Morning Medical Update

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ginny Curtin is living with sarcoma. She's not just surviving- she's thriving and sharing her perspective with fellow patients. This includes amazing adventures packed with incredible photography.

Life after an organ transplant is evolving. Meet a patient who endured serious setbacks just as life was getting back to normal. We discuss keeping faith and hope alive.

From breast cancer to liver cancer a patient finds new hope with metastatic cancer. People are living longer with new radioactive treatments.

Patients need to celebrate moments that matter as they recover. One patient celebrates 100 days in his medical journey- another finally says, "I do." Meet the team helping patients get better and truly live life no matter the geography.

More than 15,000 people are waiting for a liver transplant. The average wait is around 150 days. Meet a man who endured his time on the waiting list and see the life he now leads thanks to donation. Guests include transplant hepatologist Dr. Ryan Taylor and liver transplant patient Terry McInteer.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s. Her reality reflects the latest cancer statistics- younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Hear her message for other young women about the importance of early detection. Guests include breast cancer survivor Alex Owens, breast cancer patient Emily Moritz, and Dr. Lindsay Kilgore, Breast Surgical Oncologist with The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Meet a woman who needed more than medicine to manage her liver disease- she needed a transplant and then another one. Learn how doctors overcame complications to get a woman back to good health.