24_KUS12215_Embark_Digital_Final_01

A HEALTHY KANSAS STARTS HERE

Public Affairs 1010 N. Kansas • Wichita, KS 67214-3199

A HEALTHY KANSAS STARTS HERE

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2024-2025

Editor Belinda Venters Writers Amy Geiszler-Jones Lori Linenberger Joe Stumpe Belinda Venters Brian Whepley

2

Here there and everywhere Population health education programs prepare graduates for careers in medicine, community

Dean Garold Minns, M.D.

Content Coordinators Belinda Venters Jennifer Eaton Darcy Gray Design Howerton+White

Fix the bridge first

health and beyond.

5

9

17 21

If you had a damaged bridge and people were falling off, what would you do? Throwing Where are they now?

Explore what some of our graduates are doing with their degrees in sidebars throughout this issue. In-depth and additional spotlights can

life preservers would help save the people who had fallen, but fixing the bridge would have prevented them from falling in the first place. Personal health is like tossing them

be found using the QR code.

life preservers, but public, or population health would be equivalent to fixing the bridge.

Compassionate care for addiction

This is the analogy S. Edwards Dismuke,

recognized. Most people see health as,

with the individual physician/patient

M.D., MSPH, used to describe the

“I need a doctor because I’m ill.”

relationship but provides another layer

difference between personal health and

Personal health is a one-on-one

that improves individuals’ health by

population health during his tenure as

physician/patient relationship.

addressing the population through

the first chair of Preventive Medicine in

Population health tries to prevent

policy making and legislative changes.

Wichita, a new department created in

illness. For example, when there’s an

1991 by the University of Kansas for the

outbreak of some infection or an

As you will read in the following

School of Medicine. The initial goal of

increase in a symptom that doesn’t

articles, in addition to having a

the department was to create a Master

appear in another location, doctors

component of population health in our

of Public Health program, which was to

don’t have a staff — or their own time —

medical curriculum, we have current

be jointly administered with Wichita

to investigate and answer questions like

and upcoming degrees for those who

State University. The program also

why is this happening, how is it being

want a more well-rounded knowledge,

integrated preventive medicine into the

transmitted, why did it appear at this

who want to set themselves apart as a

medical school curriculum.

time and what environmental issues are

resident or fellowship candidate, or

leading to the spread.

who want to enhance their

Embark KU Wichita is published by KU School of Medicine-Wichita. Contact us at wicpa@kumc.edu or 316-293-2635.

All changes of address, undeliverable copies and other correspondence should be sent to this address. The views presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration of the university or Embark staff. Embark does not endorse and is not responsible for any

6

Funding from opioid lawsuits helps prepare physicians to better treat substance use disorders.

of the services or merchandise advertised.

The entire issue is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without permission.

Patient photos are used with permission.

To support our work for a healthy Kansas, please visit kuendowment.org/MedWichita.

22

A bright spot from a dark time The pandemic paves the way for additional educational opportunities.

Personal health and population health

opportunities for a public health

are equally important to all

Public health partners with other

profession — all with the goal of

communities and serve unique needs,

advocates and provides education to

preventing disease and infection to

but population health isn’t as well

change behaviors. It doesn’t compete

alleviate their risk factors.

1

Editor Belinda Venters Writers Amy Geiszler-Jones Lori Linenberger Joe Stumpe Belinda Venters Brian Whepley

2

Here there and everywhere Population health education programs prepare graduates for careers in medicine, community

Dean Garold Minns, M.D.

Content Coordinators Belinda Venters Jennifer Eaton Darcy Gray Design Howerton+White

Fix the bridge first

health and beyond.

5

9

17 21

If you had a damaged bridge and people were falling off, what would you do? Throwing Where are they now?

Explore what some of our graduates are doing with their degrees in sidebars throughout this issue. In-depth and additional spotlights can

life preservers would help save the people who had fallen, but fixing the bridge would have prevented them from falling in the first place. Personal health is like tossing them

be found using the QR code.

life preservers, but public, or population health would be equivalent to fixing the bridge.

Compassionate care for addiction

This is the analogy S. Edwards Dismuke,

recognized. Most people see health as,

with the individual physician/patient

M.D., MSPH, used to describe the

“I need a doctor because I’m ill.”

relationship but provides another layer

difference between personal health and

Personal health is a one-on-one

that improves individuals’ health by

population health during his tenure as

physician/patient relationship.

addressing the population through

the first chair of Preventive Medicine in

Population health tries to prevent

policy making and legislative changes.

Wichita, a new department created in

illness. For example, when there’s an

1991 by the University of Kansas for the

outbreak of some infection or an

As you will read in the following

School of Medicine. The initial goal of

increase in a symptom that doesn’t

articles, in addition to having a

the department was to create a Master

appear in another location, doctors

component of population health in our

of Public Health program, which was to

don’t have a staff — or their own time —

medical curriculum, we have current

be jointly administered with Wichita

to investigate and answer questions like

and upcoming degrees for those who

State University. The program also

why is this happening, how is it being

want a more well-rounded knowledge,

integrated preventive medicine into the

transmitted, why did it appear at this

who want to set themselves apart as a

medical school curriculum.

time and what environmental issues are

resident or fellowship candidate, or

leading to the spread.

who want to enhance their

Embark KU Wichita is published by KU School of Medicine-Wichita. Contact us at wicpa@kumc.edu or 316-293-2635.

All changes of address, undeliverable copies and other correspondence should be sent to this address. The views presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration of the university or Embark staff. Embark does not endorse and is not responsible for any

6

Funding from opioid lawsuits helps prepare physicians to better treat substance use disorders.

of the services or merchandise advertised.

The entire issue is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without permission.

Patient photos are used with permission.

To support our work for a healthy Kansas, please visit kuendowment.org/MedWichita.

22

A bright spot from a dark time The pandemic paves the way for additional educational opportunities.

Personal health and population health

opportunities for a public health

are equally important to all

Public health partners with other

profession — all with the goal of

communities and serve unique needs,

advocates and provides education to

preventing disease and infection to

but population health isn’t as well

change behaviors. It doesn’t compete

alleviate their risk factors.

1

Paul Ndunda, M.D., MSCR assistant professor Internal Medicine

Population Health programs include a Master of Public Health, a master’s in clinical research and a research class for medical students.

They prepare graduates for med school, residency, fellowships and a wide range of public health careers.

One sought the “mental boost” and confidence of an MPH before applying

“No matter where someone ends up

to KU School of Medicine-Wichita and

going, this is a skill set you can use for

following her dream of becoming a

the rest of your life,” he says.

doctor. A fertility specialist pursued an MPH to learn more about biostatistics

Becoming masters of public health

but has concluded that studying social

and clinical research

factors affecting patients’ health was

The two-year, 42-credit MPH program is

the greatest benefit. Another MPH

the Department of Population Health’s

recipient practices evidence-based

largest, with 60 to 70 students per year

family medicine in his rural clinic, and

across campuses.

now also puts his knowledge to work as the state’s chief medical officer.

Students roughly fall into three categories, says Melissa Armstrong,

From the Centers for Disease Control

Ed.D., M.A., director of MPH. First are

and Prevention to county and state

those looking to build skills to

health departments to leaders of

successfully enter medical school,

medical school departments to those

residency or fellowship. Second are

preparing to apply for medical school,

perspective of groups of people instead

those seeking public health careers in

residency or fellowship, graduates of

of single patients and becoming more

epidemiology, program evaluation,

programs offered by the Department of

skillful researchers.

health education or other areas. Finally,

Population Health at KU School of

2

“there's this hodgepodge group that

Medicine-Wichita have a wide range of

One of them, former internal medicine

comes from just about anywhere,” such

purposes and careers.

faculty member Paul Ndunda, M.D.,

as schoolteachers looking to expand

recently completed a cardiology

knowledge or move up the pay scale,

But the graduates share a common skill

fellowship, several years after earning

or non-clinicians working in hospitals or

set: Looking at health from the

his Master of Science in clinical research.

quality improvement.

3

Paul Ndunda, M.D., MSCR assistant professor Internal Medicine

Population Health programs include a Master of Public Health, a master’s in clinical research and a research class for medical students.

They prepare graduates for med school, residency, fellowships and a wide range of public health careers.

One sought the “mental boost” and confidence of an MPH before applying

“No matter where someone ends up

to KU School of Medicine-Wichita and

going, this is a skill set you can use for

following her dream of becoming a

the rest of your life,” he says.

doctor. A fertility specialist pursued an MPH to learn more about biostatistics

Becoming masters of public health

but has concluded that studying social

and clinical research

factors affecting patients’ health was

The two-year, 42-credit MPH program is

the greatest benefit. Another MPH

the Department of Population Health’s

recipient practices evidence-based

largest, with 60 to 70 students per year

family medicine in his rural clinic, and

across campuses.

now also puts his knowledge to work as the state’s chief medical officer.

Students roughly fall into three categories, says Melissa Armstrong,

From the Centers for Disease Control

Ed.D., M.A., director of MPH. First are

and Prevention to county and state

those looking to build skills to

health departments to leaders of

successfully enter medical school,

medical school departments to those

residency or fellowship. Second are

preparing to apply for medical school,

perspective of groups of people instead

those seeking public health careers in

residency or fellowship, graduates of

of single patients and becoming more

epidemiology, program evaluation,

programs offered by the Department of

skillful researchers.

health education or other areas. Finally,

Population Health at KU School of

2

“there's this hodgepodge group that

Medicine-Wichita have a wide range of

One of them, former internal medicine

comes from just about anywhere,” such

purposes and careers.

faculty member Paul Ndunda, M.D.,

as schoolteachers looking to expand

recently completed a cardiology

knowledge or move up the pay scale,

But the graduates share a common skill

fellowship, several years after earning

or non-clinicians working in hospitals or

set: Looking at health from the

his Master of Science in clinical research.

quality improvement.

3

Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A. education assistant professor MPH director Population Health

MPH FEATURE

We really think of it as an opportunity for us to

evidence-based medicine is about.

give these future clinicians a glimpse into what

patient rather than just going off a

Gynecology and a longtime Wichita infertility specialist. He earned an

nearly 50 students across three years,

MPH in 2000, a decade after completing

numbers that ticked up after the Step 1

his fellowship in reproductive

Teaching population health and

test, one of a three-step examination for

research to medical students

licensure in the U.S., became pass/fail

Medical students aren’t left out by the

and future residency candidates sought

department, as they can take a four-credit

to build skills and resumes, Ablah says.

elective, Clinical and Population-Based

“It’s been a good opportunity for

Putting population health to work

endocrinology and infertility. He’s since been involved in numerous clinical studies, including for uterine fibroids and

The in-person program has emphases

The department’s Master of Science in

Research, from Professor Elizabeth

students to demonstrate they are strong

Whether studied in a medical school

in epidemiology or public health

clinical research program is much

Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH.

candidates for residency and can

class, learned through a degree

practice, while the online one offers a

smaller than the MPH one, with just one

conduct their own studies.”

program, or put to work in a doctor’s

public health generalist degree. All

to three students — often graduates of

Students begin with two weeks of

office or public health agency, there’s a

students complete an internship and a

the internal medicine residency — at a

classroom work followed by eight

core element to population health. It’s

capstone project. Required classes

time focusing on the research skills

weeks of summer sessions. Since 2020

the belief in stepping back — taking the

include epidemiology, public health

sought by fellowship programs.

the class has been fully online, where

view from the balcony — and looking at

students can wear their jammies but

the lives of many to obtain information

administration, management of public health data, and community health

Requiring fewer credit hours — 33 —

must always turn on the camera and

and lessons that, person by person, can

assessment, intervention and advocacy.

