Kansas City University

10/27/2026

Dr. Ehab Sarsour teaches his research students to do more than just look at the data. He challenges them to think about the impact their work could one day have on patients and future generations.

“This is not a ‘science project,’” he says. “I ask them, ‘What do you want from this?’”

At Kansas City University, research is about more than discoveries in the lab. It’s about preparing future health care professionals to think critically, pursue meaningful questions and help advance patient care.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4sh0zax

Discover how KCU professor Ehab Sarsour mentors medical students through hands-on translational research focused on cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.

10/26/2026

Kansas City University-Joplin students introduced first graders at Columbian Elementary School - Carthage R9 to medical and dental school through hands-on lessons about the body's systems, healthy habits and future careers in health care.

10/23/2026

Ticks remain active well into the fall, making tick checks and prevention important even as temperatures cool.

KCU’s Dr. Gautam Desai explains the risks of Lone Star tick bites, including alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially serious allergy to red meat and other mammal-derived products. Desai also highlighted how small ticks can be, comparing their size to poppy seeds and shared tips for preventing bites, checking for ticks after spending time outdoors and recognizing symptoms that may warrant medical attention.

10/22/2026

We’re fortunate to be part of a community that is always willing to show up for others.

During our biannual campus blood drive, we spoke with two second-year medical students about the importance of blood donation and what inspires them to give back.

10/21/2026

Thank you to Dr. Linda Niessen, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, and Alexon Teim, a fourth-year dental student and vice president of the American Dental Student Association, for representing KCU at the ADA House of Delegates Meeting in Indianapolis!

The House of Delegates serves as the supreme governing body of the American Dental Association (ADA), helping shape policies and guide the future of the dental profession. Representing more than 152,000 dentist members nationwide, the ADA plays a vital role in advancing oral health and supporting the dental profession across the United States.

We’re excited to be part of these important conversations and contribute to the future of dentistry!

10/20/2026

With Halloween just around the corner, sweet treats are everywhere!

Dr. Linda Niessen of Kansas City University reveals how much sugar is hiding in some of our favorite drinks and candies and what we should do if we consume them.

Watch her full segment here: https://www.kansascity.edu/blog/kcu-in-the-news/how-much-sugar-is-hiding-in-your-favorite-sweets

10/20/2026

The KCU Community Garden Club Fall Festival was a blast! 🍁🎃

Students enjoyed a beautiful fall day filled with yard games, pumpkin painting, tasty snacks and plenty of time to catch up with friends and classmates. 🍂

A big thank-you to the KCU Community Garden Club for bringing everyone together for such a fun event!

10/19/2026

What if better health outcomes start with a simple question: Why?

Through a partnership between KCU-Joplin and Mercy Hospital Joplin, Student Health Advocates are helping patients navigate the challenges that can make it difficult to stay on track after leaving the hospital.

"A lot of times it isn't that someone doesn't want to take care of their health," Melissa McAtee said. "There are barriers in the way. We want students to understand those barriers and learn how to help address them."

Read the full story:

Student Health Advocates, through the Center for Population Health and Equity at KCU, help patients overcome barriers to care in partnership with Mercy Hospital Joplin.

10/16/2026

Care Beyond the Boulevard is bringing health care to people who face barriers to accessing the care they need. KCU alumni, faculty and students have joined this important mission, volunteering their time and skills to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. For our medical students, this work provides invaluable hands-on clinical experience while, most importantly, meeting a critical need in our community.

We are very grateful to the KCU alumni and faculty who continue to give back through this incredible nonprofit and to the students who lead with compassion and a commitment to caring for those who might otherwise go without.

10/15/2026

Through the Score 1 for Health program, KCU is partnering with Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation to provide free comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses to Kansas City-area K-12 students and community partners.

The weeklong vision clinic helps expand access to vision care while giving KCU students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students.

Watch the full videos here:

Score 1 for Health and its partners provide free eye exams and glasses to Kansas City-area students through a weeklong vision clinic at KCU.