kch&s healthy kansas city 2016
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Kansas City Homes & Style presents a special section, Healthy Kansas City, showcasing physicians, medical practices and health services.TRANSCRIPT
WELCOME!4 Dickson-Diveley OrthopaedicsC. Lan Fotopoulos, M.D., an interventional physiatrist at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics,knows that injuries which compromise mobility deserve a common-sense approach thataddresses the many intricacies of injury with multi-faceted solutions. That’s the mindsettaken by Dr. Fotopoulos, who along with the team of professionals at Dickson-DiveleyOrthopaedics, work together for the most appropriate solutions for every patient.
10 Kansas Institute of MedicineCancer & Blood CenterKelley Young, M.D. and Rolando Breier, M.D. of the Kansas Institute of Medicine make thespecial effort to ensure their space is warm and intimate, making it easy for patients to feelat home. As the only community based hematology practice in the area, the KIM team isdedicated to making sure patients don’t have to choose between high-quality care andstaying within close proximity of their family and community support system.
16 Mirabile M.D.James Mirabile, M.D. has a unique practice, Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellnessoffers medical aesthetics, gynecology, hormone replacement therapy and medicallysupervised weight loss all under one roof! Their patients enjoy an entire supportive systemin a state-of-the-art facility. The clinic understands what women want and require at thevarious stages of their lives, while offering the most up-to-date treatments.
20 Midwest Gastroenterology CenterMarc K. Taormina, M.D., Wade McCullough, M.D. and Richard Lozoff, M.D. of MidwestGastroenterology are passionate about their practice and have the patient’s best interestin mind as their facility extends a non-clinical, welcoming and comforting environment.The physicians at Midwest Gastroenterology provide health, comfort, satisfaction and peaceof mind when it comes to gastroenterology.
9 Lynne Weilert CounselingLynne Weilert brings years of experience in the business world, having experiencedfirsthand many of the stressful life events facing her clients.
15 Searcy FinancialMichael J. Searcy is passionate about viewing his clients’ wealth from theirperspective, and helps them achieve success on their terms.
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 3
ach year, 50% of Americans over the age of 18 develop a musculoskeletal injury
that lasts longer than three months*. That’s around 108 million people each year,
and the numbers are on the rise. A more active lifestyle, an aging population, improved
survival rates after disease or injury, and an increase in the incidence of obesity all
contribute to the increased incidence of injury. Unfortunately, many of these incidents
result in a decreased mobility that seriously impacts the life of the sufferer.
One doctor, C. Lan Fotopoulos, a physiatrist with the highly respected Dickson-
Diveley Midwest Orthopaedic Clinic, believes that injuries that compromise mobility
deserve a common-sense approach that addresses the many intricacies of injury with
multi-faceted solutions.
Nothing sidelines a person more than a nagging physical injury, yet many still are
slow to take their injuries seriously, and assume that a “simple pain” is the same as
a simple injury. Still many others believe that physiatry, the branch of medicine that
diagnoses, treats, and manages disorders and injuries of the muscles, bones, and
nerves is reserved for hard core athletes or those who have some form of a seriously
debilitating injury.
4 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
C. Lan Fotopoulos, M.D.D I C K S O N - D I V E L E Y O R T H O P A E D I C S
3651 College Blvd Leawood, KS 66211
913.319.7600DD-Clinic.com
2 LOCATIONSSaint Luke’s Hospital CampusMedical Plaza Building 1, Ste 610,4321 Washington St., KCMO
ETop Doc Keeps Kansans Moving
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 5
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Military Trained Precisionand Big Picture ThinkingA graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas
City School of Medicine, Dr. Fotopoulos is no
stranger to big picture thinking. Board certified in
physical medicine and rehabilitation; pain medicine;
sports medicine; and undersea hyperbaric
medicine, his career has been marked by diversity
and excitement. In addition to serving as an
emergency room physician for several years, he
also enjoyed a thrilling career in the military,
serving as a lieutenant commander and diving
and undersea medical officer in the U.S Navy.
It was while serving in theaters from the Persian
Gulf to North Africa that Dr. Fotopoulos studied
hyperbaric and diving medicine and worked
alongside Navy SEALS and other special
operations teams.