“it takes out a lot of the traditional

participate. They formulate research

improve health and lives.

public health courses like

projects, work with mentors, analyze

“Medical schools are always seeking

administration and social behavioral

data, learn research-writing styles and

David Grainger, M.D., MPH, chair of the

the best and brightest,” Armstrong

health, and adds in more epidemiology,

produce two things: a publishable paper

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,

says. “What we hear from MPH

more biostatistics,” Armstrong says.

and an oral or poster presentation.

is a fertility specialist, but the skills and

students trying to get into medical

“It focuses on grant writing, scientific

school is they’re told to continue their

writing and clinical trials. It has

The topics range widely, with recent

translate across many fields, locations

personal and professional development

primarily attracted students who need

topics including transgender surgery

and professions.

and come back and apply again.

to show a track record of research and

complications, vaccine effectiveness,

One of the things they suggest is to get

publication. So far, our graduates have

EMS data on behavioral health

Throughout this issue of Embark, look

an MPH degree, because it's very

gotten almost exclusively cardiology

problems and continuous blood

for stories of how he and others put

complementary to the clinical world.

fellowships, but there’s also been a

glucose monitoring. “It’s all across the

their degrees and knowledge to use.

couple of nephrology fellowships.”

board, and it’s really fun,” Ablah says.

In addition to its degree program, the

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the

process, and they're vying for a limited

department offers three online graduate

student to understand what evidence-

number of spots,” she says. “With an

certificates for those wanting to pursue

based research is, which is often an

MPH, they get research opportunities,

careers in public health. The 12-credit-hour

ethereal concept. They understand how

and it really shows a dedication to being

programs focus on essentials of public

the research process occurs and what

here in this community and contributing

health, epidemiology, and public health

needs to happen,” Ablah says.

perspective he gained through his MPH

“For foreign medical graduates, they are in a very competitive residency match

to its overall health.”

4

chair of the Department of Obstetrics &

The course has grown in popularity, with

use their time in the MPH program to get some

Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A., education assistant professor, MPH director

David Grainger, M.D., MPH, is a professor,

hunch and wishing for the best.”

public health and population health are. They can good research experience and really stand out.

MPH: The fertility doctor

They can study the best approach for a

policy, practice and management.

“They’ll be more cognizant of what

—

—

paradoxically better care for patients.

— David Grainger, M.D., MPH, professor

for many medical devices.

“My MPH has been very helpful in dealing with industry with regards to study design and implementation,” he says. “If an individual is contemplating medical research at any level, the MPH program is invaluable.”

Exposed to biostatistics during his fellowship, it initially sparked his interest in the MPH degree. Over time the focus of his appreciation shifted.

“Today I believe that the most valuable classes were those related to social determinants of health,” he says. “The MPH program encourages a ‘bigger picture’

A better understanding of population health, epidemiology and biostatistics helps me

endometriosis, and Wichita is a test site

approach to medicine. This type of learning is especially helpful in exposing and addressing our own unconscious bias. I believe I can communicate better with my patients as a result of my deeper understanding of socioeconomic barriers.”

In-depth and additional spotlights can be found using this QR code.

5

Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A. education assistant professor MPH director Population Health

MPH FEATURE

We really think of it as an opportunity for us to

evidence-based medicine is about.

give these future clinicians a glimpse into what

patient rather than just going off a

Gynecology and a longtime Wichita infertility specialist. He earned an

nearly 50 students across three years,

MPH in 2000, a decade after completing

numbers that ticked up after the Step 1

his fellowship in reproductive

Teaching population health and

test, one of a three-step examination for

research to medical students

licensure in the U.S., became pass/fail

Medical students aren’t left out by the

and future residency candidates sought

department, as they can take a four-credit

to build skills and resumes, Ablah says.

elective, Clinical and Population-Based

“It’s been a good opportunity for

Putting population health to work

endocrinology and infertility. He’s since been involved in numerous clinical studies, including for uterine fibroids and

The in-person program has emphases

The department’s Master of Science in

Research, from Professor Elizabeth

students to demonstrate they are strong

Whether studied in a medical school

in epidemiology or public health

clinical research program is much

Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH.

candidates for residency and can

class, learned through a degree

practice, while the online one offers a

smaller than the MPH one, with just one

conduct their own studies.”

program, or put to work in a doctor’s

public health generalist degree. All

to three students — often graduates of

Students begin with two weeks of

office or public health agency, there’s a

students complete an internship and a

the internal medicine residency — at a

classroom work followed by eight

core element to population health. It’s

capstone project. Required classes

time focusing on the research skills

weeks of summer sessions. Since 2020

the belief in stepping back — taking the

include epidemiology, public health

sought by fellowship programs.

the class has been fully online, where

view from the balcony — and looking at

students can wear their jammies but

the lives of many to obtain information

administration, management of public health data, and community health

Requiring fewer credit hours — 33 —

must always turn on the camera and

and lessons that, person by person, can

assessment, intervention and advocacy.

“it takes out a lot of the traditional

participate. They formulate research

improve health and lives.

public health courses like

projects, work with mentors, analyze

“Medical schools are always seeking

administration and social behavioral

data, learn research-writing styles and

David Grainger, M.D., MPH, chair of the

the best and brightest,” Armstrong

health, and adds in more epidemiology,

produce two things: a publishable paper

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,

says. “What we hear from MPH

more biostatistics,” Armstrong says.

and an oral or poster presentation.

is a fertility specialist, but the skills and

students trying to get into medical

“It focuses on grant writing, scientific

school is they’re told to continue their

writing and clinical trials. It has

The topics range widely, with recent

translate across many fields, locations

personal and professional development

primarily attracted students who need

topics including transgender surgery

and professions.

and come back and apply again.

to show a track record of research and

complications, vaccine effectiveness,

One of the things they suggest is to get

publication. So far, our graduates have

EMS data on behavioral health

Throughout this issue of Embark, look

an MPH degree, because it's very

gotten almost exclusively cardiology

problems and continuous blood

for stories of how he and others put

complementary to the clinical world.

fellowships, but there’s also been a

glucose monitoring. “It’s all across the

their degrees and knowledge to use.

couple of nephrology fellowships.”

board, and it’s really fun,” Ablah says.

In addition to its degree program, the

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the

process, and they're vying for a limited

department offers three online graduate

student to understand what evidence-

number of spots,” she says. “With an

certificates for those wanting to pursue

based research is, which is often an

MPH, they get research opportunities,

careers in public health. The 12-credit-hour

ethereal concept. They understand how

and it really shows a dedication to being

programs focus on essentials of public

the research process occurs and what

here in this community and contributing

health, epidemiology, and public health

needs to happen,” Ablah says.

perspective he gained through his MPH

“For foreign medical graduates, they are in a very competitive residency match

to its overall health.”

4

chair of the Department of Obstetrics &

The course has grown in popularity, with

use their time in the MPH program to get some

Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A., education assistant professor, MPH director

David Grainger, M.D., MPH, is a professor,

hunch and wishing for the best.”

public health and population health are. They can good research experience and really stand out.

MPH: The fertility doctor

They can study the best approach for a

policy, practice and management.

“They’ll be more cognizant of what

—

—

paradoxically better care for patients.

— David Grainger, M.D., MPH, professor

for many medical devices.

“My MPH has been very helpful in dealing with industry with regards to study design and implementation,” he says. “If an individual is contemplating medical research at any level, the MPH program is invaluable.”

Exposed to biostatistics during his fellowship, it initially sparked his interest in the MPH degree. Over time the focus of his appreciation shifted.

“Today I believe that the most valuable classes were those related to social determinants of health,” he says. “The MPH program encourages a ‘bigger picture’

A better understanding of population health, epidemiology and biostatistics helps me

endometriosis, and Wichita is a test site

approach to medicine. This type of learning is especially helpful in exposing and addressing our own unconscious bias. I believe I can communicate better with my patients as a result of my deeper understanding of socioeconomic barriers.”

In-depth and additional spotlights can be found using this QR code.

5

Preparing physicians to treat addiction

“Drawing out an undiagnosed substance use disorder may be more than many physicians are ready to tackle. But it’s not from a lack of caring.”— Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, professor “When you are dealing with someone

Ablah’s part of the work centers around

who has a substance use disorder, this

physician awareness and education.

is not going to be generally an easy

Rachel Brown, her co-principal

conversation and they’re generally not

investigator on the grant, is overseeing

going to be enthusiastic about changing

the development of an addiction

behaviors,” said Elizabeth Ablah, Ph,D.,

medicine fellowship that’s another part

MPH, CPH, professor and vice chair in

of PPTA. Brown, MBBS, M.Phil., is also

the Department of Population Health

professor and chair of the Department

at the University of Kansas School of

of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

“That’s very exciting,”Ablah said

Ablah started by gathering information:

of the fellowship. “It will be

Medicine-Wichita.

Substance use disorders are the focus of training, new fellowship

10.2M

Adults in the U.S. have co-occuring mental health and substance use disorders.

Mental Illness

Substance Use Disorder

Statistic from nimh.nih.gov

6

“It can be draining for a lot of providers

interviews with 26 local physicians,

when they’re already tight on time. Some

residents and medical students; and a

providers are feeling like ‘we don’t have

survey of Sedgwick County Medical

the time to get into this, so why would

Society members. The results tallied

I screen for something?’ It’s challenging,

with medical literature on the topic,

I think, for folks when they fear there

Ablah said. “Physicians have many

the patient, without expressing

will be pushback or resistance.”

barriers to intervening with people who

judgment. If the patient agrees, the

have a substance use disorder,

physician provides treatment and/or

including stigma. It’s a big issue.”

refers to substance use disorder services.

years and older have a substance use

‘A 10-minute conversation’

Ablah said even a brief intervention can

disorder, according to a recent survey.

For physicians seeing patients in

be effective. “A 10-minute conversation

Nationwide, it’s estimated that 16.5% of

15-minute increments, PPTA promotes an

with a physician is a lot. If it’s done in a

Americans have a substance use disorder,

approach known as SBIRT, for Screen,

way where somebody doesn’t feel

yet 94% receive no treatment for it.

Briefly Intervene, Refer and Treat. It

they’re being judged or being attacked,

Nevertheless, it’s a problem of epidemic

accredited and rolling in 2025.”

proportions: Nearly 18% of Kansans 18

starts with a two-question screening tool

they often will have a conversation

Preparing physicians

that a patient can complete in seconds,

where they’re not trying to defend

A multilayered effort called Preparing

allowing the physician to assess the risk

themselves, they’re willing to open

Physicians to Treat Addiction is trying

of substance use disorder. If they screen

themselves up with someone they trust.”

to better prepare physicians to treat

positive, there is an 8-10 item survey for

addiction disorders while increasing

the physician to better understand the

access to such care in Sedgwick

risk. The physician then conducts a brief

County. Launched last November, PPTA

intervention to discuss risks and, if the

S Screen

is funded from Kansas’ share of national

patient is interested, risk reduction

BI Briefly Intervene

opioid lawsuit settlements.

strategies. The physician offers to help

RT Refer and Treat

10 minutes

7

Preparing physicians to treat addiction

“Drawing out an undiagnosed substance use disorder may be more than many physicians are ready to tackle. But it’s not from a lack of caring.”— Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, professor “When you are dealing with someone

Ablah’s part of the work centers around

who has a substance use disorder, this

physician awareness and education.

is not going to be generally an easy

Rachel Brown, her co-principal

conversation and they’re generally not

investigator on the grant, is overseeing

going to be enthusiastic about changing

the development of an addiction

behaviors,” said Elizabeth Ablah, Ph,D.,

medicine fellowship that’s another part

MPH, CPH, professor and vice chair in

of PPTA. Brown, MBBS, M.Phil., is also

the Department of Population Health

professor and chair of the Department

at the University of Kansas School of

of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

“That’s very exciting,”Ablah said

Ablah started by gathering information:

of the fellowship. “It will be

Medicine-Wichita.

