Skip to main content
Conference

2024 KCU CE Homecoming


Credit Available - See Credits tab below.


Dates


Description

Kansas City University (KCU) has put together an outstanding Continuing Education (CE) program for its 2024 Homecoming. The sessions include topics that are current, relevant, and important to physicians and medical professionals. The presenters feature some new faces as well as popular, seasoned conference speakers.  All will be providing updates in medicine. 

If you are a KCU Alum, and plan on attending the non-CE events, make sure you have also registered at kansascity.edu/homecoming

Dates

The CE sessions will take place live, in-person October 17, 2024-October 19, 2024 for a total of 13 hours of content. In addition, KCU will provide 7 hours of pre-recorded content to those who register for a total of 20 hours of CE.  

The live, in-person CE presentations will be recorded, and available on-demand starting October 23, along with the other pre-recorded presentations, and available until November 30, 2024.

Location

The live, in-person CE presentations will take place in the following locations:

  • October 17, 2024, will take place on the KCU Kansas City campus
  • October 18, 2024 and October 19, 2024, will take place at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

Accreditation Statement

The event has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) through the joint providership of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) and Kansas City University (KCU). MAOPS is accredited by the AOA and ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA (Allopathic) Credit Designation

MAOPS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

MAOPS designates this activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the in-person or online activity.

AOA (Osteopathic) Credit Designation

MAOPS is accredited by the AOA to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. MAOPS designates this program for a maximum of 20 AOA Category 1-A CME Credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this in-person or online activity.

ADA (Dental) Credit Designation

KCU College of Dental Medicine is an American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) recognized provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual activities or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Specific sessions held throughout the event are available to dental professionals for ADA CE credits.  

Planning Committee

The KCU CME Committee members serve as the CME Planning Committee for this conference. Membership of the committee includes faculty and staff from KCU and may include physicians from local communities. Members of the committee are listed on the KCU CME webpage at https://www.kansascity.edu/programs/continuing-medical-education.

Disclosures

Each of the members of the Conference Planning Committee disclose that the relevant parties have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program or presentation, including no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests relative to the content of this program. Speaker disclosures are included within each bio, and will also be shown at the beginning of each presentation.

Grievance Policy

All grievances should be in writing and specify the nature of the grievance.  Initially, a grievance should be directed to the KCU Continuing Education Director, who will then forward said grievance to the CME Committee.  Grievances should be addressed to the KCU CME Director at cme@kansascity.edu.  All grievances will receive an initial response from KCU within 30 days of receipt. KCU will resolve the grievance, if possible. 

If the DO or MD participant does not receive a satisfactory response from KCU, they can then submit the grievance in writing to the KCU’s accredited sponsor, the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS). Grievances should be addressed to the MAOPS Executive Director at 1423 Randy Lane, Jefferson City, MO 65101.  All grievances will receive a response from MAOPS in writing within 30 days of receipt.  MAOPS will resolve the grievance, if possible. 

Credits


AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

AMA (Allopathic) Credit Designation

 

MAOPS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

 

MAOPS designates this activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AOA Category 1-A Credit

 

AOA (Osteopathic) Credit Designation

 

MAOPS is accredited by the AOA to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians.

 

This program is designated for a maximum of  20 AOA Category 1-A credits and MAOPS will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the attendee's participation in this activity.


Speaker

Marc Hahn, DO, FAOCA's Profile

Marc Hahn, DO, FAOCA Related Seminars and Products

Kansas City University


Marc B. Hahn, DO, was appointed the 14th president and CEO of Kansas City University (KCU) in July 2013. He previously served as the University’s executive vice president, provost and dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). Founded in 1916, KCU is the home of two medical school locations (KC and Joplin, MO) and a graduate school with multiple science and health professions programs.

Previously, Dr. Hahn served as senior vice president and dean for the University of New England, as well as the University of North Texas Health Science Center. He was chief of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care and professor of Anesthesiology at the Penn State College of Medicine, where he served as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.

Dr. Hahn earned a BS in Biology from Syracuse University and a DO from Des Moines University. He completed an anesthesiology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and a fellowship in pain management at National Institutes of Health and Georgetown University. He held the position of chief of pain management at Walter Reed and the Uniformed Services University. While in the Army, he served as anesthesiologist for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Notably in the past, Dr. Hahn was the president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine; chair of the Board of Deans for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and co-chair for the Blue-Ribbon Commission for the Advancement of Osteopathic Medical Education; Medicaid commission member to the Governor of Texas; planning member for National Academy of Medicine Report on Graduate Medical Education and trustee for Rockhurst University.  He is currently a member of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City; serves on the board of directors for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Area Development Council and is a Trustee of MRIGlobal (Midwest Research Institute).