His career in the military provided many valuable lessons and further
solidified his belief in the value of ongoing precision training and
teamwork. All of this requires unfailing teamwork.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, and find that many
elements of that experience carry over to the rest of my career,” he
explained. “Medicine is a fraternity; you work together toward a
common goal with others depending on your skill and knowledge, and
Physiatry –– sometimes called physical medicine and rehabilitation,
however, is for everyone from the professional athlete to the person
experiencing long-term back pain.
“Injury and the resulting pain are indiscriminate. Anyone at any age
can experience disease or injury that causes severely disabling pain.
Today, with improved collaboration, the medical specialty of physiatry
is playing an important and ever-growing role in helping patients obtain
optimum health and mobility,” Dr. Fotopoulos shared of the more
integrated medical landscape.
Dr. Fotopoulos, who was the first, and for an extended period only
physiatrist in the Kansas City area, has been fortunate to see the
changes firsthand.
“Pain is not a simple thing. Doctors and nurses are trained in the
diagnosis and treatment of disease, but not in the finding the cause
or treating pain. And because pain is complex, it requires a team
approach.”
Today, a visit to the physiatrist is the first referral for most injuries
whether to find the root cause of pain, prevent further damage, or
effectively manage ongoing pain. This translates into a huge advantage
for patient care.
“Physiatrists have the advantage of looking at the whole picture. We
look at the medical issue, but also how the medical issues at hand fully
impact the patient’s mobility and self-care. The increasingly collaborative
atmosphere of medicine makes this even more beneficial,” he furthered.
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you depending on theirs. Providing ongoing communication, respect,
and commitment to my colleagues is very important to me.”
Dickson-Diveley, which sees a high volume of sports patients
ranging from school-age to professional athletes, is well-known for its
highly collaborative atmosphere.
“It is an exceptional organization and a true team that constantly
lays the foundation for optimum results. I have the opportunity to
follow the patient working in non-operative care, but also consulting
in surgeries, and then see the patient afterward to help direct their
therapy. This dynamic pushes everyone forward and challenges us
professionally to provide care that exceeds expectations.”
Relationships MatterDr. Fotopoulos has a deep respect for the medical community and
values the relationships formed within the medical community. This
respect was formed very early; having grown up with a surgeon father
and mother who was a nurse and head of the OB/GYN and cardiac
nursing at the old Kansas City General Hospital, you can say medicine
is in his DNA.
His father C. K. Fotopoulos, the only surviving child of Greek
immigrants who had four older siblings die from a Mediterranean
anemia by age 2, worked tirelessly to achieve a highly successful and
respected career in medicine. It is the influence of his father that drives
the younger Fotopoulos.
“Growing up in a physician’s home, I grew to understand the
challenges faced by medical professionals, and saw that mutual
respect is a critical component in patient care. My father’s example is
the source of my dedication to the patient, as well as the respect I feel
toward other physicians.”
Physiatry, the Perfect FitUltimately having developed a love for biomechanics, Dr. Fotopoulos
decided to dedicate his career to physiatry. It was his father who
suggested he pursue Dickson-Diveley, the oldest and most respected
orthopaedic clinic in Kansas City.
“I have never once regretted either of those decisions,” Dr.
Fotopoulos affirmed. “I enjoy doing what I love in an atmosphere where
teamwork and collaboration work for the most appropriate solutions.”
While medicine is complex, finding solutions does not have to be,
he asserts.
“The best answers lie in approaching the problem with the
understanding that every member of the team has something valuable
to offer. Together it is possible to get to the root cause and find a
comprehensive answer. However, there are times when the answers
lie outside of the most aggressive treatments.”
Options and AnswersThe mission of physical medicine and rehabilitation is to enhance
function and provide the fullest quality of life possible to the patient,
while using the most conservative modalities available.
6 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
offer rapid relief, increased mobility, and low complication rates in cases
of osteoporotic fractures."
Radio frequency ablation is yet another treatment for chronic back
pain and currently is also being used for the treatment of continued
knee pain after total knee athroplasty.