Substance use disorders are the focus of training, new fellowship

10.2M

Adults in the U.S. have co-occuring mental health and substance use disorders.

Mental Illness

Substance Use Disorder

Statistic from nimh.nih.gov

6

“It can be draining for a lot of providers

interviews with 26 local physicians,

when they’re already tight on time. Some

residents and medical students; and a

providers are feeling like ‘we don’t have

survey of Sedgwick County Medical

the time to get into this, so why would

Society members. The results tallied

I screen for something?’ It’s challenging,

with medical literature on the topic,

I think, for folks when they fear there

Ablah said. “Physicians have many

the patient, without expressing

will be pushback or resistance.”

barriers to intervening with people who

judgment. If the patient agrees, the

have a substance use disorder,

physician provides treatment and/or

including stigma. It’s a big issue.”

refers to substance use disorder services.

years and older have a substance use

‘A 10-minute conversation’

Ablah said even a brief intervention can

disorder, according to a recent survey.

For physicians seeing patients in

be effective. “A 10-minute conversation

Nationwide, it’s estimated that 16.5% of

15-minute increments, PPTA promotes an

with a physician is a lot. If it’s done in a

Americans have a substance use disorder,

approach known as SBIRT, for Screen,

way where somebody doesn’t feel

yet 94% receive no treatment for it.

Briefly Intervene, Refer and Treat. It

they’re being judged or being attacked,

Nevertheless, it’s a problem of epidemic

accredited and rolling in 2025.”

proportions: Nearly 18% of Kansans 18

starts with a two-question screening tool

they often will have a conversation

Preparing physicians

that a patient can complete in seconds,

where they’re not trying to defend

A multilayered effort called Preparing

allowing the physician to assess the risk

themselves, they’re willing to open

Physicians to Treat Addiction is trying

of substance use disorder. If they screen

themselves up with someone they trust.”

to better prepare physicians to treat

positive, there is an 8-10 item survey for

addiction disorders while increasing

the physician to better understand the

access to such care in Sedgwick

risk. The physician then conducts a brief

County. Launched last November, PPTA

intervention to discuss risks and, if the

S Screen

is funded from Kansas’ share of national

patient is interested, risk reduction

BI Briefly Intervene

opioid lawsuit settlements.

strategies. The physician offers to help

RT Refer and Treat

10 minutes

7

50%

of people 12+ have used illicit drugs at least once.

4

board-certified addiction medicine specialists in Sedwick County

MPH FEATURE

Statistic from NCDAS (2023). drugabusestatistics.org

Treatment could range from medication

‘Be the LIGHT’

Fellowship on way

K2 synthetic marijuana epidemic, which

“We have not seen a decrease in

MPH: The future doctor

to prevent opioid cravings to “motivational

PPTA has produced and distributed a

Another of the county’s specialists,

claimed clusters of lives in communities

opioid use disorder,” she said.

intervening” and “harm reduction”

short video built around the idea that

Ashley Haynes, M.D., is helping develop

across the United States. “I wondered why

“There’s probably a lot of people who

Growing up in Wichita, Saniya Ahmed,

remedies that Ablah called a “bold act.”

physicians can be the “LIGHT” for

the fellowship program. Fellows likely

would (K2 users) keep doing this to

are untreated or undertreated.

MPH — a second-year medical student —

people with a substance use disorder.

will rotate among several recovery

themselves?” She practiced in Dallas —

And we need people willing to

always wanted to be a doctor. As the

For instance, she said, a physician might

LIGHT stands for language, intervention,

centers, an opioid treatment clinic and

where one of the deadly clusters had

treat the adolescents and pregnant

child of immigrants whose family was

suggest to a patient that “instead of

guidance, help and treatment.

community providers such as Comcare,

occurred — before returning to Wichita,

and the higher-risk patients.

uninsured or underinsured, she helped

as well as the VA during their year in the

where she has worked at a local opioid

We really need several more in

her parents navigate the health system

program, Haynes said.

treatment program, residential treatment

our community.”

and receive care at a safety net clinic.

Ablah noted that the state recently

Ahmed had to make the financial and

drinking five liters of vodka a day, how about a 12-pack?”

Also as part of PPTA, Dan Warren, M.D.,

centers and hospital consultation.

one of the county’s addiction medicine PPTA also encourages physicians to

specialists, and Chad Harmon, CEO of

Haynes said addiction medicine is

change the way they may talk and think

Substance Abuse Center of Kansas,

evolving much as other specialties did.

Haynes said she has always enjoyed

approved the construction of a new

health choices around doctor’s visits and

about substance use. On a webpage set

have made presentations to members

It has become a board-certified

“the challenging cases that were not

psychiatric hospital to be located in

getting lab work. She’s volunteered with

up for the program, physicians are

of the medical community, usually with

specialty requiring a fellowship in the

straightforward … and seeing the changes

south central Kansas, addressing a

the JayDoc Community Clinic and the

encouraged to use “person-first, medically

the help of someone recovering from

past decade, whereas previously a

in (a patient’s) life and that improvement

severe need exacerbated by patients

county health department and worked at

appropriate language” in this area. For

substance use disorder.

physician could become certified after

was very rewarding.”

with substance use disorders.

the International Rescue Committee for

amassing experience in the field.

instance, instead of thinking of and/or

refugees, which exposed her to medicine,

referring to a patient as an “abuser,”

Ablah called the county’s lack of

There’s no question the county could use

“If you think about the psychiatric

underserved populations and the type of

“addict” or “substance abuser,” physicians

addiction medicine specialists

Haynes, who did her fellowship in

more specialists, she said, noting that she

hospital coming in a couple of years,

doctor she strives to be.

should refer to the patient as a “person

“really a problem” and one the grant

toxicology, was drawn to addiction

“had to turn down opportunities because

we are not prepared. So, I am thrilled

with a substance use disorder.”

will help address.

medicine after seeing effects of the

I don’t have the time to work everywhere

that we are in a place where we can

“I’ve always wanted to be the kind of

that needs a person.”

start developing that capacity.”

physician and person that is known first and foremost as an advocate,” she says.

Although interested in medicine, she was more interested in the natural world.

She majored in health sciences at

Daniel Warren, M.D., physician

“A lot of times, people who have a substance use disorder find themselves walking on a dark path alone,” said

Wichita State but, “terrified of the MCAT,” instead entered the MPH program. The experience provided the “mental boost” for medical school.

From seeing motivational interviewing in action to an elective rural rotation in Dodge City, “convinced me to be a family medicine physician for life.”

Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, “We ask

“It’s really important for anyone who goes into primary care to know about

the physician to be the light that walks

public health work, to be mindful of public health professionals, to listen and to collaborate.”

with the patient and brightens that path.”

8

9

50%

of people 12+ have used illicit drugs at least once.

4

board-certified addiction medicine specialists in Sedwick County

MPH FEATURE

Statistic from NCDAS (2023). drugabusestatistics.org

Treatment could range from medication

‘Be the LIGHT’

Fellowship on way

K2 synthetic marijuana epidemic, which

“We have not seen a decrease in

MPH: The future doctor

to prevent opioid cravings to “motivational

PPTA has produced and distributed a

Another of the county’s specialists,

claimed clusters of lives in communities

opioid use disorder,” she said.

intervening” and “harm reduction”

short video built around the idea that

Ashley Haynes, M.D., is helping develop

across the United States. “I wondered why

“There’s probably a lot of people who

Growing up in Wichita, Saniya Ahmed,

remedies that Ablah called a “bold act.”

physicians can be the “LIGHT” for

the fellowship program. Fellows likely

would (K2 users) keep doing this to

are untreated or undertreated.

MPH — a second-year medical student —

people with a substance use disorder.

will rotate among several recovery

themselves?” She practiced in Dallas —

And we need people willing to

always wanted to be a doctor. As the

For instance, she said, a physician might

LIGHT stands for language, intervention,

centers, an opioid treatment clinic and

where one of the deadly clusters had

treat the adolescents and pregnant

child of immigrants whose family was

suggest to a patient that “instead of

guidance, help and treatment.

community providers such as Comcare,

occurred — before returning to Wichita,

and the higher-risk patients.

uninsured or underinsured, she helped

as well as the VA during their year in the

where she has worked at a local opioid

We really need several more in

her parents navigate the health system

program, Haynes said.

treatment program, residential treatment

our community.”

and receive care at a safety net clinic.

Ablah noted that the state recently

Ahmed had to make the financial and

drinking five liters of vodka a day, how about a 12-pack?”

Also as part of PPTA, Dan Warren, M.D.,

centers and hospital consultation.

one of the county’s addiction medicine PPTA also encourages physicians to

specialists, and Chad Harmon, CEO of

Haynes said addiction medicine is

change the way they may talk and think

Substance Abuse Center of Kansas,

evolving much as other specialties did.

Haynes said she has always enjoyed

approved the construction of a new

health choices around doctor’s visits and

about substance use. On a webpage set

have made presentations to members

It has become a board-certified

“the challenging cases that were not

psychiatric hospital to be located in

getting lab work. She’s volunteered with

up for the program, physicians are

of the medical community, usually with

specialty requiring a fellowship in the

straightforward … and seeing the changes

south central Kansas, addressing a

the JayDoc Community Clinic and the

encouraged to use “person-first, medically

the help of someone recovering from

past decade, whereas previously a

in (a patient’s) life and that improvement

severe need exacerbated by patients

county health department and worked at

appropriate language” in this area. For

substance use disorder.

physician could become certified after

was very rewarding.”

with substance use disorders.

the International Rescue Committee for

amassing experience in the field.

instance, instead of thinking of and/or

refugees, which exposed her to medicine,

referring to a patient as an “abuser,”

Ablah called the county’s lack of

There’s no question the county could use

“If you think about the psychiatric

underserved populations and the type of

“addict” or “substance abuser,” physicians

addiction medicine specialists

Haynes, who did her fellowship in

more specialists, she said, noting that she

hospital coming in a couple of years,

doctor she strives to be.

should refer to the patient as a “person

“really a problem” and one the grant

toxicology, was drawn to addiction

“had to turn down opportunities because

we are not prepared. So, I am thrilled

with a substance use disorder.”

will help address.

medicine after seeing effects of the

I don’t have the time to work everywhere

that we are in a place where we can

“I’ve always wanted to be the kind of

that needs a person.”

start developing that capacity.”

physician and person that is known first and foremost as an advocate,” she says.

Although interested in medicine, she was more interested in the natural world.

She majored in health sciences at

Daniel Warren, M.D., physician

“A lot of times, people who have a substance use disorder find themselves walking on a dark path alone,” said

Wichita State but, “terrified of the MCAT,” instead entered the MPH program. The experience provided the “mental boost” for medical school.

From seeing motivational interviewing in action to an elective rural rotation in Dodge City, “convinced me to be a family medicine physician for life.”

Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, “We ask

“It’s really important for anyone who goes into primary care to know about

the physician to be the light that walks

public health work, to be mindful of public health professionals, to listen and to collaborate.”

with the patient and brightens that path.”

