University of Kansas Medical Center

Kansans living in the “breadbasket of America” have significantly higher rates of diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease — and after a lifetime of highly processed, high-fat and high-sugar foods, they are more likely to have poor outcomes when experiencing a health emergency.

Kristina Bridges, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, is leading a new project that aims to overcome barriers to healthy food in six areas across the state. Learn more about the project:

KU Medical Center researcher focuses on eliminating food deserts across rural Kansas New grant-funded project to address food insecurity issues in six areas across the state

When The Kansas City Chiefs report for training camp this year, KU fans will have an extra reason to cheer. Elizabeth Holmes, a rising fourth-year student at University of Kansas School of Medicine, will be a member of the team — the medical team, that is.

Learn more about Elizabeth and her upcoming clinical rotation: https://bit.ly/4eGWpBI

Early diagnosis is critical to help physicians identify patients who can benefit the most from new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. Blood tests, which are currently used in research studies, have shown promise in diagnosing Alzheimer’s early and accurately.

The KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center is one of seven institutions in the world participating in the first global initiative, launched by the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, to assess how integrating blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease impacts the speed and accuracy of dementia diagnoses and to help clinicians implement blood tests into their practice.

KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center part of global study deploying blood biomarker testing for dementia diagnoses Blood biomarkers have the potential to accelerate diagnoses for dementia and identify people most likely to benefit from the new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease.

Community members gathered on our Kansas City campus on Friday for the Juneteenth Celebration and Wellness Fair hosted by the Center for African American Health. The event marked the center's first anniversary with festivities including music, food, health screenings and fun activities for kids. Thank you to all who joined us!

Earlier this year, Wen-Xing Ding, Ph.D., William Warner Abercrombie Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, received the Olin Petefish Award in Basic Sciences, one of the Kansas higher education system’s most prestigious awards for researchers.

Dr. Ding's groundbreaking research on the role of mitochondria in cell death and organ injury could lead to better treatments for liver disease. Hear from Dr. Ding and learn more about his research:

Wen-Xing Ding 2024 recipient of the Olin K. Petefish Award in the Basic Sciences Learn more about Wen-Xing Ding, the William Warner Abercrombie Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics at KU and the 2024 recipient of the Ol...

A federal grant is helping KU School of Health Professions students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for health care careers.

The Underserved Communities Have a Medical Provider program (U-CHaMP) aims to improve health care delivery to underserved populations in both rural and urban communities. In addition to annual scholarships, U-CHaMP opportunities provide students leadership skills, mentorship and academic support.

KU School of Health Professions wins HRSA grant to establish U-CHaMP, a program to expand the number of health care workers in underserved communities Program supports students with economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing careers in the health professions

Remembering some favorite May moments 📸

🔹 Official groundbreaking for the Wichita Biomedical Campus
🔹 Inaugural Kente Ceremony for the Students of African Descent Association
🔹 Hooding and recognition ceremony celebrations for the Class of 2024
🔹 Kimchi cooking demonstration during Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
🔹 Rain or shine, employees and students enjoyed the Spring Appreciation Event
🔹 Kafayat Yusuf, Ph.D. candidate and Graduate Research Assistant, received the 2024 KU Medical Center- Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vice Chancellor Award
🔹 Cultural Celebration event during Jewish American Heritage Month
🔹 KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center received a $100,000 award from the Stop Alzheimer's Now foundation to support pioneering research
🔹 Cultural Clothing Day during Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month

Continuous glucose monitors, wearable devices that enable people to monitor their blood sugar, are known to improve outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes. Research conducted by Daniel Tilden, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of endocrinology, diabetes and clinical pharmacology, shows that these devices are used much less by kids in rural areas, where the burden of type 1 diabetes is high.

The next step in the research is figuring out how to eliminate these disparities. “KU in particular is positioned to have a unique perspective,” said Dr. Tilden. “This is a large urban academic medical center, but we are in a state with a large portion of the population from rural areas, and there's a lot of expertise here to really dive into developing interventions for rural folks.”

Research shows rural children with type 1 diabetes less likely to use continuous glucose-monitoring devices These devices improve clinical outcomes, but study shows they are used much less in rural areas, where the burden of type 1 diabetes is high.

A community orchestra formed by a group of KU Medical Center colleagues more than 60 years ago continues to give amateur musicians in health care professions a place to perform and share their love for music. The KU Medical Arts Symphony is offering a free chamber music concert at the Spencer Museum of Art at The University of Kansas on Sunday, June 9:

KU Medical Arts Symphony Chamber Music Concert Join members of the KU Medical Arts Symphony for a free chamber music concert featuring Beethoven’s Septet for clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, and double bass, and a new work by local composer Tim Brewer. The Medical Arts Symphony was founded in 1959 and today includes physicians, n...

