Open Mics with Dr. Stites

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.

Kansas City is officially taking the world stage! With six matches and over 600,000 visitors headed to our stadium, how is our healthcare infrastructure preparing for the surge?

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.

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.

We explore techniques that can reduce nerve damage and protect sexual function.

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.

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.

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.