getting a wonderful opportunity to try out different medical careers in the hospital. We’ll hear what they’re learning, including the one time they all got to hold a real human brain!
Ethiopia is the second most populated country in Africa with 87 hospitals and 11,296 beds to serve 45 million people. We’ll talk with a new generation of orthopedic surgeons training here in Kansas City at KU Medical Center. The goal of this international program is to help improve healthcare in Ethiopia.
Our experts look at the science of summertime sunburns. You'll learn the kinds of burns that worry specialists most and give an update on fireworks injuries from the Fourth of July holiday.
Emergency responders discuss their role in rescuing and treating the survivors of the recent Amtrak train derailment that occurred on June 27, 2022. The accident, which happened when the train collided with a dump truck, left 4 dead and more than 150 injured.
With more than 50 thousand people a year in Kansas and Missouri diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Roy Jensen and some of our colleagues from The University of Cancer Center join us to talk about the role genetic testing can play and news about metastatic breast cancer treatment.
Healthcare is not equal for all. Twice as many Black men die of heart disease. Black women are more prone to late stage, aggressive cancers while Black girls are often assessed differently when it comes to mental health. Dr. Steve Stites looks at these important health disparities.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. We’ll show you the impact COVID has had on Alzheimer's patients, plus doctors weigh in on at home tests for memory loss.
Running a big city hospital like is like running a small city. That means always staying one step ahead of drug and supply shortages. We’ll take you inside the giant warehouse where they keep everything from diapers to tongue depressors and find out how hospitals are coping with the current critical shortage of CT contrast for many vital procedures.
It’s never been done before, but a long-term study of millennials, those in their 20s and 30s, may hold the key to putting an end to lung diseases like cancer as we age. We’ll also explain why vaping is not as harmless as it seems.
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life-limiting fatal genetic disorder. We’re going to show you the science behind the leading CF drug Trikafta and share news of a new trial investigating gene therapy.
Imagine not being able to hold a fork or knife to eat or doing simple things like writing a note or signing a check. It's reality for a lot of people, and now those suffering from essential tremors of the hands or Parkinson's have a new treatment allowing them to do the things they love again. We’ll show you how it changed the lives of three patients. Guests include Dr. Jennifer Cheng, neurosurgeon; Dr. Rajesh Pahwa, director Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program; Shirley Thurber Godbold, patient; and Dr. Greg Nawalanic, clinical psychologist.
African American women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than white women. Dr. Steve Stites talks with experts to find out why and what is being done in the Metro to save lives. Guests include Dr. Sharla Smith, founder of the Kansas Birth Equity Network, and Marcia Houpe, nurse-midwife, The University of Kansas Health System.
Dr. Mario Castro, Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research, KU Medical Center, sits in for Dr. Steve Stites. Thousands in the metro will soon be getting their second COVID booster shot. So why are thousands of others choosing to hold off or not get the vaccine at all? Whether it’s misinformation or questions about how the vaccine came together we’ll show you the science behind COVID vaccines.
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat... being a true sports fan can bring you joy and then break your heart. So how do you cope with the ups and downs of cheering on your team? Jayhawks in the Final Four, the Chiefs in the playoffs several years in a row and now baseball season is here... it can take a toll... the good the bad and the ugly. We'll hear from experts on sports related stress.
Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms of long haul COVID patients, and now there’s a new treatment. You’ll meet an area pediatrician struggling to cut through his brain fog after catching a mild case of COVID two years ago.
On today's show, chief medical officer Dr. Steve Stites talks to Jane Ott, Vice President, Supply Chain of the health system and Kristin Robinson, Executive Director, PROJECT C.U.R.E., Kansas City. The health system works with Project C.U.R.E to send supplies to support care in Ukraine. The health system's relationship with Ukraine is not new. Details of supplies and efforts in this episode of Open Mics with Dr. Stites.
Can someone who has or had COVID-19 donate an organ? It’s a common question during the pandemic. COVID-19 has had quite an impact on transplants. Experts speak to that and answer many other transplant questions.