Gary L. Slick, DO's Profile

Gary L. Slick, DO Related Seminars and Products

Emeritus Professor of Medicine

Oklahoma State University


Dr. Gary L. Slick is a nephrologist, internist and emeritus professor of Medicine at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a graduate of the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an internal medicine residency at the OSU Medical Center and nephrology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals.

After serving as attending physician and program director of the Internal Medicine residency at the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital, he was appointed Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and Program Director of Internal Medicine at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine for 21 years. He then served as the Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the OSU-Center for Health Sciences and later as the Designated Institutional Official and Chief Academic Officer for Graduate Medical Education at the OSU-Center for Health Sciences and the Oklahoma OPTI until 2022.

His former positions have included chair and executive director of the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and president of the American College of Osteopathic Internists.

Dr. Gary L. Slick, discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Gary L. Slick can be reached at gslick@okstate.edu.


Nathan Hall, DO, MBA, MS's Profile

Nathan Hall, DO, MBA, MS Related Seminars and Products

Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Associate Professor

Wesley Care Physicians


Nathan Hall is director and chair of the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Division of the University of Kansas Medical Center Subspecialty Group in Wichita, Kan. He oversees the daily clinical, research and medical education for his department, and he provides direct patient care to children with a variety of hematologic and oncologic problems. Dr. Hall has a special interest in providing subspecialty health care to children and families in rural and underserved regions of the community he serves.  

Dr. Hall grew up in Hutchinson, Kan., and graduated from Buhler High School in 2001. He attended Kansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2005. Dr. Hall was then accepted into KCU’s inaugural class of the College of Biosciences, where he earned his Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2006. He went on to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from KCU and a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Leadership from Rockhurst University, both in 2010. Dr. Hall completed both his residency in Pediatrics in 2013 and fellowship in Pediatric Hematology Oncology in 2016 at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.  

Throughout Dr. Hall's career, he has been the recipient of various awards including the faculty teaching award, fellowship teaching award, residency teaching award and student DO of the year award. In addition to serving on the KCU Board of Trustees, he is a trustee on the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Board in Wichita, Kan., and the KCU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Dr. Hall discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Hall can be reached at nhall2@kumc.edu.


Catherine Satterwhite, MPH, MSPH, PHD's Profile

Catherine Satterwhite, MPH, MSPH, PHD Related Seminars and Products

Executive Director and Professor of the Center for Population Health and Equity

Kansas City University


Catherine Satterwhite, PhD, MSPH, MPH, is the Executive Director for the Center for Population Health and Equity at Kansas City University (KCU). Prior to her role at KCU, Dr. Satterwhite worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the Regional Health Administrator in Region 7 (KS, IA, MO, NE) for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. Dr. Satterwhite also spent time in academia as a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) in Kansas City, KS. In her early career, she spent over a decade as an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A Kansas native, Dr. Satterwhite completed her academic training at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and New York University.

Catherine Satterwhite, PhD, MSPH, MPH discloses that she has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Satterwhite, PhD, MSPH, MPH can be reached at csatterwhite@kansascity.edu or 816-654-7112.


Kevin Treffer, DO, FACOFP's Profile

Kevin Treffer, DO, FACOFP Related Seminars and Products

Chair of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine - Kansas City, and Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Kansas City University


A third generation Osteopathic Physician, Dr. Treffer earned his DO degree from KCU-COM in 1987 and completed a Rotating Internship at University Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri in 1988.  He is board certified in Osteopathic Family Practice by the AOBACOFP and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine by the AOBNMM/OMM. He earned his Fellow award from the ACOFP in 2013. He has served as full time OMM faculty for 28 years as of July 20, 2020 and has helped train over 5500 Osteopathic Physicians at KCU.  He is the Chair of the Department of OMM for KCU-COM (KC and Joplin Campuses).  He maintains a Specialty Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine practice here in Kansas City at the KC Care Health Care Center.   He authored a chapter in Waldman Pain Management Textbook on the Osteopathic Approach to the Chronic Pain Patient, editions 1 and 2.  He is a member of AACOM’s Educational Council on Osteopathic Principles since 1992 and served as the Chair of the Council from 2011 to 2015.  He has given numerous lectures and workshops covering multiple OMM topics on a local, regional and national level.  He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Mentor Hall of Fame for the AOA.  He received the 2002 Family Physician of the Year award from the Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and was the 2018 KCU-COM Alumnus of the year. 