8

9

Environmental experience provides valuable content for

Jack Brown, R.S., MPA, research instructor Population Health

“I’ve taught the class since the

programs, and they impact the general

beginning of the MPH program

population,” Brown explained.

(in 1997) and it’s always focused on all aspects of the environment,

“My career started around the same

particularly from a practitioner’s

time the EPA was created and that

standpoint,” said Brown, whose

was a new and exciting thing

achievements range from having

because it became a very active time

served as the project manager of a

for environmental law,” said Brown,

Wichita groundwater cleanup effort

who was one of the first

that led to the building of one of the

environmental health practitioners

nation’s most innovative treatment

in Kansas to earn the designation of

centers to developing

registered sanitarian.

recommendations to help ensure safe

health classes

water for Kansans using private

“While there’s a lot of regulation, there

household wells.

is still a lot of work to be done. It would be misguided to think that

When Brown joined the

everything’s cleaned up now.”

KUSM-Wichita faculty in the mid-1990s, he was still involved in

With more work to be done, it’s

leading the Wichita-Sedgwick

important for public health

County environmental health

practitioners to understand the

when the Environmental Protection Agency

department, the state’s largest such

concepts of environmental health.

was formed, KU School of Medicine-Wichita

position in 2003.

With a career that started during the 1970s

research instructor Jack Brown, R.S., MPA,

10

“I’ve always wrapped in the practical experience I have from working in local government and public health, particularly as it relates to the environment, because a lot of public health work is done through local, state and federal organizations.”

— Jack Brown, research instructor

department. He retired from that As part of the class, Brown includes “field experiences where we go out Environmental law is one of the key

and observe what we’ve talked about

which opened in 2003 in Herman Hill

has a wealth of experience to share with

areas of his class because “it

in class related to the practices we’ve

Park in south Wichita and has a

students who take the required environmental

establishes standards for everything

talked about.”

two-fold purpose: cleaning up polluted

we do in the country in terms of air

groundwater extracted through 14 wells

health course in the Master of Public Health

quality, water quality and hazardous

One of the field trip destinations is the

in a four-square-mile area in central

degree program.

waste disposal. All of these you find

Wichita Area Treatment Education

Wichita and educating the public about

in government environmental

Remediation (WATER) Center,

how reclaimed water can be used.

The Herman Hill water treatment

Established in 1970, the EPA conducts environmental

facility at 101 E. Pawnee Street in

assessment, research and education. It has the

Wichita cleanses 1.2 million gallons

responsibility of maintaining and enforcing national

of water daily and is devoted to

standards under a variety of environmental laws, in

water-specific ecology issues.

consultation with state, tribal and local governments.

11

Environmental experience provides valuable content for

Jack Brown, R.S., MPA, research instructor Population Health

“I’ve taught the class since the

programs, and they impact the general

beginning of the MPH program

population,” Brown explained.

(in 1997) and it’s always focused on all aspects of the environment,

“My career started around the same

particularly from a practitioner’s

time the EPA was created and that

standpoint,” said Brown, whose

was a new and exciting thing

achievements range from having

because it became a very active time

served as the project manager of a

for environmental law,” said Brown,

Wichita groundwater cleanup effort

who was one of the first

that led to the building of one of the

environmental health practitioners

nation’s most innovative treatment

in Kansas to earn the designation of

centers to developing

registered sanitarian.

recommendations to help ensure safe

health classes

water for Kansans using private

“While there’s a lot of regulation, there

household wells.

is still a lot of work to be done. It would be misguided to think that

When Brown joined the

everything’s cleaned up now.”

KUSM-Wichita faculty in the mid-1990s, he was still involved in

With more work to be done, it’s

leading the Wichita-Sedgwick

important for public health

County environmental health

practitioners to understand the

when the Environmental Protection Agency

department, the state’s largest such

concepts of environmental health.

was formed, KU School of Medicine-Wichita

position in 2003.

With a career that started during the 1970s

research instructor Jack Brown, R.S., MPA,

10

“I’ve always wrapped in the practical experience I have from working in local government and public health, particularly as it relates to the environment, because a lot of public health work is done through local, state and federal organizations.”

— Jack Brown, research instructor

department. He retired from that As part of the class, Brown includes “field experiences where we go out Environmental law is one of the key

and observe what we’ve talked about

which opened in 2003 in Herman Hill

has a wealth of experience to share with

areas of his class because “it

in class related to the practices we’ve

Park in south Wichita and has a

students who take the required environmental

establishes standards for everything

talked about.”

two-fold purpose: cleaning up polluted

we do in the country in terms of air

groundwater extracted through 14 wells

health course in the Master of Public Health

quality, water quality and hazardous

One of the field trip destinations is the

in a four-square-mile area in central

degree program.

waste disposal. All of these you find

Wichita Area Treatment Education

Wichita and educating the public about

in government environmental

Remediation (WATER) Center,

how reclaimed water can be used.

The Herman Hill water treatment

Established in 1970, the EPA conducts environmental

facility at 101 E. Pawnee Street in

assessment, research and education. It has the

Wichita cleanses 1.2 million gallons

responsibility of maintaining and enforcing national

of water daily and is devoted to

standards under a variety of environmental laws, in

water-specific ecology issues.

consultation with state, tribal and local governments.

11

Allison Honn, MBA, program manager Population Health

Upcoming publications mark milestones in Hayrettin Okut’s career

Brown oversaw the building of the

As public health initiatives have evolved

Brown’s) and population health

In just a few months, Hayrettin Okut, Ph.D., will experience one of the most significant

center, where solvents and other

to include community health and

program manager Allison Honn, MBA,

highlights of his personal and professional life. He anticipates that a new book

compounds are removed from the

wellness, he’s started adding additional

— that developed recommendations for

exploring the complex relationships between genetics and health will reach

water. The reclaimed water is then used

material, like pedestrian and bicycle

making water from private wells safer

publication by the end of 2024. He is the book’s academic editor.

in the center’s fountains, water pools,

safety programs and creating access to

for drinking, cooking and other

a fish observatory and gardens. The

healthy activities like hiking.

household uses.

Water pollution can cause infections, diseases and other health problems, such as cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

“Agreeing to be the editor of this book embodies my lifelong passion for biostatistics and my commitment to understanding

project won several awards, including top honors from the American

“Those are things that everybody can

While the recommendations were

the intricate ways in which genetic variations impact health

Academy of Environmental Engineers

really identify with,” Brown said.

created to address the lack of standards

outcomes,” Okut says of the work, titled “Genetic Variations —

in Kansas, the researchers said the

Unraveling Causalities.”

and the American Council of Environmental Engineering.

Unsafe water kills more people each year than

Another highlight of Brown’s career

recommendations could be useful for

was being part of a research team —

other communities and states according

A professor in Population Health for the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita,

war and other forms of violence.

The work that was done in the various

which also included KUSM-Wichita

to an article published in Environmental

Okut has also co-written one of the book’s chapters with a colleague in the Office of

Statistic from nrdc.org

groundwater contamination areas in

population health professor and

Health Perspectives in 2020. The

Research, Rosey Zackula, M.A., statistician. Additionally, Okut will write a two-page

Wichita helped shape national policy on

department vice chair Elizabeth Ablah,

research was funded with a grant from

introduction for the book.

how to deal with contaminated sites and

Ph.D., MPH, CPH (a former student of

the Kansas Health Foundation.

redevelop them, according to Brown.

“The book is important for the study and advancement of population health as it bridges the gap between genetic research and practical health applications,” says Okut.

Brown was also involved in setting up a

“It highlights how understanding genetic variations can lead to more effective prevention

water monitoring and sampling plan for

strategies, personalized treatments, and ultimately, a reduction in health disparities.”

the Arkansas River, which has helped inform the public about the safety of

This milestone in Okut’s career is unfolding as he continues his work as the co-author

“In the field of environmental

the river for recreational activities. That

of the upcoming fourth edition of “Epidemiology: Study Design and Data Analysis.”

health, the goal is to preserve

project led to an Ark River summit that

The new edition will serve as an invaluable textbook for students studying statistics

drew hundreds of participants and a

and epidemiology, as well as a standard reference for practicing epidemiologists.

the environment and protect the health of current and future generations, which is why it is important to include the topic in MPH degree curriculum.”

— Jack Brown, research instructor

major study of the river’s potential pollution sources. The annual volunteer

Okut earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in biometry-biostatistics in 1992 from

cleanup of the river is another outcome

the University of Ege-Izmir, Turkey, and completed courses for his degree at the

of the project.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Since then, he has worked as a researcher in genetics, biometry and biostatistical methodology at various universities and centers,

Brown also encourages his students to

including Yuzuncu Yil University-Van-Turkey, the University of Wisconsin, Oregon

attend public meetings when

Research Institute, University of Nebraska, University of Palermo-Italy and Wake

environmental health issues are on the

Forest School of Medicine. He has served at KUSM-Wichita since 2018.

agenda to see that part of the process.

His work in the Department of Population Health

But regulations aren’t the only thing

relies heavily on big data to better understand and

that Brown teaches his students.

predict health outcomes.

“In essence,” he says, “by developing better predictive models and understanding complex health data, we can make significant strides in preventing diseases and personalizing

Jack Brown and Elizabeth Ablah

treatment, ultimately enhancing the overall health of populations.”

12

13

Allison Honn, MBA, program manager Population Health

Upcoming publications mark milestones in Hayrettin Okut’s career

Brown oversaw the building of the

As public health initiatives have evolved

Brown’s) and population health

In just a few months, Hayrettin Okut, Ph.D., will experience one of the most significant

center, where solvents and other

to include community health and

program manager Allison Honn, MBA,

highlights of his personal and professional life. He anticipates that a new book

compounds are removed from the

wellness, he’s started adding additional

— that developed recommendations for

exploring the complex relationships between genetics and health will reach

water. The reclaimed water is then used

material, like pedestrian and bicycle

making water from private wells safer

publication by the end of 2024. He is the book’s academic editor.

in the center’s fountains, water pools,

safety programs and creating access to

for drinking, cooking and other

a fish observatory and gardens. The

healthy activities like hiking.

household uses.

Water pollution can cause infections, diseases and other health problems, such as cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

“Agreeing to be the editor of this book embodies my lifelong passion for biostatistics and my commitment to understanding

project won several awards, including top honors from the American

“Those are things that everybody can

While the recommendations were

the intricate ways in which genetic variations impact health

Academy of Environmental Engineers

really identify with,” Brown said.

created to address the lack of standards

outcomes,” Okut says of the work, titled “Genetic Variations —

in Kansas, the researchers said the

Unraveling Causalities.”

and the American Council of Environmental Engineering.

Unsafe water kills more people each year than

Another highlight of Brown’s career

recommendations could be useful for

was being part of a research team —

other communities and states according

A professor in Population Health for the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita,

war and other forms of violence.

The work that was done in the various

which also included KUSM-Wichita

to an article published in Environmental

Okut has also co-written one of the book’s chapters with a colleague in the Office of

Statistic from nrdc.org

groundwater contamination areas in

population health professor and

Health Perspectives in 2020. The

Research, Rosey Zackula, M.A., statistician. Additionally, Okut will write a two-page

Wichita helped shape national policy on

department vice chair Elizabeth Ablah,

research was funded with a grant from

introduction for the book.

how to deal with contaminated sites and

Ph.D., MPH, CPH (a former student of

the Kansas Health Foundation.

redevelop them, according to Brown.

“The book is important for the study and advancement of population health as it bridges the gap between genetic research and practical health applications,” says Okut.