Chief medical officer Dr. Steve Stites puts on his professor hat, along with four other distinguished guests, debut a new regular feature he's been working on for some time. In the first episode of Show Me The Science, we’ll show the results of clinical trials of two drugs to treat or prevent COVID. One has FDA emergency use authorization, the other comes with an FDA warning, plus warnings and/or restrictions by the World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Plus, we’ll show you how you can enroll in a clinical trial on the use of ivermectin for treating COVID.
A new study finds the bacteria in your gut plays a big role in protecting your body from viruses, including COVID-19. Gastroenterologist Dr. Florence Aslinia and Dr. Steve Stites, our health system's chief medical officer, look at the role the stomach plays in determining the severity of a COVID-19 infection.
Chief medical officers from the metro and across the state update some welcomed decreases in the Metro. Hospital admissions remain high with an average of four deaths daily according to the Mid-America Regional Council. ICUs are especially strained due to the longer length of stay for COVID patients. The doctors will explain.
Chief medical officers and infectious diseases doctors from across Kansas and the KC metro discuss current COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations.
Chief medical officers from the Kansas City metro and across the state paint the picture of why this is the most dangerous time since the pandemic began, as COVID hospital admissions and clinic visits for them continue rapidly rising. We’ll focus on why communities need to rally right now to do something about it. Participants include:
• Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System
• Dr. Richard Watson, co-founder, Motient
• Dr. Lisa Hays, Chief Medical Officer, Advent Health Shawnee Mission
• Dr. Kim Megow, Chief Medical Officer, HCA Midwest Health
• Dr. Raghu Adiga, Chief Medical Officer, Liberty Hospital
• Dr. Elizabeth Long, Chief Medical Officer at Olathe Health
• Dr. Mark Steele, Executive Chief Clinical Officer, University Health-Truman
• Dr. Patricia A. Martin, St. Luke's Health System, VP of Medical Affairs, South and East Regions
• Dr. Ahmad Batrash, Chief of Staff, Kansas City VA Hospital
• Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, infectious diseases physician at LMH Health and deputy public health officer for Douglas County
• Dr. Jackie Hyland, Chief Medical Officer, The University of Kansas Health System - St. Francis Campus
• Dr. Kevin Dishman, Chief Medical Officer, Stormont Vail Health
• Dr. Samer "Sam" Antonios, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Via Christi Health
• Dr. Robert Freelove, Chief Medical Officer, Salina Regional Health Center
• Dr. Heather Harris, Medical Director, HaysMed
• Dr. James Alexander, Chief Medical Officer, Centura - St. Catherine
• Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas discusses his own bout with COVID and the impact it had on his family, including his eight-month-old baby. His message for us, plus what he's doing to help stop the spread of COVID in his city.
Hospitals in the metro continue to feel the pressure of the COVID-19 surge. Add ventilators to the list of shortages that includes staffing and monoclonal antibodies along with growing stressors on emergency departments and EMS services. Doctors give an update on the availability of staffed ICU beds and testing, as well as mitigation efforts being deployed as this surge continues.
Chief medical officers and infectious disease physicians from the Kansas City area and across the state of Kansas share crisis communication about the impact of COVID on hospitals and health care in the most severe surge since the pandemic began.
Dr. Steve Stites, our chief medical officer, returns with Dr. Rachel Liesman, director of microbiology in pathology, and Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, general and geriatric medicine. They'll be discussing the continual rise of COVID-19 cases in Kansas City. Additionally, they'll talk about what more can be done to protect our older population especially those in nursing and assisted care centers.
Guests include Dr. Chris Brown, a hospitalist at the health system, Grant Ogden, a respiratory therapist, and Caitlin Beatty, a nurse in a COVID intensive care unit. They join Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer and Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, to discuss the impact of omicron and delta on healthcare workers.
Infectious disease doctors join to update what is being called a very steep increase in COVID admissions to hospitals across the metro.
Dr. Steve Stites talks with Dr. Barney Graham, the man many call the father of the COVID vaccine. He is former deputy director of the Vaccine Research Center at the NIH, and helped create many of the COVID vaccines we’re using today, which have saved millions of lives. He’s one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2021. He talks about how he made the discovery and what he is learning about the new omicron variant. Also, Dr. Robert Simari, executive vice chancellor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, joins to discuss the role academics and science have played in fighting the pandemic.