Kevin Treffer, DO, has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Treffer can be reached at ktreffer@kansascity.edu or 816-654-7430


Kenneth A Zaremski, DO's Profile

Kenneth A Zaremski, DO Related Seminars and Products

Associate Professor – Kansas City University. COM OMM

Kansas City University


Dr. Kenneth Zaremski graduated from the University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), Fort Worth, Texas, in 1993. He completed his residency in Family Practice at Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, Michigan. He practiced for thirty years in both Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at numerous locations around the Midwest before joining Kansas City University. Dr. Zaremski is board certified by both the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Dr Zaremski is an associate professor at the Kansas City University and has been teaching in the OMM department since 2019.

Some of Dr. Zaremski's interests outside of work include rock climbing, cycling, wood turning, motorsports, and ballet.

Dr. Zaremski discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Zaremsk can be reached at kzaremski@kansascity.edu or 816-654-7000.


Denise Wunderler, DO,  FAOASM's Profile

Denise Wunderler, DO, FAOASM Related Seminars and Products

Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician

Unify Health Services, on site at Harley-Davidson Motor Company


Dr. Wunderler is a sports medicine physician, USA Volleyball/FIVB team physician, international speaker, and published author who graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in 2004. She completed her family medicine residency and sports medicine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Health System in Cleveland, Ohio.  She currently works in the medical clinic at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, in York, PA, and coaches her kids’ basketball and track teams in the local recreational sports programs in Palmyra, PA.

She is a mom of 3, including her youngest Vienna, who died at age 2.8 years in 2017, without explanation.

Dr. Wunderler is the founder/president of her family’s 501c3 nonprofit Team Vienna 4 SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) Awareness Inc (in honor of her daughter) and founded the Annual Vienna’s Day of International SUDC Awareness, where all 7 continents join to educate the world about SUDC.

Dr. Wunderler has been a Team Physician with USA Volleyball and FIVB since 2009 and travels internationally to support Team USA.

She earned the award of Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine in 2014. She was honored as one of the top 10 inspiring women in osteopathic medicine in a national publication in 2020. She was a nominee for the International ATHENA Award for leadership in 2020.

She is currently working on a special documentary film, The Silent Struggle: Vienna’s Legacy and Unraveling the Mystery of SUDC, which will be entered into film festivals this year.

Dr. Wunderler, discloses that she has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Wunderler can be reached at dr.wunderler@yahoo.com or 7178526757.


Dennis Abbott, DDS's Profile

Dennis Abbott, DDS Related Seminars and Products

Director, Pre-Doctoral Curriculum and Integrated Learning; Assistant Professor, College of Dental Medicine

Kansas City University


Dennis M. Abbott, DDS, received his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry and advanced training in periodontics, immunology and microbiology at the University of Buffalo. He has greater than 25 years’ experience in delivering direct patient care. Dr. Abbott’s expertise is the link between oral health and systemic health, and he is passionate about developing and delivering the optimal oral health care to individuals battling cancer.  Most recently, he has focused on the benefits realized from orally delivered antioxidants on medication- and radiation-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.  As the Assistant Director of Integrated Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at KCU’s College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Abbott is also interested in optimizing learning strategies for the predoctoral learner in dental education and the advantages of an integrated dental curriculum.

Dennis M. Abbott, DDS, discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Abbott can be reached at dabbott@kansascity.edu or 417-208-0790


Jared Nichols, DO, FACOFP's Profile

Jared Nichols, DO, FACOFP Related Seminars and Products

Associate Professor

Kansas City University


Jared W. Nichols, DO, is board certified in Family Medicine & OMT, Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, and has a certificate in Integrative Medicine.  He earned his degree at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, MO, residency at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO, and post-graduate fellowship at University of North Texas Health Science Center.  After completing his fellowship, he transitioned from teaching residents to teaching second year medical students at Kansas City University- Joplin Campus.  While on faculty at KCU, Dr. Nichols has been the course director for the Year 2 Osteopathic Skills course and a Transition to Clerkship course focused on preparing 2nd year students for their rotations.  Dr. Nichols has previously served as a lecturer and editor for Doctors In Training, an independent board-prep resource. 