Brown was also involved in setting up a

“It highlights how understanding genetic variations can lead to more effective prevention

water monitoring and sampling plan for

strategies, personalized treatments, and ultimately, a reduction in health disparities.”

the Arkansas River, which has helped inform the public about the safety of

This milestone in Okut’s career is unfolding as he continues his work as the co-author

“In the field of environmental

the river for recreational activities. That

of the upcoming fourth edition of “Epidemiology: Study Design and Data Analysis.”

health, the goal is to preserve

project led to an Ark River summit that

The new edition will serve as an invaluable textbook for students studying statistics

drew hundreds of participants and a

and epidemiology, as well as a standard reference for practicing epidemiologists.

the environment and protect the health of current and future generations, which is why it is important to include the topic in MPH degree curriculum.”

— Jack Brown, research instructor

major study of the river’s potential pollution sources. The annual volunteer

Okut earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in biometry-biostatistics in 1992 from

cleanup of the river is another outcome

the University of Ege-Izmir, Turkey, and completed courses for his degree at the

of the project.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Since then, he has worked as a researcher in genetics, biometry and biostatistical methodology at various universities and centers,

Brown also encourages his students to

including Yuzuncu Yil University-Van-Turkey, the University of Wisconsin, Oregon

attend public meetings when

Research Institute, University of Nebraska, University of Palermo-Italy and Wake

environmental health issues are on the

Forest School of Medicine. He has served at KUSM-Wichita since 2018.

agenda to see that part of the process.

His work in the Department of Population Health

But regulations aren’t the only thing

relies heavily on big data to better understand and

that Brown teaches his students.

predict health outcomes.

“In essence,” he says, “by developing better predictive models and understanding complex health data, we can make significant strides in preventing diseases and personalizing

Jack Brown and Elizabeth Ablah

treatment, ultimately enhancing the overall health of populations.”

12

13

T H E I M P A C T S OF

Amanda Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, post-doctoral fellow Population Health

KU School of Medicine-Wichita began

Four cohorts totaling 60 participants

“I think the effect has been that we

serving as the administrator for the

completed 40 hours of training, each

provided education and knowledge

Facts Not Fear ICT project in April 2023.

over a four-week period. Amanda

that people didn’t have before,

Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, lead evaluator

specifically in regard to mental

Facts Not Fear ICT had four main goals:

at KU School of Medicine-Wichita,

illnesses, and how to help and

improving health literacy, engaging Wichita

described trainees as “folks who were

connect people with mental

communities, improving patient-provider

interested in serving the community

illnesses to resources,” Scott said.

communication, and improving access to

and doing this one-on-one work

“That’s the feedback we got.”

COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

with community members” in the area

Although open to anyone 18 years and

of mental health. Most were women,

“We have already heard back from

older, the priority populations for FNFICT

with an average age of 45.

some folks who have been able to make

were Wichita adults who were Black or

FACTS

NOT

FEAR TO CONTINUE A federal grant used for several community health initiatives has ended but should continue to benefit several of Wichita’s minority populations.

14

connections and find employment

African American, Hispanic or Latino,

The training included how to assess

opportunities after completing their

American Indian or Alaska Native, and

clients’ needs, how to develop a client

training,” Aguila-Gonzalez said.

Asian or Asian American.

care plan, mental health and wellness, and preparing trainees on how to

During the last three years, Facts Not

In response to mental health needs

interact with individuals with a mental

Fear ICT hosted community sessions

shared by the community at large and

illness. The intent was to improve mental

at several locations, including the

FNFICT priority populations, an

health literacy and prepare trainees to

Urban League of Kansas, Atwater

intervention was developed to improve

join the mental health workforce.

Neighborhood Center, and the

mental health literacy, mental health

Organizations such as Guadalupe Clinic,

Evergreen and downtown branches of

care access, and the mental health

MHASCK and COMCARE joined the

the library. These sessions were

workforce. FNFICT partnered with

final day of training to share information

intended to promote healthy habits

Mental Health America of South Central

about open positions and possible roles

and improve health literacy to

Kansas and Communities Organizing to

and responsibilities for trainees. Angela

promote positive health outcomes.

Promote Equity to develop a training for

Scott, COPE community health worker

Each session focused on a different

individuals, especially from FNFICT

field supervisor, helped train the

health topic including: physical activity

priority communities, to become

community mental health workers. In

and nutrition, stress and mental

community mental health workers. Part

addition to preparing those people for

health, health visits and screenings,

of the grant was used to recruit and

entry-level jobs, she said, Facts Not Fear

COVID-19 and prevention, and

train community mental health workers.

impacted the priority populations.

substance use disorder.

“Folks were interested in serving the community and doing this one-on-one work with community members.”

— Amanda Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, post-doctoral fellow

15

T H E I M P A C T S OF

Amanda Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, post-doctoral fellow Population Health

KU School of Medicine-Wichita began

Four cohorts totaling 60 participants

“I think the effect has been that we

serving as the administrator for the

completed 40 hours of training, each

provided education and knowledge

Facts Not Fear ICT project in April 2023.

over a four-week period. Amanda

that people didn’t have before,

Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, lead evaluator

specifically in regard to mental

Facts Not Fear ICT had four main goals:

at KU School of Medicine-Wichita,

illnesses, and how to help and

improving health literacy, engaging Wichita

described trainees as “folks who were

connect people with mental

communities, improving patient-provider

interested in serving the community

illnesses to resources,” Scott said.

communication, and improving access to

and doing this one-on-one work

“That’s the feedback we got.”

COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

with community members” in the area

Although open to anyone 18 years and

of mental health. Most were women,

“We have already heard back from

older, the priority populations for FNFICT

with an average age of 45.

some folks who have been able to make

were Wichita adults who were Black or

FACTS

NOT

FEAR TO CONTINUE A federal grant used for several community health initiatives has ended but should continue to benefit several of Wichita’s minority populations.

14

connections and find employment

African American, Hispanic or Latino,

The training included how to assess

opportunities after completing their

American Indian or Alaska Native, and

clients’ needs, how to develop a client

training,” Aguila-Gonzalez said.

Asian or Asian American.

care plan, mental health and wellness, and preparing trainees on how to

During the last three years, Facts Not

In response to mental health needs

interact with individuals with a mental

Fear ICT hosted community sessions

shared by the community at large and

illness. The intent was to improve mental

at several locations, including the

FNFICT priority populations, an

health literacy and prepare trainees to

Urban League of Kansas, Atwater

intervention was developed to improve

join the mental health workforce.

Neighborhood Center, and the

mental health literacy, mental health

Organizations such as Guadalupe Clinic,

Evergreen and downtown branches of

care access, and the mental health

MHASCK and COMCARE joined the

the library. These sessions were

workforce. FNFICT partnered with

final day of training to share information

intended to promote healthy habits

Mental Health America of South Central

about open positions and possible roles

and improve health literacy to

Kansas and Communities Organizing to

and responsibilities for trainees. Angela

promote positive health outcomes.

Promote Equity to develop a training for

Scott, COPE community health worker

Each session focused on a different

individuals, especially from FNFICT

field supervisor, helped train the

health topic including: physical activity

priority communities, to become

community mental health workers. In

and nutrition, stress and mental

community mental health workers. Part

addition to preparing those people for

health, health visits and screenings,

of the grant was used to recruit and

entry-level jobs, she said, Facts Not Fear

COVID-19 and prevention, and

train community mental health workers.

impacted the priority populations.

substance use disorder.

“Folks were interested in serving the community and doing this one-on-one work with community members.”

— Amanda Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, post-doctoral fellow

15

B A C K G R O U N D

MPH FEATURE

Angela Scott, COPE community health worker field supervisor

P U B L I CAT I O N S

MPH: The state’s chief medical officer

More than 1,000 people attended the

Facts Not Fear ICT utilized information

sessions, which were presented in English

shared by community members in those

and Spanish by community health

interviews to inform other project efforts

Dereck Totten, M.D., MPH, sees his

facilitators. FNFICT provided interpreters

such as training to improve provider-

role as Kansas’ chief medical officer

at sessions to address language barriers

patient communication and the assessment

as “the icing on the cake” of his

for those who speak English, Spanish,

of 16 clinic and community organization

upbringing in the state; education in

Vietnamese, Thai and Lao. Content from

patient/client-facing materials in Wichita.

KU’s university, medical school and

the interactive sessions will be made

Facts Not Fear ICT supported these sites by

residency programs; and nearly a

available at factsnotfearict.com in

providing recommendations and translation

English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

of materials to improve access to, use of

decade of rural practice.

Community members’ health at the core throughout its evolution

and understanding by priority communities.

Facts Not Fear ICT also partnered with

COMMUNITY

Though COVID-19 was the seed from which Facts Not Fear ICT grew, the initiative has

Nichols-Totten, M.D., have practiced

community organizations to host mobile

“We share some of our lessons learned,”

progressed with the changing needs of our community. Population health experts

full-spectrum family medicine,

vaccine clinics. This year alone,

Aguila-Gonzalez said. “We share

began by helping Wichitans identify COVID-19 misinformation and access care.

including obstetrics, in Colby since

Aguila-Gonzalez said, more than 200

evidence-based strategies for health

They promoted testing and eased fears about vaccinations.

2016. He’s nurtured and put his

people from the grant’s priority

literacy, we share cultural considerations

populations were vaccinated along with

and we share evidence-based

The grant was designed to improve health outcomes and address health disparities

work as Thomas County medical

others outside those populations.

communication strategies that have been

exacerbated by COVID-19 in Wichita by improving health literacy. Four priority

officer and providing evidence-based

Interviews with more than 200

proven to be effective to improve

populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in Wichita were: Black or

care at his group practice.

community members around the topics

communication and interactions between

African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Asian American, and American Indian

of substance abuse and mental health

providers and patients within the FNFICT

or Alaska Native adults.

were also conducted.

priority communities and others.”

“I appreciated that this training was taught by people outside academia who spoke from real life experiences. The role playing with specially trained ‘clients’ was great practice for future

OUTREACH

Totten and his wife, Kysha

interactions at my job.” — Mark Calvin, site director, Haysville Learning Café

background in population health to

“We can look at, say, hemoglobin A1C, and examine trends so we can

This initiative continued to develop as community needs were identified. The

start to move the needle on

expansion included disseminating messaging and education programs in addition to

outcomes. It’s not just taking the

COVID-19 on topics including nutrition, stress and mental health, health visits and

same recommendation but really

screenings, and substance use disorder. These programs were designed by Population

looking at what’s unique to that area

Health colleagues at KUSM-W led by Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, professor, and

and population,” Totten says.

team members Amanda Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, and Allison Honn, MBA. Totten is still learning what the There is more collaboration with clinics and community service organizations to

CMO role entails, with duties that mix

improve communication between physicians and their patients. Community members

policy, preparedness and consulting

are receiving state-certified training to contribute to an entry-level mental health

on individual medical cases or

workforce. The community at large is receiving detailed information to improve mental

potential disease outbreaks.

health literacy, using campaigns and short videos in multiple languages that provide tools and resources addressing the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses.

“I jump in when there’s a medical question, like an odd tuberculosis

Ablah and her team will continue to address attitudes and behaviors to empower

case they need advice on. Or

people to be successful and achieve their goals.

consulting on policy questions on family planning,” Totten says.

Mark Calvin, site director at Haysville Learning

“I’m someone with a rural health

Cafe, includes what he learned during the

background, and one of my biggest

community mental health training sponsored

by Facts Not Fear ICT to help advise Kathleen Faber on potential career courses.

ENGAGEMENT

Allison Honn, MBA, program manager Population Health

honors is to bring that perspective to the conversation.”

