Morning Medical Update

After a devastating plane crash, 29-year-old Michael Ribordy was left with severe injuries, including multiple open fractures in his right arm, facial fractures, a broken jaw, an orbital floor fracture and a broken foot. He was transferred to The University of Kansas Health System, the only Level 1 trauma center in the state, where a specialized team of surgeons worked to help put him back together. In this episode of The Morning Medical Update, Michael shares his recovery journey after the crash and what it took to heal from complex trauma. His care team explains how doctors treat severe facial injuries, open arm fractures, jaw fractures and trauma affecting multiple parts of the body. The conversation also covers trauma surgery, orthopedic hand surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery, bone healing, recovery after a high-impact accident, and what it may take for Michael to fly again.

After a serious 22-foot fall onto a cement pool deck, Brock Martin was rushed to The University of Kansas Health System with multiple traumatic injuries, including facial fractures, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, broken toes and a shattered kneecap. In this Morning Medical Update, Brock shares his trauma recovery journey alongside members of his care team, including ENT surgeon Dr. Omar Karadaghy and orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Archie Heddings. They explain what happens after a fall from a significant height, how doctors repair complex injuries, and what recovery can look like after multiple fractures, surgery and physical therapy. Brock's story is a powerful look at trauma care, orthopedic trauma surgery, facial fracture treatment, knee surgery, rehab and the long road back after a life-changing injury.

In this episode of The Morning Medical Update, The University of Kansas Health System shares how a chance conversation led Mark Scotch to make a life-changing decision: becoming a living kidney donor for a stranger. Nephrologist Dr. Jeff Kline and transplant surgeon Dr. Tim Schmitt to discuss the need for kidney donors, the living donor evaluation process, the kidney voucher program, and what recovery can look like after kidney donation.

A cardiac score is a quick heart screening detecting early signs of heart disease, even in people who feel completely healthy. In this episode, doctors from The University of Kansas Health System explain how a CardioScore test works, who should consider getting one, and why early detection can be so important. Cardiac score educator Kaye Ness joins us to explain what the test measures and how it helps identify risk for coronary artery disease. We also hear from Catherine Jacobson, whose story shows how one simple screening helped uncover a serious heart issue and changed the way she looks at her health. Additionally, Dr. Richard Korentager discusses Journavx. A new non-opioid pain relief option changing how doctors treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. The episode also highlights a special partnership with the Kansas City Current. Through the Goals for Heart initiative, every KC Current goal helps support access to cardiac scores for women, helping remove barriers to preventive heart care.

They've traveled the world together on mission trips, and locals even nicknamed them "The Sisters." Now, their bond is quite literally a part of one another. When Pastor Christine Potter learned her best friend Barb needed a kidney, she didn't just offer prayers—she offered a part of herself.

Kristin Crowley has a family history of breast cancer, and a genetic test shows she's BRCA 2 positive. She shares her journey through surgery and the complicated decisions she is making as a middle aged woman who is high risk.

Just weeks before her 40th birthday, Emily Schoeb's life changed in an instant—what started as sudden back pain led to a shocking diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. Driven by her love for her 10-year-old daughter, Emily faced chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and the realities of ongoing treatment with resilience and determination. Now, as she looks toward a clinical trial and the future.

Matt Larsen was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer that changed everything overnight. Instead of giving up, he committed to treatment and lifestyle changes. His determination shows how hope and modern medicine can work together.

Courtney Flannigan, a 34-year-old mother of two, faced a devastating cancer diagnosis. With support from specialists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, she began an aggressive treatment plan. Her courage inspires others facing similar battles.

Erin Kinsley never expected a melanoma diagnosis. Early detection helped doctors move quickly with treatment. Her story is a powerful reminder to watch for changes in your skin and get checked.

Olathe West Athletic Director Pat Butler thought his fatigue and back pain were just signs of getting older. Instead, doctors discovered metastatic prostate cancer. His students responded by launching "Butler's Brigade," a powerful show of support during his treatment journey.

Actor Erron Jay was chasing his dream in Los Angeles when everything changed with a stage 4 kidney failure diagnosis. In this powerful story, he shares how an old friend—and a life-saving kidney exchange—gave him a second chance. Now, he's paying it forward, mentoring others navigating the transplant journey.

High school athlete Gage Coen shares his long road back to sports after a severe tib/fib fracture and months of rehab.

Jenny Johnson is a lifelong nonsmoker living with stage 4 lung cancer. She's turned her diagnosis into advocacy—raising awareness about screening, treatment advances and hope for others.

Diagnosed just months after childbirth, Kat Robertson reflects on treatment, motherhood, and moving forward with gratitude.

Doctors explain stress-induced cardiomyopathy, symptoms, and who is most at risk.

Experience the inspiring story of Marina and Brandon—the first donor and recipient in The University of Kansas Health System's living liver transplant program. Marina's courageous donation gave Brandon a new lease on life, while both experienced remarkable recoveries. Learn how living liver transplants work and how one gift can change lives forever.

The holidays can mean parties, binge drinking and rushing around. It can be exhausting. It can also be hard on your heart. We discuss "holiday heart." Our team of doctors also shows you how easy it is to get a clear baseline with a simple cardiac test.

When doctors couldn't cure John Belfonte's blood cancer alone, family stepped in — and saved his life. Up next, the powerful story of how love, science, and one selfless act led to a cure.