He currently spends his work time developing curriculum for and preparing 2nd year medical students for their clinical years, directing OMM fellows, and conducting research.  Dr. Nichols also hold a non-opioid pain management clinic at a local Federal Community Health Center. 

Dr. Nichols is a self-proclaimed Missourian for life. He has three little girls with his wife Jourdan and loves to teach.   He interests include regenerative medicine, health and wellness, and pinball.

Dr. Nichols discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of his presentation.

Contact: jnichols@kcumb.edu; (417) 208-0733


Cameron Smith, DO, FACOI, FACP, FACMPE, CPE's Profile

Cameron Smith, DO, FACOI, FACP, FACMPE, CPE Related Seminars and Products

Physician

Curana Health


Cameron L. Smith, DO, FACOI, FACP, FACMP, CPE is a 2009 graduate of Kansas City University. An internal medicine physician by training, Dr. Smith is an outcome-proven visionary who strategically analyzes challenges, creates solutions, implements processes, and recognizes results. He is a servant-leader, dedicated to positivity and making the greatest possible impact for those in the most need, reminding those who feel forgotten that they are seen and heard. Highly accomplished in communication, building morale, and fostering collaboration with the drive to develop, expand, and enhance the lives and education of others,

Dr. Smith’s passion in the healthcare space is caring for seniors, listening to their needs and collaborating with them in achieving their healthcare goals. Having been raised near all of his grandparents and several great-grandparents fostered this love from early childhood.

As a Certified Physician Executive, Dr. Smith is also extensively trained in healthcare leadership with the mission to empower others to rediscover the honor, privilege, and responsibility of caring for patients as they would care for their family. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Medical Practice Executive. He holds fellowships from the American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, and the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

An educator at heart, Dr. Smith has held academic titles from The University of Missouri-Kansas City, Saba University, and Kansas City University. He is also very grateful to have served as faculty for the Harvard-Macy Institute.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Smith enjoys music (www.cameronsmithonline.com). In fact he has been sharing his love of music with audiences since the age of three. The Kansas native grew up in a home abounding in music, and it became his language.

Having trained classically for years, Dr. Smith also recognizes the role for pop nuance and has been described as “Christian music’s Josh Groban.” His album “Faith Will Bring You Through,” recorded with The City of Prague Philharmonic, was released in 2023.

While he loves both medicine and music, his greatest joy is found in being Walker (6) and Caroline’s (4) daddy and Emily’s husband. He and his family reside in the Kansas City area and are members of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, where he often leads worship.

Dr. Smith discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of his presentation.


Turner Slicho, DO, MS's Profile

Turner Slicho, DO, MS Related Seminars and Products

Assistant Professor

Kansas City University


Dr. Slicho earned both his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and his Masters of Science in Clinical Research and Education from the University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) in Fort Worth, Texas in 2004.  He is board certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), completing his residency training in 2007 at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, in affiliation with UNTHSC-TCOM.

He has been actively involved in education throughout his private practice career, serving as adjunct clinical faculty for several colleges of osteopathic medicine as well as the Portland  Regional Dean of Clinical Education for Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic medicine. Dr. Slicho joined Kansas City University (KCU) as an Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in 2023.

Turner Slicho, DO, MS, discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Slicho can be reached at tslicho@kansascity.edu or 816-654-7446.


Walter Grote, DO's Profile

Walter Grote, DO Related Seminars and Products

physician

Premier Health Associates,


Dr. Grote received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and his osteopathic medical degree from Kansas City University. He is board certified in Internal medicine by ABIM and Prolotherapy by the American Board of Prolotherapy (ABP). He was an alternate for the Olympic wrestling team in 1976. He has the only published documentation of a complete healing of a near complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee using prolotherapy (Internal Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine, December 2009). He is currently in group practice for Internal Medicine at Premier Health Associates and in private practice for Prolotherapy and Integrated Medicine. He has been recognized as a NJ Top Doctor by Healthy Living Magazine/njtopdocs.com annually since 2019. He is a current board member and past president of the American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy & Regenerative Medicine.

Dr. Grote’s philosophy is, “Take time to listen to the patient and individualize a treatment plan that reflects each patient’s individual uniqueness.” He is double board-certified, practicing internal medicine, prolotherapy, PRP, and autologous stem cell.