The Complexities of PainIt is estimated that in the United States more than 76 million people
suffer from pain. Pain can be chronic or acute, such as post-surgical
pain, and how each person experiences pain is quite different. Dealing
with pain is not an exact science, a fact that helps keep things in
perspective for Dr. Fotopoulos.
“While physicians are more likely to refer to a physiatrist immediately
upon injury or when a patient is experiencing pain of undetermined
origin, the general public remains mostly unaware of the of the simple
things they can do to avoid having the need to see someone like me,”
he mused.
No matter the age, when a person is faced with limited mobility, their
life becomes vastly different. This not only hinders the enjoyment of
life, it can also hinder productivity and the ability to live life fully.
“Certainly, dealing with pain is complex but one of the best things
about this profession is the ability to help patients achieve relief and
restore the ability to live their lives more fully, whether that means
enjoying sports, and active family life, or a productive work life. At the
end of the day, nothing really compares to knowing that you helped to
give your patients part of their lives back. That is about as rewarding
as a job can get.”
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Educating the patient is an important part of the process.
“We work to provide patients with the information they need to
make informed decisions and encourage them to be full participants in
their own care, whether that involves lifestyle changes, non-surgical
treatments, surgery, or a combination of these things,” explains
Dr. Fotopoulos.
With continual advances in the field, the options today are vast.
“Where some conditions and injuries were once completely
debilitating, today they can be treated and managed. The development
and availability of advanced procedure helps us address pain more
successfully than ever before.”
Examples of those procedures performed by Dr. Fotopoulos are
Spinal Cord Stimulation, SCS
and minimally invasive lumbar
decompression, or MILD.
Spinal Cord Stimulation is
used to treat chronic
intractable pain of the trunk
and limbs caused by failed
back surgery and peripheral
neuropathy. MILD treatment
is used for patients who have
developed nerve compression
secondary to central spinal
stenosis in addition to lumbar
claudication syndromes.
“The classic symptoms are
a back pain and someone
whose legs hurt when he
or she walks,” explains Dr.
Fotopoulos, one of the first
and few physicians in the
Kansas City area qualified to
perform MILD.
Another option in relief he shares, is transforaminal injection.
“A transforaminal injection is an injection of long acting steroid into
the opening at the side of the spine where a nerve root exists. The
steroid reduces inflammation and swelling of the spinal nerve roots and
surrounding tissues, reducing the pain caused by swelling.”
Diverse options also exist for common problems such as
osteoporotic fractures, says Dr. Fotopoulos.
“Sacroplasty, vertebroplasty and balloon assisted kyphoplasty all
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 7
8 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
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t some point in our lives, most people feel this way, but feel reluctant to
seek professional help.
Most individuals wouldn’t hesitate to seek help for a serious physical
illness, but are reluctant to seek out a Therapist or Counselor. Either they
feel intimidated or ashamed and prefer instead to seek help from a friend or
family member; or they feel that the time commitment and cost of therapy
would be prohibitive.
Unfortunately, sometimes the advice we receive from friends or family,
though well intended, may not provide the relief or help we really need. A
skilled Therapist can provide professional care that is based on evidence-based
practice and several proven methods of therapy that can be employed to
provide effective treatment for individuals, couples, and families. Most
therapists are required to have at least a Masters Degree and have met state
licensing requirements of ethics, experience and education, including
required annual continuing education to keep them current on the latest
treatment methods.
Gone are the days when individuals were afraid to tell friends they were
seeking help from a Psychotherapist or Counselor. Today, it has become much
more accepted to schedule personal time with someone to talk through your
most difficult and private issues, knowing that a trained professional will
listen to those concerns in a safe, friendly and nonjudgmental atmosphere.
Also, some therapists will work with their clients on a sliding rate scale to
make therapy affordable.
Many individuals and couples have found that getting long overdue
professional help has not only given them new tools in coping with difficult
personal relationships, but also helped them to be more productive at work
and avoid or eliminate certain medical conditions brought on by depression,
stress or worry. Plus, studies have shown that therapy in combination with
medication can be more effective than medication alone. Your counselor can
coordinate with your physician.
