Saint Luke's Wound Care Specialists

01/20/2024

When it’s too cold and snowy to go to the gym, Dr. Chadwick Byle, a Saint Luke’s sports medicine physician, highly recommends doing yoga at home for exercise.

“Yoga is a great way to work on strength and flexibility, and it can be done in your living room,” said Dr. Byle. “There are many apps to stream yoga class videos for free.”

Once the weather warms up, come do yoga with us at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 17, sponsored by Saint Luke's Health System. Get tickets now: https://bit.ly/424iiVF

01/19/2024

This year, Saint Luke's is celebrating 135 years of maternity care. While the most popular baby names have changed over the years, our dedicated team remains committed to providing innovative, high-quality care to generations of families.

From classics to trending choices, here are the top baby names from 1889 versus 2023. Do you see your name or your child's?

01/18/2024

This past week, hospitals across Kansas City have seen numerous patients affected by the bitter cold. Dr. Aaron Kaus, a Saint Luke's emergency medicine physician, warns that too much time outside can trigger existing health issues.

Check out the full story from KCTV5 News Kansas City: https://bit.ly/3vHQQAP

KCTV talked to Dr. Aaron Kaus about how the extreme cold can trigger other existing health issues.

01/18/2024

Three was the magic number in 2022 when Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City NICU cared for not one, not two, but THREE sets of triplets all at once. 👶 👶 👶

This is a testament to the exceptional care and expertise that our Level III NICU provides to every newborn requiring advanced care. We couldn't be more grateful for our dedicated staff and the trust our community has placed in Saint Luke's to deliver their babies for 135 years.

01/17/2024

Rachel, a nurse at Saint Luke's East Hospital. says her relationship with Saint Luke's has come full circle. She was born at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City and has now worked at Saint Luke's for three and a half years.

"I chose Saint Luke's because I was hospitalized in high school for pneumonia and was amazed by the care I was provided," said Rachel. "It inspired me to be a nurse, and then in college I fell in love with obstetrics and wanted to be a part of the Labor and Delivery team." 💙

01/16/2024

"Saint Luke's has always been the choice for care in our family for as long as I can remember."

Tiffany is a clinical resource nurse in the NICU at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. Tiffany was born at Saint Luke's Hospital and has also delivered all four of her children at Saint Luke's—one of which now also works at Saint Luke's as a clinical student intern!

"My mom worked as a nurse in the NICU when my kids were born. When I became a nurse, I immediately knew this was where I belonged," said Tiffany. "My youngest daughter is currently in nursing school and plans to begin her nursing career at Saint Luke's, too—the tradition continues!" 💙

01/15/2024

Bishop Spencer Place residents have a treasure trove of memories from history. They shared with us what they remember about the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his powerful impact on civil rights.

Today, on what would have been his 95th birthday, we honor his legacy and dream.

01/14/2024

Bret is one of the newest graduates of Saint Luke's Intentional Leadership program. As the coordinator for Saint Luke's adult congenital heart disease program, she pursued the curriculum to advance her career and achieve her goals.

Intentional Leadership is a six-month program designed to introduce foundational leadership skills and give Saint Luke's employees an opportunity to develop internal networks, apply leadership skills, and gain project experience.

"I wanted to enhance my communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills," said Bret. "This program gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself. Saint Luke's offers resources I had no idea were out there that encourage the development of your career."

Congratulations to Bret and all of our Intentional Leadership graduates! 💙

01/13/2024

Tonight's playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium will be played with frigid temperatures in the single digits.

Dr. Marc Larsen, a Saint Luke's emergency medicine physician, tells KCTV5 News Kansas City how to stay warm and avoid frostbite: https://bit.ly/41Th2Vb

KCTV talked to Dr. Marc Larsen about how fans attending the game can prepare for withstanding the cold temperatures.

01/12/2024

Today is National Pharmacist Day, a day to celebrate the great work pharmacists do for their patients and communities! 💊

Ashley, a pharmacist in the medical surgical trauma ICU and pharmacy residency coordinator at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, says it was her high school chemistry teacher that encouraged her to look into pharmacy. After a rotation in a trauma ICU during pharmacy school, she knew she wanted to work in critical care pharmacy.

“I’m passionate about caring for every patient as if they were my own family member,” Ashley said. “I work each day to ensure that we provide each patient with the best medication therapy by prescribing a regimen that guarantees the best outcomes that minimizes cost and number of medications needed.”

Today and every day, we celebrate our pharmacists who work to deliver compassionate, expert care. 💙

01/12/2024

After receiving a life-changing neurological diagnosis, Juan and his significant other, Dominique, knew they didn’t want to wait any longer to get married.

Saint Luke’s staff got to work immediately to throw Juan and Dominique—and their families—a joyous celebration. From coordinating the ceremony to creating the wedding cake, decorating the room, and guaranteeing every part of the special event ran smoothly, staff showed up to ensure the newlyweds had a beautiful day to remember.

