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.

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.

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.

Jenny Johnson is a lifelong nonsmoker living with stage 4 lung cancer. She's turned her diagnosis into advocacy—raising awareness about screening, treatment advances and hope for others.

Diagnosed just months after childbirth, Kat Robertson reflects on treatment, motherhood, and moving forward with gratitude.

Doctors explain stress-induced cardiomyopathy, symptoms, and who is most at risk.