Some of the most common reasons to seek help from a mental health
professional are: Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, divorce or relationship
concerns, dysfunctional family relationships, addictions, Anger Management,
Bi-Polar or Personality Disorders, Adult Bullying and dealing with workplace
conflict. Many adults also seek help for dealing with Procrastination or
for Assertiveness Training as well as a myriad of other personal or mental
health concerns.
Look for a therapist or counselor that you feel not only demonstrates
professional competence, but provides a comfortable, confidential, and
relaxed environment. Don’t wait; there are many qualified therapists available
to give you the help you need. You and your family are worth it!
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A
ancer and blood disorders cut against all boundaries of age, sex, race, and economic
status. Men, women, and children of all background experience the complications
associated with these conditions, some of which are painful or life-threatening.
At Kansas Institute of Medicine Cancer and Blood Center in Lenexa, the battle
against cancer and other blood related disorders does not have to be a lonely one. As
the only community based oncology and hematology practice in the area, the KIM
Cancer and Blood Center team is dedicated to making sure patients never have to
choose between high-quality care and staying within the close proximity of their
family and community support system.
Getting through challenging times –– such as cancer treatment or other types of blood
disorders –– requires much more than having an accurate diagnosis. It requires all of
the elements of treatments, technologies and outside support coming together to form
the most advantageous conditions possible to deal with a serious health condition.
The Cancer and Blood Center began a year ago with that mission in mind explains
its founder, Dr. Kelley Young, who having experience in a large hospital setting saw the
value in bringing oncology and hematology to the community level.
Kansas Institute of MedicineC A N C E R A N D B L O O D C E N T E R
Community Care Without Compromise
Kansas Institute of MedicineC A N C E R A N D B L O O D C E N T E R
C
11227 Lakeview Ave. Lenexa, KS 66219
913.258.2800Kimmish.org
(Go to “Our Specialties” then “Oncology”)
10 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 11
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“We are unique because we are the only privately owned community
based hematology/oncology practice in the area. Community based
care is very valuable because health care delivery is greatly enhanced
by the personal doctor/patient relationship we offer, which includes
involving the family or primary support team.”
Dr. Young, who is a Board Certified Oncologist/Hematologist,
specializes in Hematology and Oncology and treats a wide variety of
cancer diagnoses and blood disorders, recognizes the many obstacles
patients face when managing health care.
“Community based care allows patients to receive leading-edge
therapies while maintaining the critical ties of support with their local
and personal communities. It also eliminates the problems of logistics,
and having to travel long distances while not feeling at one’s best.
Those things can become serious barriers for patients.”
There’s No Place Like HomeOne of the most distressing aspects about dealing with cancer and
other disorders is disconnecting from the normalcy of life in order to
obtain treatment. For some that means an extended amount of time
away from home. For others it could mean having their
schedules so significantly disrupted that it is difficult to
maintain their normal routines.
“When a patient is dealing with a significant health
issue, the process of receiving treatment can cause
them to become disconnected from the many things
that matter in life. This makes all of the things
surrounding treatment take center stage, which can
become even more stressful. The ability to maintain
a normal routine is very beneficial to patients. Work
and other activities provide a welcomed distraction
as well as help maintain ties to friends, family, and
support groups,” Dr. Young shared of the practicality of
attaining care.
Community based care makes maintaining a normal
schedule and regular routine much more feasible.
A Year of ProgressThe response to the practice has been overwhelmingly
positive, and has brought many exciting changes to
the Cancer and Blood Center. One of the most notable milestones was
the arrival of Dr. Rolando Breier in December of 2015. Dr. Breier, whose
Board Certifications include Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine,
Hospice and Palliative Medicine also comes from a background at a
larger facility.
“I came to the Kansas Institute of Medicine Cancer and Blood
Center because I wanted to dedicate myself to more personalized
care. We really focus on quality of care versus quantity of care. When
patients come here, they get the time and support that they need and
deserve,” shared Dr. Breier as he spoke of the importance of quality
time with patients.
For the Cancer and Blood Center, progress always equals enhanced
patient care.
“Our goal is to continue to find better ways to serve our patients,
and never being satisfied with something that is good enough. We
want to ensure that every patient has all the time they need to ask
questions and understand their diagnosis. This is a very important part
of providing real support, as well as the development of the most
beneficial treatment plans. Progress is about giving patients the
most support and the easiest access to the most advanced and
comprehensive treatments available,” Dr. Breier continued.