Congratulations to Juan and Dominique, and thank you to the staff who worked hard to make this happen! 💍

01/11/2024

In 2015, Saint Luke's East Hospital had a history-making week when they delivered six sets of twins within seven days. This memorable group, fondly referred to as the "Diaper Dozen," was a standout moment in Saint Luke's 135-year history of delivering babies.

They made national news as newborns, and now these babies are almost nine years old. They grow up so fast! 👶

01/10/2024

Amanda’s strength and positivity amaze everyone she meets.

In 2022, Amanda was in great pain and couldn't breathe. Physicians at Saint Luke's East Hospital Emergency Department discovered she had thousands of blood clots in her lungs. The interventional radiology team removed some of the clots to stabilize her, then she was quickly transferred to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City for more advanced treatment.

“Dr. Shepherd was very cognizant of how scared she was and was her advocate,” said Amanda’s mom, Missy. “She was afraid she wouldn't make it. It was one of the darkest times of our lives.”

An interventional radiologist used clot-busting drugs to dissolve the majority and catheters to remove the remaining blood clots. Amanda was diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder and will take blood thinners for the rest of her life.

Today, Amanda is a 23-year-old college student working toward becoming an elementary school teacher. She hasn't had any lung problems thanks to her medication and regular follow-up appointments. Her older brother was even inspired to apply to medical school after witnessing the care she received at Saint Luke's.

"I'm just really grateful that Saint Luke's was so determined to figure out what was wrong," said Amanda. "They made me feel very comfortable. I have a great family that helped me a lot too."

01/10/2024

Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute just reached another impressive milestone: Last month, cardiologist Dr. Kenneth Huber performed Saint Luke's 1,000th WATCHMAN™ device procedure. He implanted the first one in the region back in 2005.

WATCHMAN™ is a small, permanent implant device that is placed into the heart to help prevent blood clots from forming. It is intended to be an alternative to blood thinners for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm.

Dr. Huber was the principal investigator for the two pivotal WATCHMAN™ trials that led to the FDA approval in 2015. As a result, the Saint Luke's team is among the most experienced in the country.

Congratulations to Dr. Huber and the entire clinical team on this incredible achievement! 💙

01/09/2024

A grateful patient wrote a kind letter to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City's executive team about their recent stay in the hospital after a successful surgery. It read:

“I appreciate the kindness I felt throughout my time in the hospital and was impressed by the words of encouragement by those I passed while walking laps or who came into my room. Thank you to the teams in these areas I encountered in person, and of course all the support areas that I know are required to make the whole hospital operate. Personally, I would recommend Saint Luke’s to any family, friend, coworker, or neighbor.”

Jani Johnson, CEO of Saint Luke's Central Region, visited the patient's care team in person to share the letter with them and celebrate their incredible work. It warms our hearts to know when patients feel better in every way. 💙

01/09/2024

Kadie's been a fan of Saint Luke's since she was born.

A maternity and neonatal nurse manager at Saint Luke's North Hospital, she is one of our many employees who were born at Saint Luke's. She also delivered four of her own children at Saint Luke's.

Kadie has worked at Saint Luke's for seven years and chose to deliver here because she would have access to the highest levels of care.

"That reassurance gave me such peace of mind, especially as a maternal/neonatal nurse," said Kadie. "I've had so many family members over the years that have received care through Saint Luke's, and seeing their experiences affirmed my belief that this organization is an exceptional place to receive care. I love the work that Saint Luke's continues to do to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as everyone deserves a seat at the table, to feel seen, and be heard." 💙

01/08/2024

BJC Health System CEO Richard Liekweg is excited to welcome Saint Luke’s Health System to the BJC family.

As CEO, he leads executive teams focused on the newly expanded enterprise and our Eastern/BJC HealthCare and Western/Saint Luke’s regions.

Watch Rich's message:

01/06/2024

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod, vice president of research at Saint Luke's Health System, has been named the Scientific Breakthrough of the Year by Science Magazine.

The study revealed the popular weight loss drug semaglutide—commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy—is highly effective at treating heart failure in patients with obesity. The results of this study are likely to be a paradigm shift in treating these patients.

Watch the story on KMBC 9: https://bit.ly/3RAio2c

The study revealed the popular weight loss drug semaglutide — commonly known as Ozempic and Wegovy — is highly effective at treating heart failure in patients with obesity.

01/05/2024

While our expanded health care system means increased access to clinical trials and expert care across the state of Missouri, eastern Kansas and southern Illinois, your day-to-day experience as a patient will not change.

We answer some common questions from our community below.

BJC HealthCare

01/04/2024

The Journey of Courage and Hope retreat with Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer is a healing weekend getaway for those with metastatic breast cancer. It's a chance for patients and their loved ones to experience healing, renewal, and connection.

The retreat offers group discussion, yoga, massage, nature walks, and spiritual and emotional reflection on the journey of metastatic breast cancer. There are two retreats per year, one for couples and one for singles with a support person.

