Open Mics with Dr. Stites

Kansas Health System
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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.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO ·  VIDEO

    From Wheelchair to Walking: Lester's Recovery from POEMS Syndrome

    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.

    26 min

  2. 13 MAY ·  VIDEO

    Cancer Screenings for Seniors: What Tests Older Adults Really Need

    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.

    23 min

  3. 6 MAY ·  VIDEO

    Cystic Fibrosis Research: Helping Patients Who Don't Respond to Trikafta

    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.

    36 min

  4. 29 APR ·  VIDEO

    World Cup KC: How Our Hospitals are Preparing for 650,000 Visitors

    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?

    33 min

  5. 22 APR ·  VIDEO

    Special Clinic for Young Stroke Patients

    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.

    29 min

  6. 17/12/2025

    Anonymous donor gives the Gift of Life

    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.

    32 min

  7. 10/12/2025

    NORD- Special Designation for The University of Kansas Health System and Children's Mercy

    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.

    48 min

  8. 19/11/2025

    Did COVID age our brains?

    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.

    33 min
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About

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.

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