Dr Grote, discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Grote can be reached at waltergrotedo@gmail.com or 9733625227


Talene Churukian, D.O., M.P.H.'s Profile

Talene Churukian, D.O., M.P.H. Related Seminars and Products

Medical Director Sleep Center

Eisenhower Medical Associates,


Talene M. Churukian, DO is a Board Certified Sleep Specialist. She completed a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University as a precursor to medical school and continued on to complete her medical school training at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Due to her training in a grassroots environment she found the philosophy of Osteopathic Medicine to be more in line with a broader approach to patient care, which she has carried over today into her specialty practice. Dr. Churukian went on to complete all of her post graduate training at the UCLA/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in the field of Internal Medicine and was one of the first two fellows to complete training in an ACGME-approved Sleep Medicine Fellowship at the VA.

Given her primary training in Internal Medicine, Dr. Churukian practices comprehensively in the field of Sleep Medicine treating not only sleep disordered breathing and narcolepsy but also patients with insomnia, circadian sleep phase disorders (and shift work disorders), sleep-related movement disorders, parasomnias and hypersomnias.

Dr. Churukian is passionate about the field of sleep medicine and her broad treatment approach to sleep disorders is an added asset: “I believe in distinguishing the need to treat the patient and not just the disorder. Patients bring in a multitude of psychosocial and emotional factors that affect their sleep and in order to improve one’s quality of life these dynamics must be taken into account.”

In addition, Dr. Churukian brings with her the vision of a comprehensive Sleep Center that incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with any sleep disorder.

Dr. Churukian, discloses that she has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Churukian can be reached at tchurukian@eisenhowerhealth.org or 7608350764


Kelstan Ellis, D.O., M.S.-CR., M.A., FAAP's Profile

Kelstan Ellis, D.O., M.S.-CR., M.A., FAAP Related Seminars and Products

Associate Professor – UMKC

University of Missouri Kansas City


Dr. Kelstan Ellis, DO, MS-CR, MBE, is a prominent figure in the field of palliative care and bioethics, serving as a dedicated physician and leader at both Children’s Mercy Kansas City and the University of Kansas Health System. She earned her medical degree and a Master's in Bioethics from Kansas City University (KCU). Dr. Ellis furthered her education with a Master’s in Clinical Research from the University of Kansas (KU), underscoring her commitment to advancing both medical practice and ethical considerations in healthcare.

Following her foundational education, Dr. Ellis completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in palliative care at the KU. Her clinical expertise spans a wide array of areas within palliative care, with particular interests in the ethical dimensions of palliative care, perinatal palliative care, and caring for children with complex medical needs. Her leadership roles include serving as the Vice-chair of the ethics committee at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and as the chair of the pediatric ethics subcommittee of the hospital ethics committee at University of Kansas Health System.

Dr. Ellis is recognized for her compassionate approach to patient care, emphasizing dignity and quality of life for pediatric patients and their families facing challenging medical conditions. Her dual expertise in palliative care and bioethics positions her at the forefront of decision-making processes that navigate complex medical, ethical, and emotional landscapes. Through her clinical practice, research, and leadership, Dr. Kelstan Ellis continues to make significant contributions to the field of pediatric palliative care and bioethics, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for her patients.

Dr. Ellis discloses that she has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Ellis can be reached at klellis1@cmh.edu.


Robert McNab, DO, FACP, FACOI's Profile

Robert McNab, DO, FACP, FACOI Related Seminars and Products

Vice President of Medical Education

Freeman Health Systems


Dr. Robert McNab is a dedicated internist based in Joplin, MO, with a strong commitment to patient empowerment through education. His passion for lifestyle medicine deepened after experiencing its transformative effects in his own life. In response, he founded McNab Wellness, a pioneering healthcare model designed for patients seeking to break free from the cycle of illness and treatment, and instead focus on building foundational wellness.

With specialized training in lifestyle interventions, Dr. McNab helps individuals live longer, healthier lives. He believes that healthy lifestyles are essential to good health, and his medical practice and educational endeavors reflect this philosophy.

Professional Highlights:

  • Education: 2002 graduate of the Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience
  • Fellowships: Holds fellowships from the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) and the American College of Physicians (ACP)
  • Experience: Eighteen years in hospital medicine, managing complex acute health issues
  • Academic Role: Associate Professor at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience
  • Board Certifications: Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. McNab serves as the Vice President of Medical Education at Freeman Health Systems, overseeing the educational needs of 50 resident doctors and 120 core medical students. He previously held the position of Director of COVID Care for Freeman Health Systems, where he managed both an isolation ICU and a step-down unit dedicated to the care of COVID patients.