It can be difficult for those living and working in rural communities to access specialty and advanced medical care. We’ll show you how The University of Kansas Health System is leveling the field to help everyone get the right care at the right time regardless of geography.
Dr. Steven Simpson, pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine specialist, and Dr. Steven Lauer, pediatrician, are the guests for Open Mics with Dr. Steve Stites. The three Steve’s will react to a recent proclamation by the Kansas governor around another important health alert.
The intersection of faith and science is a common phrase heard on this show throughout this pandemic. The brother of one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People received a life-saving procedure doctors say could also be called a miracle. We hear from Chris Graham and his doctors, Dr. Koji Ebersole and Dr. Alan Reeves.
According to the CDC, approximately 12,000 children and young adults, ages 1 to 19 years, die from unintentional injuries each year. And one group is working to reduce that number. Joining us this morning is Dr. Kristyn Jeffries from Children's Mercy hospitals who is active with the National Injury Prevention efforts in KC. Also joining is Dr. Steve Lauer a pediatrician with The University of Kansas Health System.
A national movement promoting equity in the workplace honors Dr. Alexander Chiu, chair, otolaryngology. Dr. Lisa Shnayder, otolaryngology, and Dr. Jennifer Villwock, otolaryngology, explain why they nominated Dr. Chiu and how his efforts improve patient care.
Local experts discuss vaccination boosters, pediatric vaccines and flu shots. Guests include Catherine Satterwhite, Region 7 health administrator for Health and Human Services, Dr. Bridgette Jones with Children’s Mercy and Mark Logan with Comeback KC.
Imagine you beat COVID but there are lingering health effects months later. We hear from one COVID long hauler and how it's impacting her life with her children.
Dr. Steve Stites and guests took a close look at telehealth services, which have flourished during the pandemic. They also talked about why those services could now be at risk. Guests include Dr. Keith Sale, vice president of ambulatory medicine and an ENT physician who sees many patients with this technology, and Jason Grundstrom, executive director of our health system's continuum of care.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Stites, Dr. Amol Purandare, infectious diseases at Children's Mercy, and pediatrician Dr. Stephen Lauer discuss vaccines for children and adolescents.
Dr. Steve Stites and guests discuss how doctors here in Kansas City are helping doctors in central Kansas care for critically ill patients without an ICU. Guests include Dr. Heath Latham, pulmonary and critical care medicine, and Dr. Jonathan Pike in Great Bend, Kansas, with Great Bend Family Medicine.
Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, was joined by Colette Lasack, Vice President of Revenue Cycle at the health system. They took a close look at how insurance is changing for COVID patients.
Dr. Steve Stites is joined by Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinic's vaccine research group, who is back to talk about vaccines and virus variants.
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, talks with Dr. Brad Nelson, a pediatrician at the health system. Dr. Nelson treats children for prolonged — or long hauler — COVID symptoms.
Faced with too many patients and not enough room, COVID is straining emergency departments. Dr. Steve Stites is joined by our chief of emergency medicine as well as the medical director of Johnson County EMS to explain how hospitals are handling the high volume and what effect that could have on you.
We've been talking about staff exhaustion and fatigue. Dr. Steve Stites talks with Dr. Chris Brown and ICU manager Casey Pickering, RN. They have been in the fight against COVID who have been at this for more than a year. We’ll hear their plea to the public to help break the surge in cases.
Dr. Catherine Satterwhite, regional health administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, talks about the importance of getting vaccinated and protecting those around you. Also, Dr. Lewis Satterwhite, pulmonary and critical care physician at the health system, discusses the different treatments available for those fighting COVID.
Dr. Joseph McGuirk talks with Dr. Steve Stites about the incredible new work being done for lymphoma patients, including CAR T-cell therapy.
Dr. Steven Stites and experts answer your COVID questions and also reflect on rural healthcare in a time of COVID.
It's been 40 years since the start of the AIDS epidemic. Dr. Steve Stites, our chief medical officer, and his guests talk history, how far we've come and what we've learned.
Dr. Doug Girod, chancellor of The University of Kansas, discusses what school will look like this fall. They break down the impact of unvaccinated students returning to college campuses.