Before being named dean at KU School of Nursing, Jean Foret Giddens, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, ANEF, led the School of Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University for more than a decade. She also recently took the helm of the most prestigious organization in nursing education, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Now she’s ready to apply her experience as a national leader in nursing to KU, where she also earned her BSN.

“I’ve had a strong alliance with KU my whole life,” she said. “I feel like this is my opportunity to build on the great work that’s previously been done and use my skills and my abilities to take KU to the next level.”

New KU School of Nursing leader building strong foundation to support big ideas In her first six weeks, the new dean of KU School of Nursing has engaged in a listening tour designed to ferret out opportunities and challenges.

2023 was a big year for The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Last summer, the center received a $100 million gift from The Sunderland Foundation to build a new facility, creating exciting opportunities for groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and excellent care.

Take a look back at some of KU Cancer Center's biggest news in the latest edition of Beyond the Bench, the center's annual report.

Beyond the Bench 2023 | The University of Kansas Cancer Center 2023 Cancer Research Highlights, a message from the director.

Today, on Memorial Day, we remember those who lost their lives serving our country. May we honor their legacy today and every day.

The KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center aims to rewrite the narrative on all types of dementia through the center’s Brain Health Care Accelerator initiative, led by co-director Dr. Jeff Burns and director Dr. Russ Swerdlow. The initiative focuses on using new early diagnostic tools as part of regular doctor visits, providing treatments earlier and keeping the primary care team at the center of the support.

“We are optimistic because we are attacking Alzheimer’s disease from many different angles in our research, and some of these angles are going to work. We are building on recent advances and moving from disease management to brain health and prevention of disease," said Dr. Burns.

Learn more about the initiative in the latest issue of KU Endowment's KU Giving Magazine:

A New Narrative for Brain Health Donor support for the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s vision leads to vast growth potential.

Time is running out! ⌛ The Landon Center on Aging is accepting submissions for the 2024 Images of Aging Photo Contest until May 31.

The annual contest aims to bring attention to the many dimensions of older adults, to showcase their vitality and variety of interests and to highlight the many ways they contribute and care.

Images of Aging Annual Images of Aging Photo Contest at the Landon Center for the University of Kansas Medical Center

Children in Kansas have elevated levels of lead in their blood at a rate more than twice the national average. The exposure rates are highest in southeast Kansas, which was part of a mining district that was one of the world’s major producers of lead and zinc for a hundred years.

Along with her partners in the Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) project, Christina Pacheco, J.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, is looking at ways to prevent lead exposure in this area, as well as the rest of the state.

KU Medical Center researchers working to address lead exposure prevention in southeast Kansas Lead exposure rates are twice the national average for kids in Kansas, especially for those in rural areas, indicating the need for prevention and remediation.

Last week, The University of Kansas announced the promotion and tenure of an exceptional group of faculty members and researchers. Join us in congratulating the 85 individuals across our KU Medical Center campuses for reaching this incredibly important milestone.

KU announces promotion and tenure for 149 faculty and researchers The latest news and information for the University of Kansas.

Congratulations to all of our graduates from the schools of Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing!

On May 8, leadership from The University of Kansas and Wichita State University and officials from across the state came together to break ground on the new Wichita Biomedical Campus. The 471,000 sq. ft. facility will house the Wichita campuses of KU School of Medicine-Wichita and the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, along with health professions students from Wichita State and WSU Tech.

“This partnership to create the Wichita Biomedical Campus represents an innovative way to effectively advance our mission to educate the leaders of tomorrow and help build healthy and vibrant communities,” KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, M.D., said. “This will be a game changer for the state in terms of synergies and efficient use of resources. We want to thank Wichita State University for partnering with us to advance health care in the state of Kansas.”

Learn more about the joint facility, expected to open in spring 2027: https://bit.ly/3USVOER

Four KU Medical Center students are among the 22 KU seniors selected to receive the University of Kansas Madison and Lila Self Memorial Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year:

🔹 Saoirse Boyd, incoming master's student in speech-language pathology
🔹 Aisha Malik, incoming master's student in speech-language pathology
🔹 Elise Wehrmann, incoming doctoral student in physical therapy
🔹 Anna Ferkul, incoming doctoral student in the interdisciplinary program in biomedical sciences

The merit-based scholarship is awarded to outstanding KU seniors transitioning into their first year of a master’s or doctoral degree program at KU. Selected students demonstrated achievement in leadership and scholarship, capable of envisioning and attaining goals that require energy and tenacity. Congratulations to all!