Dr. McNab's work exemplifies his belief in the power of education and lifestyle changes as foundational elements of health and wellness.

Dr. McNab discloses that he has no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program or presentation.  He also discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests relative to the content of this presentation.

Contact: rcmcnab@freemanhealth.com


Michael Selby, M.D.'s Profile

Michael Selby, M.D. Related Seminars and Products

Medical Director

Branson Nephrology and Dialysis


Dr. Michael Selby, M.D. graduated medical school from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2008.  He is board certified in Internal medicine and completed his training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in 2011.  He is also board certified in Nephrology and completed his training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in 2014.  Dr. Selby is currently a partner with Branson Nephrology and Dialysis in Branson, MO.  He is the medical director of Branson West Dialysis Hemodialysis Unit.  He has a special interest in CKD, glomerulonephritis, hypertension, and nephrolithiasis. 

Dr. Selby discloses that he has no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program or presentation.  He also discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests relative to the content of this presentation.


Thomas Serena, DO, MBE's Profile

Thomas Serena, DO, MBE Related Seminars and Products

Vascular Surgery

University of Utah


Dr. Thomas Serena, DO, MBE, originally from Joliet and Chicago, IL, is a distinguished medical professional with a rich academic background and diverse clinical expertise. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University Chicago, majoring in psychology of natural sciences with a focus on neuroscience. Subsequently, he pursued his passion for medicine at Kansas City University (KCU), where he earned a dual-degree in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Masters in Biomedical Ethics.

During his time at KCU, Dr. Serena distinguished himself as part of the pediatric honors program, initially aspiring to specialize in pediatric oncology. However, his journey led him to develop a profound interest in surgery. He embarked on his surgical training at Beaumont Health, located outside of Detroit, Michigan, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Dr. Eugene Laveroni, DO, a distinguished alum of KCU, specializing in vascular surgery.

Driven by his passion for advancing surgical techniques, Dr. Serena continued his training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the esteemed University of Utah. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen clinical acumen, particularly in managing complex aortic pathology and pediatric vascular conditions.

In addition to his clinical pursuits, Dr. Serena is deeply involved in research, with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare and exploring the economic implications of vascular surgery. He is committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes through his scholarly contributions.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Serena cherishes spending quality time with his wife and two children, exploring the great outdoors and embracing new adventures.

Thomas Serena, DO, discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Contact: DrTSerena@gmail.com



Jessica Richter, DO, MPH's Profile

Jessica Richter, DO, MPH Related Seminars and Products

Physician – Family Medicine with Obstetrics

Sunflower Medical Group


Dr. Jessica Richter is a Board Certified Family Physician who practices full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrical care, pediatrics, adult medicine and geriatrics. The best part of her job is taking care of the whole family and being a partner in each patient’s distinct medical care. She is also Board Certified in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMT) and incorporates this practice into her holistic approach to treating pain due to chronic conditions, pregnancy or injury. Dr. Richter enjoys working with patients to provide holistic, individualized medical care using traditional medical management, integrative approaches, and lifestyle techniques. She enjoys teaching her patients and learning from them as well. Dr. Richter practices Family Medicine with Obstetrics in Lenexa, Kansas, and delivers babies at the Birth Center of Overland Park Regional Medical Center in the Kansas City metro area.

Dr. Richter was born and raised in the St. Louis area and is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. She earned her Bachelors of Science degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. After medical school, she moved to Kansas City and completed her residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Richter also earned a Masters of Public Health degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is actively involved in advocacy and several medical societies at the local, state and national levels.

Dr. Richter speaks Spanish fluently and enjoys working with patients from all walks of life. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading for fun, outdoor walks with her black lab, and spending time with her family and husband.

Dr. Richter discloses that she has no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program or presentation.  He also discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests relative to the content of this presentation.

Contact: jessicarichterdo@gmail.com Phone: 913 722 4240


Charles Dunn, MD's Profile

Charles Dunn, MD Related Seminars and Products

Dermatology Physician

Advance Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery


Dr. Dunn discovered his passion for dermatology after a battle with skin cancer touched his family personally. Since then, his journey as a physician has taken him from treating young patients to treating patients who are "young at heart", with a focus on the management of skin cancer, and on providing excellent medical and surgical dermatologic care.