She faced one of life's biggest battles — and still made it to graduation day. Coming up, the inspiring story of a law student who didn't let cancer stop her from chasing her dream.

Getting answers for your lungs just got easier. We'll show you how our robotic program provides a more precise way to diagnose and treat lung conditions.

She went in for a routine check-up and then life changed forever- cancer. That led to chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant. But now she's back doing what she loves and thriving

A devastating knee injury sidelines a 16-year-old. But surgery was the key to getting back on the field and back to powerlifting. Hear from the young athlete and his medical team.

Two sisters share more than just family bond- they also share a breast cancer diagnosis. We take a look at genetics and breast cancer.

We use AI for everything from home decorating to cover letters. But did you ever wonder how it could be used for detecting breast cancer? We explore the use and the limitations of AI. And look at how some health systems use it.    

It's an incredible story of a young woman needing a kidney to live and how social media helped her find her match. Now these two young women share their story. We discuss living kidney donations and how to get that conversation started.

The president of the KC Current is sharing her breast cancer diagnosis and why early detection is so important. Raven Jemison is a leader on and off the soccer field. Hear her message for all women.

It started with a routine checkup, then she heard the word “cancer.” We follow one woman's journey who was diagnosed with breast cancer and then melanoma. 

She's a young mom of four juggling kids, work and life— and breast cancer wasn't part of the plan. Facing tough choices, she's driving nearly six hours for the care she needs because her health is worth the drive.

Skin cancer can be aggressive, and it doesn't always stay on the surface. Hear one woman's powerful story of choosing surgery and immunotherapy to fight back.

He's the youngest man in the US to be diagnosed with breast cancer. And now it's back.  Bret Miller shares his recent cancer battle. We'll also hear from the experts about the latest treatments.

Robotic surgery has improved patient recovery. It means smaller incisions and less pain. In most cases- shorter hospital stays. We'll take you inside the O-R and show you the latest technology.

Cancer is more treatable—and survivable—than ever before, thanks to groundbreaking clinical trials and medical breakthroughs. One former reading coach is now a cancer coach, inspiring others to keep fighting and never give up.

Prostate cancer is common- unfortunately even more common and often deadlier in Black men. Meet a patient who learned he didn't need treatment right away and how his team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center helped make the decision on when to have surgery.

An elite swim coach known for training Olympic hopefuls suddenly finds themself on the other side of perseverance. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), they face their toughest challenge yet- a fight for their life. After grueling rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, The University of Kansas Cancer Center helped them emerge with a renewed purpose and perspective.

For athletes, what happens off the field can be just as crucial as game day. We take a closer look at what happens when two high school athletes spend their summer training at The University of Kansas Sports Medicine and Performance Center. Spoiler alert… these workouts are about more than just building strength.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. There are numerous choices for patients. Radiation is one route and now some patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center can undergo all treatments in just one week.

From professional athletes and cheering fans to high school players and coaches on the sidelines — they all share one critical need: a well-prepared emergency action plan. When seconds matter, preparation saves lives. We'll show you real-world examples where quick action made all the difference.

Tendon pain can limit mobility and linger for months. Sometimes rest and rehab aren't enough. A new generation of a minimally invasive device in the hands of doctors at The University of Kansas Health System is now helping patients avoid surgery and get the relief they need.

Jenny Nelson's cancer returned as stage 4, but she's not letting it define her. With care from The University of Kansas Cancer Center and support from her family, she's living life fully—renewing vows, embracing love, and proving cancer can't touch the joy of a well-lived life.

Born with a rare condition called 'prune belly' syndrome, he faced impossible odds—until his mother gave him the ultimate gift: a life-saving organ transplant. Now thriving in grade school, his journey is a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the life-changing impact of organ donation.

Her seizures started when she was just a baby. An implant only brought partial relief. Now a new treatment greatly reducing this patient's seizures.

She's in her 30's and reaching a new milestone thanks to an implant that controls her seizures. Patient Mallory Contreras and her doctor talk about how her life has changed.

Calm in chaos, first to help, and last to rest. Emergency Department and Trauma nurses do it all, and we are taking you inside their worlds. See what it really takes to work the front lines.

Music, medicine and whole lot of heart. There's an incredible story behind a recent jam session inside a Lee's Summit infusion clinic. Meet the patients turned performers and the nurses who believe in more than just medicine.

Dr. Doug Burton refuses to let brain cancer define his days. With unwavering courage, he's embracing every moment, determined to make the most of his time. Now, he's opening up about the groundbreaking treatments that are giving him more chances to laugh, love, and create lasting memories with his family.

A patient beats grim cancer survival rates. Learn about the immunotherapy and other strategies that give people hope. Plus, we discuss survivor's guilt when you defy the odds.

A cancer journey spans from the Caribbean to Kansas City. It all started with a bump in a patient's beard. Learn how doctors removed cancer helping a survivor avoid chemotherapy.

Patient Jon Bohnsack understands endurance. A different kind of endurance was tested when doctors discovered head and neck cancer. Learn about his treatments that didn't even require surgery.

Finding warmth and comfort despite extreme pain. Becky Smith has nothing but gratitude for the team that kept her informed and encouraged. We reunite Becky with the nursing team that saw her through a ten-day hospital stay.

Cancer can be lonely and isolating. Meet a patient who has started a special support group to help fellow cancer patients.