These meaningful events are made possible through generous grants from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. They also provide other tangible comfort items such as adorable beanies, yoga mats, bracelets, and Hope Kits.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/48qjdBI

01/04/2024

The first Saint Luke's babies of the new year are here! 😊 ❤️ Meet the newest and cutest Kansas Citians:

Ta'Marian (left) was born at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City on Jan. 1, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 18.5 in. long.

Out in Lee's Summit, Winter (top right) was born at Saint Luke's East Hospital on Jan. 1, weighing 6 lbs. 1.5 oz. and 19 in. long.

And in the Northland, Mia (bottom right) was born at Saint Luke's North Hospital on Jan. 1, weighing 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 in. long.

All three babies and their parents are doing well. 👶

01/03/2024

Saint Luke’s Health System officially joins BJC Health System this week, creating one of the largest workforces in Missouri and a premier destination for extraordinary care, medical innovation and community impact across Missouri, southern Illinois and eastern Kansas.

Here’s a glance at what our combined system looks like.

01/02/2024

Happy New Year! 🎉

We’re celebrating 2024 as the newest member of BJC Health System.

Together, we will continue to advance care, accelerate discovery, and increase community impact across Missouri, southern Illinois and eastern Kansas.

12/31/2023

Tomorrow, our partners at Midwest Transplant Network will have a float in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena adorned with roses. One of those rose vials is signed by Bobby Olm-Shipman, CEO of Saint Luke's East and South Region. 🌹

This rose is one of thousands on the float that will represent organ, eye, and tissue donors and their recipients. We appreciate Midwest Transplant Network for allowing Saint Luke’s to share our gratitude for our donor heroes.

12/30/2023

Arrow was the first Saint Luke's baby of 2023, born at Saint Luke's East Hospital at 2:24 a.m., weighing 7 lbs., 6 oz., and 20.5 in. long.

At Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, baby Abraham was the first newborn of the new year, arriving at 3:24 a.m. weighing 7 lbs., 14 oz., and 20.5 in. long.

As Arrow and Abraham are getting ready to celebrate their first birthdays, Saint Luke's expert maternity centers are ready to welcome our first babies of 2024!

12/29/2023

As we approach the start of a new year, you might be thinking about setting resolutions for 2024.

Megan Markey, PhD, a licensed psychologist at Saint Luke's, says the best way to set new goals is to start from a place of self-compassion. As you think about how you may want to grow in the new year, it's important to know and believe that you are already enough exactly as you are.

Watch our conversation with Dr. Markey to learn more about how your mental health can play a role in meeting your exercise and nutritional goals and what steps you can take to stick with your new year's resolutions long-term.

12/29/2023

2023 was a successful year in both cardiology and dance for Dr. Deepthi Vodnala, medical director of Saint Luke’s Cardio-Oncology program.

This fall, Dr. Vodnala performed her Kuchipudi Rangapravesam. Kuchipudi is one of the eight major Indian classical dances, and Rangapravesam means “ascending the stage" in Sanskrit, which describes a full-length solo dance performance. The performance requires several years to learn and master.

Dr. Vodnala says her experience as a dancer and physician go hand-in-hand.

"My dancing intertwines seamlessly with my medical expertise," said Dr. Vodnala. "It creates a unique blend of healing and artistry and embodies my belief that art has the power to heal not only the physical heart, but also the weary soul."

12/28/2023

One of our favorite moments of 2023 was the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII victory. 🏈🎉 For Catherine, an Advanced Practice Provider with Saint Luke's Cardiovascular Consultants, the game was a throwback to when she was a Chiefs cheerleader.

Catherine cheered with the Chiefs for seven years before she earned her nursing degree and Advanced Practice Provider license. In addition to providing patient care, she is also currently an Alumni Chiefs Cheer staff member, helping with game-day entertainment production.

"Both of my work environments require me to communicate in the 'field' well and provide folks from all walks of life with the best experience possible," she said. "It's a privilege to have the opportunity to be a cardiology provider with Saint Luke's and to continue my role with the Kansas City Chiefs."

Go Catherine (and Chiefs)!

12/27/2023

Murad, a patient who received care at Saint Luke's East Hospital, lives with a chronic condition that has required multiple hospital stays over the past 30 years. This holiday season, he wanted to show his gratitude for the great care he received this summer and thank the nurses and support staff who make the sacrifice of working over the holidays.

On Christmas Eve, Murad brought treats for the medical observation unit and decorated the staff courtyard with festive lights—but he didn't stop there. He also reached out to the Lee’s Summit Mayor’s Office and requested a proclamation declaring Christmas Eve as “Nurses Appreciation Day.”

FOX4 News Kansas City was there when Murad visited Saint Luke's East to present the official proclamation: https://bit.ly/48hQ4sQ

12/27/2023

As 2023 comes to an end, we're reflecting on some of our favorite moments from the past year. 💙

Saint Luke's East Hospital had quite the baby boom last year when 14 members of the NICU and Maternity teams were all expecting at the same time. In total, 16 team members gave birth between May 2022 and Feb. 2023. This year, we hosted a Baby Boom reunion! It was just as cute as you'd expect.