A student and soccer player, Dr. Dunn graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, where he was valedictorian of his class. With encouragement from his wife, he pivoted to the pursuit of medicine as a career, and graduated #1 in his class at Wake Forest School of Medicine where he also served as class president. While there he became a junior inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Societies; and was selected for the prestigious Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine, Robert Perz Leadership, and WFSM Faculty Top Student awards - the only student ever to receive all three during medical school.

Dr. Dunn completed a pediatric residency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps as a pediatrician and pediatric hospitalist. He served as medical director for the Department of Pediatrics at the 673rd Medical Group Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska and was recognized as a Top 10 Primary Care Provider and "Pediatrician of the Year" in 2021 by the Uniformed Services and American Academy of Pediatrics.

After leaving the service, Dr. Dunn pursued a dermatology residency at KCU/ADCS Orlando where he served as Chief Resident. Since then, he has received numerous awards from the American Academy of Dermatology, Florida Academy of Dermatology, and Florida Society for Dermatologic Surgeons for his work in artificial intelligence, public health, camp medicine for kids with medical needs, medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Today, his thought leadership and insights have made him a highly-sought-after national speaker, leader, and educator, who serves in multiple leadership roles in the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Dunn discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.


Edward O'Connor, PhD, MBA, FACHE's Profile

Edward O'Connor, PhD, MBA, FACHE Related Seminars and Products

Provost

Kansas City University


Edward R. O’Connor, PhD, MBA, FACHE, serves Kansas City University as provost and vice president for Academic and Research Affairs. In these roles, Dr. O’Connor provides leadership, vision, direction and advocacy to best support students in meeting their academic and career goals. He is also responsible for advancing KCU’s goals for research through continued collaboration with key partners.

Dr. O’Connor comes to KCU from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he served as provost and chief academic officer, and professor in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine. At Creighton, Dr. O’Connor spearheaded the merger of two academic divisions focusing on the creation of cross-campus collaboration and heightened communication. Additionally, he worked to restructure the university’s research infrastructure to better support faculty, interdisciplinary, basic science, clinical, and translational research and scholarship opportunities. While at Creighton, he also worked to establish the Center for Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research, which encourages cross-education between different doctoral and graduate programs.

Prior to Dr. O’Connor’s tenure at Creighton, he held several positions at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, including dean and professor of Biomedical Sciences for the School of Health Sciences; professor of Medical Sciences at the Frank H. Netter, MD, School of Medicine; and executive director for the National Institute for Community Health Education. While there, Dr. O’Connor also served as head coach for men’s cross country.

Dr. O’Connor earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the Albany Medical College Graduate School of Health Sciences in Albany, New York; a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Leadership from Yale School of Management, Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut; and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from State University of New York at Albany.

Dr. O’Connor has served on the board of directors for Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), an organization consisting of 15 hospitals and more than 150 physician practice locations nationwide and was involved in helping CHI become an academic health system in the Nebraska/Western Iowa geographic region.

In addition to authoring many publications, Dr. O’Connor has served in leadership and committee positions on the local, regional and national levels, holds membership in several professional societies and is the recipient of prestigious honors and awards.


Kevin Witte, DO's Profile

Kevin Witte, DO Related Seminars and Products

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Physician

Sano Orthopedics


Dr. Kevin Witte is a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Sano Orthopedics. He specializes in knee, shoulder, and elbow care. He has a special interest in athletic injury prevention and injuries of the throwing athlete.

A native of Windsor, MO, Dr. Witte obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He attended medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences while obtaining an MBA in Healthcare Leadership from Rockhurst University. He completed a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at the Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, FL, working under the leadership of world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews. During his sports medicine fellowship, he learned the latest techniques in treating knee injuries, elbow complications, and shoulder conditions in athletes of all ages. He also learned how to manage an entire sports program and the relationships between parents, teams, and coaches that coincide with that management.

Dr. Witte is an associate clinical professor of KCU and the chief of surgery at St. Luke’s South Hospital. Dr. Witte’s passions include athletic injury prevention, regenerative medicine, and injuries of the throwing athlete.

Those who know Dr. Witte will say he carries steadfast love and kindness in all he does. An avid hunter, fisherman, and overall outdoorsman, he is driven to help patients live healthy and active lifestyles.

Dr. Witte discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Contact: Kwitte@sanokc.com