KU announces new 2024-2025 Self Memorial Scholars The latest news and information for the University of Kansas.

Class of 2024, it's almost time! 🎓 We're gearing up to celebrate and honor graduates at hooding and recognition ceremonies for the schools of Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing on May 11. See details for next weekend's events, including The University of Kansas Commencement ceremony on May 12: https://bit.ly/3FN48gu

The Landon Center on Aging is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Images of Aging Photo Contest 📷 The center sponsors the photo contest each year to bring attention to the many dimensions of older adults, to showcase their vitality and variety of interests and to highlight the many ways they contribute and care. Learn more about the photo contest and submit your work by May 31:

Images of Aging Annual Images of Aging Photo Contest at the Landon Center for the University of Kansas Medical Center

Last week, members of our Kansas City campus had the chance to roll up their sleeves and dig in the dirt. Throughout Sustainability Week, educational events and activities brought students and employees together to plant flowers, herbs and veggies for campus gardens and to learn about composting and recycling. Attendees also picked up tree saplings and tulip bulbs to plant at home. Thank you to Landscaping Services and campus partners who hosted these events! 🌎🌲

Spotted: some furry friends on our Kansas City campus 🐶 The semester is winding down and finals are almost here, but for our students, a few minutes with therapy dogs can make all the difference. A special thank you to Loving Paws Animal Therapy and the Office of Student Life for a pawsitively good time! 🐾

Earlier this month, The University of Kansas recognized outstanding researchers across the KU Medical Center and Lawrence campuses at the annual University Research Awards. Dr. John Thyfault, professor in the Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology and the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, received the 2024 Chancellors Club Research Award.

Watch this video to learn about Dr. Thyfault and his translational research in obesity, metabolism, mitochondrial energetics and exercise physiology.

John Thyfault 2024 recipient of the Chancellors Club Research Award Learn more about John Thyfault, a professor of cellular biology & physiology and endocrinology, diabetes, & clinical pharmacology at KU and the 2024 recipien...

More than 60 years ago, a group of KU Medical Center colleagues formed the Medical Arts Symphony to give amateur musicians in health care professions a place to perform and share their love for music.

Today, the community orchestra includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, health care students and other musicians from the Kansas City area. Learn about the ensemble's therapeutic effects via KCUR 89.3.

This orchestra has helped Kansas City doctors and nurses destress for more than 60 years The Medical Arts Symphony of Kansas City community orchestra has given amateur musicians in the health care profession a place to perform since 1959. For the doctors, nurses, dentists, medical students, and more who take part, the music can be therapeutic.

Last week, members of our community came together for the 78th Annual Peter T. Bohan Lecture, featuring Dr. Benjamin Gilmer, family physician and author. His book, "The Other Dr. Gilmer," is a compelling exploration of mental health and incarceration. A former neurobiologist turned rural family doctor, Dr. Gilmer has lectured widely on a range of topics. In addition to delivering the Bohan Lecture, Dr. Gilmer met with students and residents during his visit.

"The Other Dr. Gilmer" was the 2024 selection for the medical center's One Book program, an annual common book program that generates discussions among students and employees.

Caitlin Fitzpatrick, a KU School of Health Professions occupational therapy student, recently organized a resource fair with a local nonprofit, The Golden Scoop, to support individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities entering the job force.

An employee at Golden Scoop, Fitzpatrick is passionate about the community she works with and the organization's mission. The fair demonstrated how KU Medical Center students work in the local community while gaining valuable practical experience in their field.

KU School of Health Professions doctoral student presents community program benefitting people with disabilities Resource fair with local nonprofit provides bridge between academics and real-world experience

Faculty, staff and students gathered together on campus yesterday to witness the historic solar eclipse. ☀️🌑

Beginning this month, the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) is offering free cancer screenings in Kansas and Western Missouri communities. As the outreach network of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, MCA works with Kansas Masons and other partners across the state to ensure Kansans have access to cancer prevention, detection and survivorship in the heartland.

Learn more about their efforts and see a full list of upcoming screenings:

Outreach arm of KU Cancer Center to provide free cancer screenings throughout Kansas and Western Missouri The Masonic Cancer Alliance partners with the Kansas Masons to provide screenings throughout the spring and summer.