New Hope for Phantom Limb Pain: Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)
Release Date: 04/09/2025
Severe Facial Trauma Couldn’t Stop Him: One Patient’s Remarkable Recovery
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
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From Wheelchair to Walking: Lester’s Recovery from POEMS Syndrome
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...
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Cancer Screenings for Seniors: What Tests Older Adults Really Need
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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...
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Cystic Fibrosis Research: Helping Patients Who Don’t Respond to Trikafta
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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,...
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Special Clinic for Young Stroke Patients
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
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Anonymous donor gives the Gift of Life
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
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NORD- Special Designation for The University of Kansas Health System and Children's Mercy
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
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Did COVID age our brains?
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
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Improved Cancer Care in the Northland
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
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Open Mics - The link between Alcohol and Cancer
Open Mics With Dr. Stites
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.
info_outlineTargeted 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.