17

B A C K G R O U N D

MPH FEATURE

Angela Scott, COPE community health worker field supervisor

P U B L I CAT I O N S

MPH: The state’s chief medical officer

More than 1,000 people attended the

Facts Not Fear ICT utilized information

sessions, which were presented in English

shared by community members in those

and Spanish by community health

interviews to inform other project efforts

Dereck Totten, M.D., MPH, sees his

facilitators. FNFICT provided interpreters

such as training to improve provider-

role as Kansas’ chief medical officer

at sessions to address language barriers

patient communication and the assessment

as “the icing on the cake” of his

for those who speak English, Spanish,

of 16 clinic and community organization

upbringing in the state; education in

Vietnamese, Thai and Lao. Content from

patient/client-facing materials in Wichita.

KU’s university, medical school and

the interactive sessions will be made

Facts Not Fear ICT supported these sites by

residency programs; and nearly a

available at factsnotfearict.com in

providing recommendations and translation

English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

of materials to improve access to, use of

decade of rural practice.

Community members’ health at the core throughout its evolution

and understanding by priority communities.

Facts Not Fear ICT also partnered with

COMMUNITY

Though COVID-19 was the seed from which Facts Not Fear ICT grew, the initiative has

Nichols-Totten, M.D., have practiced

community organizations to host mobile

“We share some of our lessons learned,”

progressed with the changing needs of our community. Population health experts

full-spectrum family medicine,

vaccine clinics. This year alone,

Aguila-Gonzalez said. “We share

began by helping Wichitans identify COVID-19 misinformation and access care.

including obstetrics, in Colby since

Aguila-Gonzalez said, more than 200

evidence-based strategies for health

They promoted testing and eased fears about vaccinations.

2016. He’s nurtured and put his

people from the grant’s priority

literacy, we share cultural considerations

populations were vaccinated along with

and we share evidence-based

The grant was designed to improve health outcomes and address health disparities

work as Thomas County medical

others outside those populations.

communication strategies that have been

exacerbated by COVID-19 in Wichita by improving health literacy. Four priority

officer and providing evidence-based

Interviews with more than 200

proven to be effective to improve

populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in Wichita were: Black or

care at his group practice.

community members around the topics

communication and interactions between

African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Asian American, and American Indian

of substance abuse and mental health

providers and patients within the FNFICT

or Alaska Native adults.

were also conducted.

priority communities and others.”

“I appreciated that this training was taught by people outside academia who spoke from real life experiences. The role playing with specially trained ‘clients’ was great practice for future

OUTREACH

Totten and his wife, Kysha

interactions at my job.” — Mark Calvin, site director, Haysville Learning Café

background in population health to

“We can look at, say, hemoglobin A1C, and examine trends so we can

This initiative continued to develop as community needs were identified. The

start to move the needle on

expansion included disseminating messaging and education programs in addition to

outcomes. It’s not just taking the

COVID-19 on topics including nutrition, stress and mental health, health visits and

same recommendation but really

screenings, and substance use disorder. These programs were designed by Population

looking at what’s unique to that area

Health colleagues at KUSM-W led by Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, professor, and

and population,” Totten says.

team members Amanda Aguila-Gonzalez, Ph.D., MPH, and Allison Honn, MBA. Totten is still learning what the There is more collaboration with clinics and community service organizations to

CMO role entails, with duties that mix

improve communication between physicians and their patients. Community members

policy, preparedness and consulting

are receiving state-certified training to contribute to an entry-level mental health

on individual medical cases or

workforce. The community at large is receiving detailed information to improve mental

potential disease outbreaks.

health literacy, using campaigns and short videos in multiple languages that provide tools and resources addressing the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses.

“I jump in when there’s a medical question, like an odd tuberculosis

Ablah and her team will continue to address attitudes and behaviors to empower

case they need advice on. Or

people to be successful and achieve their goals.

consulting on policy questions on family planning,” Totten says.

Mark Calvin, site director at Haysville Learning

“I’m someone with a rural health

Cafe, includes what he learned during the

background, and one of my biggest

community mental health training sponsored

by Facts Not Fear ICT to help advise Kathleen Faber on potential career courses.

ENGAGEMENT

Allison Honn, MBA, program manager Population Health

honors is to bring that perspective to the conversation.”

17

Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., M.S. associate professor Population Health

While new grant opportunities are allowing KU School of Medicine-Wichita Associate Professor of Population Health Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., M.S., to expand research methods, the real catalyst behind her work is finding innovative and user-friendly options to help improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities.

“When I was writing this grant, I thought

of Health fellowship at the University of

development grants, according to the NIH,

of how this could have helped my aunt

Michigan, Ann Arbor, has had a longtime

is to provide financial support that allows

who died from complications from

interest in researching health disparities.

the researcher to have dedicated time to

diabetes,” Redmond said about creating

engage mentors and further develop their

an online and easily accessible resource

She has extensive experience conducting

research skills and experience. In Redmond’s

for diabetes self-management. “I could see

program evaluations for community-based

case, she initially sought out Tracie Collins,

her getting on her computer, using this

and local government organizations along

M.D., MPH, MHCDS, who was chair of the

information and really trying to figure out

with expertise in developing and designing

Department of Preventive Medicine &

how to manage her diabetes.”

community-based research projects.

Public Health. After Collins’ departure from KUSM-Wichita in 2019, Nicole Nollen,

may help address preventable differences in health outcomes.

The eDECIDE portal for diabetes

“She’s amazing in what she does,” said

Ph.D., from KU Medical Center in Kansas

self-management, found at edecide.org,

Joyea Marshall-Crowley, a program

City became Redmond’s mentor.

is one of two digital health interventions

director with the Kansas Breastfeeding

that Redmond has undertaken in the past

Coalition and founder of the Wichita Black

To dive into developing her digital

few years. In spring 2024, she started

Breastfeeding Coalition. “She’s making a

intervention skills, Redmond worked with

collecting survey data to create a music

huge mark in representation and improving

Barbara Chaparro, Ph.D., a human factors

therapy intervention program to help

health care and that’s important.”

professor with expertise in user

reduce every day and situational stressors In 2018, Redmond received a five-year

websites. Chaparro had run a usability

career development award of more than

research lab at Wichita State before

While anyone can end up having

$500,000 from the National Heart, Lung

leaving for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

complications from diabetes or a stressful

and Blood Institute. The purpose of career

University in 2017.

among pregnant and postpartum women.

eDECIDE

pregnancy, statistics show that non-white populations often encounter more

KUSM-W

challenges, with many of them coming from outside influences — known as social determinants of health — that have led to

2:25

experiences ranging from gadgets to

3:40

You want to create interventions

disparities or gaps in health care.

that can help people and improve

Applying new skills

their lives. With digital interventions,

Redmond, who earned her doctorate in community psychology from Wichita State University in 2006 and completed a

perhaps we can reach more people.

— Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., M.S., associate professor

three-year postdoctoral National Institutes

18

19

Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., M.S. associate professor Population Health

While new grant opportunities are allowing KU School of Medicine-Wichita Associate Professor of Population Health Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., M.S., to expand research methods, the real catalyst behind her work is finding innovative and user-friendly options to help improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities.

“When I was writing this grant, I thought

of Health fellowship at the University of

development grants, according to the NIH,

of how this could have helped my aunt

Michigan, Ann Arbor, has had a longtime

is to provide financial support that allows

who died from complications from

interest in researching health disparities.

the researcher to have dedicated time to

diabetes,” Redmond said about creating

engage mentors and further develop their

an online and easily accessible resource

She has extensive experience conducting

research skills and experience. In Redmond’s

for diabetes self-management. “I could see

program evaluations for community-based

case, she initially sought out Tracie Collins,

her getting on her computer, using this

and local government organizations along

M.D., MPH, MHCDS, who was chair of the

information and really trying to figure out

with expertise in developing and designing

Department of Preventive Medicine &

how to manage her diabetes.”

community-based research projects.

Public Health. After Collins’ departure from KUSM-Wichita in 2019, Nicole Nollen,

may help address preventable differences in health outcomes.

The eDECIDE portal for diabetes

“She’s amazing in what she does,” said

Ph.D., from KU Medical Center in Kansas

self-management, found at edecide.org,

Joyea Marshall-Crowley, a program

City became Redmond’s mentor.

is one of two digital health interventions

director with the Kansas Breastfeeding

that Redmond has undertaken in the past

Coalition and founder of the Wichita Black

To dive into developing her digital

few years. In spring 2024, she started

Breastfeeding Coalition. “She’s making a

intervention skills, Redmond worked with

collecting survey data to create a music

huge mark in representation and improving

Barbara Chaparro, Ph.D., a human factors

therapy intervention program to help

health care and that’s important.”

professor with expertise in user

reduce every day and situational stressors In 2018, Redmond received a five-year

websites. Chaparro had run a usability

career development award of more than

research lab at Wichita State before

While anyone can end up having

$500,000 from the National Heart, Lung

leaving for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

complications from diabetes or a stressful

and Blood Institute. The purpose of career

University in 2017.

among pregnant and postpartum women.

eDECIDE

pregnancy, statistics show that non-white populations often encounter more

KUSM-W

challenges, with many of them coming from outside influences — known as social determinants of health — that have led to

2:25

experiences ranging from gadgets to

3:40

You want to create interventions

disparities or gaps in health care.

that can help people and improve

Applying new skills

their lives. With digital interventions,

Redmond, who earned her doctorate in community psychology from Wichita State University in 2006 and completed a

perhaps we can reach more people.

— Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., M.S., associate professor

three-year postdoctoral National Institutes

18

19

MSCR FEATURE

There’s a body of research that indicates music has therapeutic effects that help relieve pain, reduce

those are working, and if they were to use

annual report on infant mortality since it’s

music to reduce everyday stressors, how

an indicator of community health. The rate

would they want that intervention delivered

Paul Ndunda, M.D., MSCR, has always

has remained at least 2.5 to 3 times that of

(i.e. through a music app or self-generated

been fascinated by the interaction

non-Hispanic white births for most years

playlists or already-curated playlists).

between social determinants of health

from 2002 to 2021, the latest report said.

stress and improve one’s sense of well-being.

and cardiovascular disease. His interest

In 2021, the rate for non-Hispanic Black

For this study, funded by an internal grant

grew as he cared for underprivileged

infants was 13.6 deaths per 1,000 births,

from Frontiers Clinical & Translational

patients with rheumatic heart disease in

well above the 4.5 rate among

Science Institute at KU, Redmond is

rural Kenya and witnessed a growing

non-Hispanic white births and 5.2 rate

collaborating with Rebecca Lepping, Ph.D.,

coronary artery disease epidemic in

among Hispanic births.

an assistant professor of neurology with

more affluent Nairobi. “My mother’s

A portal for diabetes self-management

Type 2 diabetes, according to the

Soothing sounds

KU’s Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center,

complete heart block needing

According to May 2024 numbers posted on

eDECIDE website. DECIDE® stands for

There’s a growing body of research that

About half of the women in Redmond’s

and Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, Ph.D.,

emergency pacemaker implantation

the Centers for Disease Control and

Decision-Making Education for Choices

indicates music has therapeutic effects,

current study are African American

MT-BC, an associate professor of music

during my residency cemented my

Prevention’s National Diabetes Statistics

in Diabetes Everyday.

including releasing endorphins—hormones

women while the remaining half include

therapy and music education with KU.

desire to pursue cardiology.”

that help relieve pain, reduce stress and

Hispanic and white women.

The three met at a Kansas Birth Equity

Report website, 38.4 million Americans of all ages, or 11.6% of the population, have

Most interventions that help those with

improve one’s sense of well-being.

