After a devastating plane crash, 29-year-old Michael Ribordy was left with severe injuries, including multiple open fractures in his right arm, facial fractures, a broken jaw, an orbital floor fracture and a broken foot. He was transferred to The University of Kansas Health System, the only Level 1 trauma center in the state, where a specialized team of surgeons worked to help put him back together. In this episode of The Morning Medical Update, Michael shares his recovery journey after the crash and what it took to heal from complex trauma. His care team explains how doctors treat severe facial injuries, open arm fractures, jaw fractures and trauma affecting multiple parts of the body. The conversation also covers trauma surgery, orthopedic hand surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery, bone healing, recovery after a high-impact accident, and what it may take for Michael to fly again.

After a serious 22-foot fall onto a cement pool deck, Brock Martin was rushed to The University of Kansas Health System with multiple traumatic injuries, including facial fractures, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, broken toes and a shattered kneecap. In this Morning Medical Update, Brock shares his trauma recovery journey alongside members of his care team, including ENT surgeon Dr. Omar Karadaghy and orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Archie Heddings. They explain what happens after a fall from a significant height, how doctors repair complex injuries, and what recovery can look like after multiple fractures, surgery and physical therapy. Brock's story is a powerful look at trauma care, orthopedic trauma surgery, facial fracture treatment, knee surgery, rehab and the long road back after a life-changing injury.

In this episode of The Morning Medical Update, The University of Kansas Health System shares how a chance conversation led Mark Scotch to make a life-changing decision: becoming a living kidney donor for a stranger. Nephrologist Dr. Jeff Kline and transplant surgeon Dr. Tim Schmitt to discuss the need for kidney donors, the living donor evaluation process, the kidney voucher program, and what recovery can look like after kidney donation.

A cardiac score is a quick heart screening detecting early signs of heart disease, even in people who feel completely healthy. In this episode, doctors from The University of Kansas Health System explain how a CardioScore test works, who should consider getting one, and why early detection can be so important. Cardiac score educator Kaye Ness joins us to explain what the test measures and how it helps identify risk for coronary artery disease. We also hear from Catherine Jacobson, whose story shows how one simple screening helped uncover a serious heart issue and changed the way she looks at her health. Additionally, Dr. Richard Korentager discusses Journavx. A new non-opioid pain relief option changing how doctors treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. The episode also highlights a special partnership with the Kansas City Current. Through the Goals for Heart initiative, every KC Current goal helps support access to cardiac scores for women, helping remove barriers to preventive heart care.

They've traveled the world together on mission trips, and locals even nicknamed them "The Sisters." Now, their bond is quite literally a part of one another. When Pastor Christine Potter learned her best friend Barb needed a kidney, she didn't just offer prayers—she offered a part of herself.

Kristin Crowley has a family history of breast cancer, and a genetic test shows she's BRCA 2 positive. She shares her journey through surgery and the complicated decisions she is making as a middle aged woman who is high risk.

Just weeks before her 40th birthday, Emily Schoeb's life changed in an instant—what started as sudden back pain led to a shocking diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. Driven by her love for her 10-year-old daughter, Emily faced chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and the realities of ongoing treatment with resilience and determination. Now, as she looks toward a clinical trial and the future.

Matt Larsen was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer that changed everything overnight. Instead of giving up, he committed to treatment and lifestyle changes. His determination shows how hope and modern medicine can work together.

Courtney Flannigan, a 34-year-old mother of two, faced a devastating cancer diagnosis. With support from specialists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, she began an aggressive treatment plan. Her courage inspires others facing similar battles.

Erin Kinsley never expected a melanoma diagnosis. Early detection helped doctors move quickly with treatment. Her story is a powerful reminder to watch for changes in your skin and get checked.