Kansas City, Kan-   Zach Schroeder, a recent medical school graduate, shared his experience with stage three melanoma and his co-founding of the Rural Cancer Institute to address the gaps in cancer care in rural communities.  

The institute advocates for decentralized cancer care using telehealth to bring specialists to rural areas.

Dr. Gary Doolittle and Dr. Kelsey Larson emphasized the importance of telehealth and clinical trials in improving rural cancer care, noting the disparities in patient-provider ratios and the need for better access to oncology services.

Dr. Zach Schroeder, cancer survivor and Rural Cancer Institute co-founder

• Dr. Schroeder shares his personal experience with stage three melanoma, including the financial burden of travel and lodging for treatment.
• He discusses the gap in cancer mortality rates between urban and rural areas, emphasizing the need for better access to oncology care in rural areas.

Dr. Gary Doolittle, Melanoma Specialist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Director of Masonic Cancer Alliance, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

• Dr. Doolittle emphasizes the importance of telehealth in overcoming geographical barriers and providing expert care to rural patients.
• He praises the efforts of the medical community in Kansas and the importance of continuous improvement.

Dr. Kelsey Larson, Breast Surgical Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

• Dr. Larson discusses the challenges of identifying patients who need to travel for treatment versus those who can receive care locally.
• She expresses optimism for the future of rural cancer care, highlighting the progress and initiatives in place.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

• Discusses potential new FDA guidelines for COVID vaccinations.
• Addresses measles and the need for some people to potentially get a booster.

Thursday, May 22nd is the next All Things Heart:

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