Network meeting.

“KU provided the perfect opportunity to do what I love, caring for critically ill

Participants were asked open-ended

diabetes; about 95% of those diagnosed

diabetes learn problem-solving skills to

have Type 2 diabetes.

manage their disease tend to be done in

Stress during pregnancy can lead to

questions about whether they experience

Once Redmond and her research team have

patients, working with medical

group or one-on-one settings.

unhealthy outcomes for mom and baby,

discrimination (i.e. what forms and

compiled data from the survey responses,

students and residents, and conducting

including low birth weight or even worse.

frequency), what coping strategies they use

they will apply for additional funding to

research while pursuing the MSCR

for relieving stress and tension and how

create and test the pilot intervention.

program,” he says.

Diabetes, caused by the body’s inability to either produce or use its own insulin effectively,

With eDECIDE, an adult with diabetes can

is also a deadly disease; the CDC says it’s the

have access right at their fingertips. The

“Currently there’s not a lot of literature out

seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

program includes sessions on topics such

there around interventions during

as managing stress, increasing physical

pregnancy, particularly for African

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious

activity, staying compliant with medications

American women,” Redmond said. “We’re

health complications, including heart disease,

and even talking to one’s provider.

interested in African American women

amputation and kidney failure.

Ndunda says the MSCR program eDECIDE

eating a healthier diet, doing more physical

researcher and leader by broadening his understanding of population health,

20

Feedback from the current participants in

statistics and research methods. This

maternal morbidity and mortality rates.”

and her research team determine how to

A study of maternal death rates for

further tweak and improve the site.

1999-2019, published in 2023 in the

enabled him to critically appraise

100

eDECIDE’s pilot study is helping Redmond In many cases, behavioral changes like

empowered him as a clinician,

Program

because of the high infant mortality and

stroke, blindness, diabetic neuropathy,

00:20

evidence in clinical practice, take a 01:00

broader view in the care of his patients and efficiently develop and execute

Of the 100 participants 20 have completed the program.

activity and applying better diabetic

Journal of the American Medical

self-management skills can help improve

“What really excites me is the

Association, showed Kansas has

one’s quality of life.

opportunity to provide an additional tool

consistently high maternal mortality rates

“Clinical research is very rewarding and

to people who need to manage their

among African American mothers,

gives me the opportunity to make an

diabetes,” Redmond said.

especially when compared to rates among

impact on personal and global levels.

all other women in the state.

I love the fact of adding to the body of

That’s where eDECIDE can help, Redmond said. Adapted from a traditional and successful intervention program initially

20

MSCR: A big step toward cardiology

and Environment, which publishes an

research plans.

knowledge of cardiovascular medicine,

About 20 of the 100 screened participants

created by a Johns Hopkins researcher for

have enrolled or have completed the

The state also has had a consistently

African Americans in the Boston area,

eDECIDe program. At least one participant

higher infant mortality rate among

eDECIDE is one of the first web-based

has indicated they’ve lost weight through

non-Hispanic Black babies, according to

platforms that can help adults manage their

using the techniques in the program.

the Kansas Department of Health

and contributing to something that will outlive us,” he says.

21

MSCR FEATURE

There’s a body of research that indicates music has therapeutic effects that help relieve pain, reduce

those are working, and if they were to use

annual report on infant mortality since it’s

music to reduce everyday stressors, how

an indicator of community health. The rate

would they want that intervention delivered

Paul Ndunda, M.D., MSCR, has always

has remained at least 2.5 to 3 times that of

(i.e. through a music app or self-generated

been fascinated by the interaction

non-Hispanic white births for most years

playlists or already-curated playlists).

between social determinants of health

from 2002 to 2021, the latest report said.

stress and improve one’s sense of well-being.

and cardiovascular disease. His interest

In 2021, the rate for non-Hispanic Black

For this study, funded by an internal grant

grew as he cared for underprivileged

infants was 13.6 deaths per 1,000 births,

from Frontiers Clinical & Translational

patients with rheumatic heart disease in

well above the 4.5 rate among

Science Institute at KU, Redmond is

rural Kenya and witnessed a growing

non-Hispanic white births and 5.2 rate

collaborating with Rebecca Lepping, Ph.D.,

coronary artery disease epidemic in

among Hispanic births.

an assistant professor of neurology with

more affluent Nairobi. “My mother’s

A portal for diabetes self-management

Type 2 diabetes, according to the

Soothing sounds

KU’s Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center,

complete heart block needing

According to May 2024 numbers posted on

eDECIDE website. DECIDE® stands for

There’s a growing body of research that

About half of the women in Redmond’s

and Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, Ph.D.,

emergency pacemaker implantation

the Centers for Disease Control and

Decision-Making Education for Choices

indicates music has therapeutic effects,

current study are African American

MT-BC, an associate professor of music

during my residency cemented my

Prevention’s National Diabetes Statistics

in Diabetes Everyday.

including releasing endorphins—hormones

women while the remaining half include

therapy and music education with KU.

desire to pursue cardiology.”

that help relieve pain, reduce stress and

Hispanic and white women.

The three met at a Kansas Birth Equity

Report website, 38.4 million Americans of all ages, or 11.6% of the population, have

Most interventions that help those with

improve one’s sense of well-being.

Network meeting.

“KU provided the perfect opportunity to do what I love, caring for critically ill

Participants were asked open-ended

diabetes; about 95% of those diagnosed

diabetes learn problem-solving skills to

have Type 2 diabetes.

manage their disease tend to be done in

Stress during pregnancy can lead to

questions about whether they experience

Once Redmond and her research team have

patients, working with medical

group or one-on-one settings.

unhealthy outcomes for mom and baby,

discrimination (i.e. what forms and

compiled data from the survey responses,

students and residents, and conducting

including low birth weight or even worse.

frequency), what coping strategies they use

they will apply for additional funding to

research while pursuing the MSCR

for relieving stress and tension and how

create and test the pilot intervention.

program,” he says.

Diabetes, caused by the body’s inability to either produce or use its own insulin effectively,

With eDECIDE, an adult with diabetes can

is also a deadly disease; the CDC says it’s the

have access right at their fingertips. The

“Currently there’s not a lot of literature out

seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

program includes sessions on topics such

there around interventions during

as managing stress, increasing physical

pregnancy, particularly for African

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious

activity, staying compliant with medications

American women,” Redmond said. “We’re

health complications, including heart disease,

and even talking to one’s provider.

interested in African American women

amputation and kidney failure.

Ndunda says the MSCR program eDECIDE

eating a healthier diet, doing more physical

researcher and leader by broadening his understanding of population health,

20

Feedback from the current participants in

statistics and research methods. This

maternal morbidity and mortality rates.”

and her research team determine how to

A study of maternal death rates for

further tweak and improve the site.

1999-2019, published in 2023 in the

enabled him to critically appraise

100

eDECIDE’s pilot study is helping Redmond In many cases, behavioral changes like

empowered him as a clinician,

Program

because of the high infant mortality and

stroke, blindness, diabetic neuropathy,

00:20

evidence in clinical practice, take a 01:00

broader view in the care of his patients and efficiently develop and execute

Of the 100 participants 20 have completed the program.

activity and applying better diabetic

Journal of the American Medical

self-management skills can help improve

“What really excites me is the

Association, showed Kansas has

one’s quality of life.

opportunity to provide an additional tool

consistently high maternal mortality rates

“Clinical research is very rewarding and

to people who need to manage their

among African American mothers,

gives me the opportunity to make an

diabetes,” Redmond said.

especially when compared to rates among

impact on personal and global levels.

all other women in the state.

I love the fact of adding to the body of

That’s where eDECIDE can help, Redmond said. Adapted from a traditional and successful intervention program initially

20

MSCR: A big step toward cardiology

and Environment, which publishes an

research plans.

knowledge of cardiovascular medicine,

About 20 of the 100 screened participants

created by a Johns Hopkins researcher for

have enrolled or have completed the

The state also has had a consistently

African Americans in the Boston area,

eDECIDe program. At least one participant

higher infant mortality rate among

eDECIDE is one of the first web-based

has indicated they’ve lost weight through

non-Hispanic Black babies, according to

platforms that can help adults manage their

using the techniques in the program.

the Kansas Department of Health

and contributing to something that will outlive us,” he says.

21

Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A., education assistant professor MPH director Population Health

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic — which brought increased

attention to the importance of public health — new education pathways were created within the KU Medical Center public health degree program: an online Master of Public Health degree option and three graduate certificates.

And there could be more to come.

The Department of Population Health is

competencies for a Dr.PH program,

“If you look back over the last few years,

schools determine their own approach in

you see academic medical centers —

crafting the degree program.

meaning medical schools and their

exploring offering the Doctor of Public

affiliated health systems — around the

Health. The Dr.PH is an advanced terminal

country creating departments or divisions

professional degree that prepares public

“While we’ll look at best practices,

of population health within medical

health professionals for leadership roles

the guiding star will be what

schools,” Lee said, citing numbers from an

and emphasizes fieldwork and practice, in

works best for Kansas.”

organization he leads, the Population

contrast to a Doctor of Philosophy degree

— Melissa Armstrong, assistant professor

Health Leaders in Academic Medicine.

which focuses on advancing research.

Statistics from PHLAM, an affiliate of the Association of American Medical Colleges,

“Our alumni want it, our community wants

show a quadrupling in the number of

it and we want it,” said Melissa Armstrong,

“Because Kansas and much of the region

population health departments or divisions

the longtime site director for the Master

don’t have access to this terminal

within medical schools, going from only

of Public Health degree program at KU

professional degree program, we want to

11 in 2016 to well over 40 in 2022.

School of Medicine-Wichita.

make sure that what we offer will be the most pertinent to public health practice,”

The department is creating an advisory

said Simon Craddock Lee, Ph.D., MPH,

group of faculty and MPH alumni to help

who became chair of the Department of

strategize and make recommendations

Population Health at KU School of

for a Dr.PH program at KUMC.

Medicine in 2022.

That move is the first step in the lengthy

Currently, the nearest Dr.PH programs in the

process of starting a new degree

region are at the University of Colorado

program, which involves designing a

and the University of Nebraska while none

curriculum with courses focused on

exist in Missouri, Oklahoma or Iowa.

“This has been a deliberate effort on the part of medical schools to attend to public health issues and to integrate the role of medicine in efforts to address social determinants of health but not lose the tie to the health systems where our clinicians practice.”

— Simon Craddock Lee, chair

enhancing the skills of mid-career

22

professionals. It can take more than two

Ahead of its time

years of review to gain final approval

When the University of Kansas moved to

The mission of both the medical school

from the Kansas Board of Regents.

create the Department of Population

and the population health department

Health in 2019 by integrating two existing

has been tied to improving the health of

It would also need accreditation by the

departments within its medical school, it

Kansans, whether it be to provide doctors

Council on Education for Public

was making a strategic decision with an

or strengthen public health programs

Education. While the CEPH sets core

eye to the future.

across the state.

23

Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A., education assistant professor MPH director Population Health

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic — which brought increased

attention to the importance of public health — new education pathways were created within the KU Medical Center public health degree program: an online Master of Public Health degree option and three graduate certificates.

And there could be more to come.

The Department of Population Health is

competencies for a Dr.PH program,

“If you look back over the last few years,

schools determine their own approach in

you see academic medical centers —

crafting the degree program.

meaning medical schools and their

exploring offering the Doctor of Public

affiliated health systems — around the

Health. The Dr.PH is an advanced terminal

country creating departments or divisions

professional degree that prepares public

“While we’ll look at best practices,

of population health within medical

health professionals for leadership roles

the guiding star will be what

schools,” Lee said, citing numbers from an

and emphasizes fieldwork and practice, in

works best for Kansas.”

organization he leads, the Population

contrast to a Doctor of Philosophy degree

— Melissa Armstrong, assistant professor

Health Leaders in Academic Medicine.

which focuses on advancing research.

Statistics from PHLAM, an affiliate of the Association of American Medical Colleges,

“Our alumni want it, our community wants

show a quadrupling in the number of

it and we want it,” said Melissa Armstrong,

“Because Kansas and much of the region

population health departments or divisions

the longtime site director for the Master

don’t have access to this terminal

within medical schools, going from only

of Public Health degree program at KU

professional degree program, we want to

11 in 2016 to well over 40 in 2022.

School of Medicine-Wichita.

make sure that what we offer will be the most pertinent to public health practice,”

The department is creating an advisory

said Simon Craddock Lee, Ph.D., MPH,

group of faculty and MPH alumni to help

who became chair of the Department of

strategize and make recommendations

Population Health at KU School of

for a Dr.PH program at KUMC.

Medicine in 2022.

That move is the first step in the lengthy

Currently, the nearest Dr.PH programs in the

process of starting a new degree

region are at the University of Colorado

program, which involves designing a

and the University of Nebraska while none

curriculum with courses focused on

exist in Missouri, Oklahoma or Iowa.

“This has been a deliberate effort on the part of medical schools to attend to public health issues and to integrate the role of medicine in efforts to address social determinants of health but not lose the tie to the health systems where our clinicians practice.”

— Simon Craddock Lee, chair

enhancing the skills of mid-career

22

professionals. It can take more than two

Ahead of its time

years of review to gain final approval

When the University of Kansas moved to

The mission of both the medical school

from the Kansas Board of Regents.

create the Department of Population

and the population health department

Health in 2019 by integrating two existing

has been tied to improving the health of

It would also need accreditation by the

departments within its medical school, it

Kansans, whether it be to provide doctors

Council on Education for Public

was making a strategic decision with an

or strengthen public health programs

Education. While the CEPH sets core

eye to the future.

across the state.

23

“It’s a wonderfully complementary

Simon Craddock Lee, Ph.D., MPH, chair Population Health

degree to the M.D.,” Armstrong said. “The MPH allows (the practitioner) to think about patient issues, whether those are health

“We had several adult

“One of the things I find so exciting about

Armstrong said. “We showed we could

learners who wanted

the MPH program here at KUMC is how …

do that successfully during the

(our alumni) are really concerned about

pandemic, so we decided to continue this

the health and health care in their

new modality while still serving our

communities and they want to stay in

campus-based students.”

to retrain, further

care or mental health issues, in a population-based manner.”

As Kipchoge Vanhoose looks to a bright future, he acknowledges financial aid helped make it possible After completing his degree in the Master of Public Health program earlier this year, Kipchoge Vanhoose has landed a position where he’s convinced he

educate themselves

Kansas,” Lee said. “So, we have a responsibility to build the skill sets of

The online generalist MPH degree option

At the same time it rolled out the online

or switch over to

people who are going to serve our state.”

was rolled out in September 2021. About

MPH degree option, KUMC’s Department

15 of KUMC’s 75 MPH students are taking

of Population Health also launched three

“I just want to be of help to as many people as possible,” says Vanhoose, 25,

public health.”

That’s why it’s been important for the

advantage of earning their degree fully

new 12-hour certificate programs in

who will be a health educator with the Fairfield, Ohio, County Health

department to identify new opportunities

online, Armstrong said.

epidemiology, essentials of public health,

Department. “I see this as a chance to further my knowledge while being able

and public health practice, policy and

to engage with, assess and evaluate health education programs.”

—Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A., education assistant professor MPH director

to reach adult learners as it has done in recent years, he said.

Of the remaining students, about 35 are

management.

can make a difference. That was crucial to his job hunt.

enrolled in the MPH program through the

Each certificate consists of four

Vanhoose’s educational journey at the University of Kansas School of

“We want to make sure Kansans who want

Kansas City campus and about 20 are

required courses and can be completed

Medicine-Wichita wasn’t easy, financially. For one, he shoulders a lot of the

to promote and work in public health have

enrolled through the Wichita campus.

in two semesters.

responsibility for caring for family members. He also didn’t anticipate some of the expenses related to his research and internship. But with assistance from

an opportunity to get that education Being able to offer the MPH degree online

“For some people, an added credential can

the Lawrence A. Weller Family Research Fund, Vanhoose was able to

has helped meet a slight uptick in student

open up a new career path without having

surmount those challenges.

Going online

demand for MPH degrees following the

to complete a full degree,” Armstrong said.

While the MPH program included online

pandemic, said Armstrong.

through accredited programs,” Lee said.

“The scholarship presented itself at an especially To date, 14 students have completed

difficult time for me and provided the assistance

online-only class instruction during the

The online degree option also has the

at least one of the certificate programs

that allowed me to focus on my internship and

pandemic lockdown brought a new

potential to appeal to another important

with some students opting to complete

capstone,” he says. “I saw financial aid as a way to

pathway for the MPH degree.

demographic: rural physicians. For

two at the same time. Currently, there are

bet on myself and help generate the confidence and drive I needed to complete my degree.”

class options before COVID-19, the pivot to

example, if a physician has several patients

15 active students in these graduate

“Because we have a rural population in

who are dealing with a similar issue, the

certificate programs.

Kansas, I had been saying we needed to

competencies they’ve gained from an MPH

have a fully online degree option,”

degree could help in implementing

By expanding its educational offerings in

of Population Health, is one of Vanhoose’s strongest advocates.

effective, evidence-based interventions to

public health and continuing to do

She, too, is thankful for the financial aid that allowed

reach more patients at one time,

relevant research, the Department of

him to pursue his educational goals.

Armstrong said. The MPH also positions

Population Health is showing its

clinicians to better partner with

commitment to improving the health of

“He’s so extremely bright and curious,” says

community-based organizations and state

Kansas citizens and in training the health

Ablah, who has encouraged Vanhoose to earn

and local government agencies.

care workforce, Lee said.

a doctoral degree next. “He loves evaluating

Adding credentials

“As much as our faculty are engaged in

effective, and there are loads of public health

The pandemic also identified another way

advancing the science of population health

roles where that is so important.”

the department could capitalize on its track

through research at multiple levels across

record of working with adult learners: by

multiple communities and settings, we all

Down the road, Vanhoose has another big

providing shorter-term certificate programs

feel a sense of responsibility to equip the

passion — to hold elective office so he can

focused on specific topics and skill sets

next generation of professionals in

make as big an impact as possible in the field

within public health.

evidence-based practice,” he said.

of population health.

Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, professor in the Department

programs to help determine whether they are

24

“It’s a wonderfully complementary

Simon Craddock Lee, Ph.D., MPH, chair Population Health

degree to the M.D.,” Armstrong said. “The MPH allows (the practitioner) to think about patient issues, whether those are health

“We had several adult

“One of the things I find so exciting about

Armstrong said. “We showed we could

learners who wanted

the MPH program here at KUMC is how …

do that successfully during the

(our alumni) are really concerned about

pandemic, so we decided to continue this

the health and health care in their

new modality while still serving our

communities and they want to stay in

campus-based students.”

to retrain, further

care or mental health issues, in a population-based manner.”

As Kipchoge Vanhoose looks to a bright future, he acknowledges financial aid helped make it possible After completing his degree in the Master of Public Health program earlier this year, Kipchoge Vanhoose has landed a position where he’s convinced he

educate themselves

Kansas,” Lee said. “So, we have a responsibility to build the skill sets of

The online generalist MPH degree option

At the same time it rolled out the online

or switch over to

people who are going to serve our state.”

was rolled out in September 2021. About

MPH degree option, KUMC’s Department

15 of KUMC’s 75 MPH students are taking

of Population Health also launched three

“I just want to be of help to as many people as possible,” says Vanhoose, 25,

public health.”

That’s why it’s been important for the

advantage of earning their degree fully

new 12-hour certificate programs in

who will be a health educator with the Fairfield, Ohio, County Health

department to identify new opportunities

online, Armstrong said.

epidemiology, essentials of public health,

Department. “I see this as a chance to further my knowledge while being able

and public health practice, policy and

to engage with, assess and evaluate health education programs.”

—Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A., education assistant professor MPH director

to reach adult learners as it has done in recent years, he said.

Of the remaining students, about 35 are

management.

can make a difference. That was crucial to his job hunt.

enrolled in the MPH program through the

Each certificate consists of four

Vanhoose’s educational journey at the University of Kansas School of

“We want to make sure Kansans who want

Kansas City campus and about 20 are

required courses and can be completed

Medicine-Wichita wasn’t easy, financially. For one, he shoulders a lot of the

to promote and work in public health have

enrolled through the Wichita campus.

in two semesters.

responsibility for caring for family members. He also didn’t anticipate some of the expenses related to his research and internship. But with assistance from

an opportunity to get that education Being able to offer the MPH degree online

“For some people, an added credential can

the Lawrence A. Weller Family Research Fund, Vanhoose was able to

has helped meet a slight uptick in student

open up a new career path without having

surmount those challenges.

Going online

demand for MPH degrees following the

to complete a full degree,” Armstrong said.

While the MPH program included online

pandemic, said Armstrong.

through accredited programs,” Lee said.

“The scholarship presented itself at an especially To date, 14 students have completed

difficult time for me and provided the assistance

online-only class instruction during the

The online degree option also has the

at least one of the certificate programs

that allowed me to focus on my internship and

pandemic lockdown brought a new

potential to appeal to another important

with some students opting to complete

capstone,” he says. “I saw financial aid as a way to

pathway for the MPH degree.

demographic: rural physicians. For

two at the same time. Currently, there are

bet on myself and help generate the confidence and drive I needed to complete my degree.”

class options before COVID-19, the pivot to

example, if a physician has several patients

15 active students in these graduate

“Because we have a rural population in

who are dealing with a similar issue, the

certificate programs.

Kansas, I had been saying we needed to

competencies they’ve gained from an MPH

have a fully online degree option,”

degree could help in implementing

By expanding its educational offerings in

of Population Health, is one of Vanhoose’s strongest advocates.

effective, evidence-based interventions to

public health and continuing to do

She, too, is thankful for the financial aid that allowed

reach more patients at one time,

relevant research, the Department of

him to pursue his educational goals.

Armstrong said. The MPH also positions

Population Health is showing its

clinicians to better partner with

commitment to improving the health of

“He’s so extremely bright and curious,” says

community-based organizations and state

Kansas citizens and in training the health

Ablah, who has encouraged Vanhoose to earn

and local government agencies.

care workforce, Lee said.

a doctoral degree next. “He loves evaluating

Adding credentials

“As much as our faculty are engaged in

effective, and there are loads of public health

The pandemic also identified another way

advancing the science of population health

roles where that is so important.”

the department could capitalize on its track

through research at multiple levels across

record of working with adult learners: by

multiple communities and settings, we all

Down the road, Vanhoose has another big

providing shorter-term certificate programs

feel a sense of responsibility to equip the

passion — to hold elective office so he can

focused on specific topics and skill sets

next generation of professionals in

make as big an impact as possible in the field

within public health.

evidence-based practice,” he said.

of population health.

Elizabeth Ablah, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, professor in the Department

programs to help determine whether they are

24

A HEALTHY KANSAS STARTS HERE

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A HEALTHY KANSAS STARTS HERE

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