From left to right... MaryBeth Davis, RN, April Berry, RN,Kelley Young, MD, Rolando Breier, MD and
Lee Pendleton, Oncology Pharmacist
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
technologies without having to
leave their support system
behind or having to temporarily
relocate.
“Clinical trials are not for
every patient, but for those
who are good candidates, they
receive the most promising
treatments as early as possible.
Many patients respond very
positively to them, which is
important. Participating is not
always an easy decision
however. In a community-based
atmosphere, the patient receives the added support that is so helpful
in navigating the process,” Dr. Young explained of the availability
of clinical trials.
World-Class Medical Oncology TreatmentsPatients with cancer need more than an accurate diagnosis. Realizing
this, Cancer and Blood Center works tirelessly to make best of class
treatments available locally.
Dr. Young understands the patient advantage of having these
services available locally, and more personally.
Community Care Means Increased OptionsThere are several common misconceptions about community based
care which The Cancer and Blood Center wished to dispel. Many
people believe that community care limits the patient’s options, or that
the options are different or less advanced than are available in other
medical settings. Nothing, however, can be further from the truth.
“Community-based care doesn’t mean limited options. In fact it means
more efficiency in accessing all of your options,” contends Dr. Breier.
Patients of the KIM Cancer and Blood Center are not limited to
one hospital, but have access to several of the top hospitals in the
area. The center is staffed with attentive and experienced medical
Oncologists, Oncology Certified Nurses and pharmacist, and a highly
trained nutritionist.
“These are not people new to the field, but have been in oncology
for years, bringing vast experience,” he continued.
The center treats advanced cancers, such as head and neck
cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, Leukemia, and Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma with the most leading-edge technologies. The team works
collaboratively with physicians from a wide range of specialties to fully
understand the patient’s cancer and to coordinate care.
“Patients have access to all of the diagnostic, treatments, and
technologies available today, but in a very personalized and intimate
atmosphere,” added Dr. Young.
Patients who are favorable candidates additionally have the
advantage of access to nationally reviewed clinical trials. This is a
tremendous benefit to the patient as they receive academic, leading Kelley Young, MD and Rolando Breier, MD
12 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
MaryBeth Davis, RN and Kelley Young, MD
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 13
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
“Patients dealing with cancer need easy access to the treatments
that will relieve the symptoms; slow the growth and spread and
often cure the disease. Patients may require treatments such as
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone based therapies among
other treatments. It is especially important that patients have a team
that works collaboratively to ensure that every aspect of care is
monitored, while also receiving continual support.”
Specialized Care in a Warm EnvironmentWhile patients want and deserve the most advanced care possible,
the environment in which the care is received is equally important.
“We realize that every aspect of a facility has the potential to either
enhance or detract from the patient experience. We have made a
special effort to consider the patient needs and perspective in the
design of the facility,” Dr. Young explained.
Walking into the center, patients are immediately greeted warmly.
The space is situated for maximum efficiency, while still providing
maximum comfort. Large enough to house every aspect of cancer
and blood care, the facility does not feel overly clinical or cavernous.
Infusion services, for example, are available on site and the spacious
rooms accommodate the patient, as well as any family or friends that
are along for support.
“Patients never feel lost in a maze of hallways, or alone in any aspect
of their care,” Dr. Breier affirms. “The space is warm and intimate, and
it is easy to become familiar and feel at home.”
United for Care Great care is more than administering treatments for the team at
Cancer and Blood Center. It is about leveraging every element of
healthcare, as well as other facets such as family, in the most powerful
and beneficial ways to benefit the patient and help them battle against
cancer and blood diseases.
“Care must go well beyond simply delivering treatments. We
understand this and embrace our broader responsibility of fostering
relationships that will help our patients. We encourage family
participation and provide support to caregivers. We also encourage
patients to become involved in community support groups. Most
importantly, we dedicate ourselves to staying aware of the latest
advances, and knowing every aspect of our patients’ diagnosis. It is
our firm belief that patients deserve the full efforts of every team
member,” Dr. Young firmly asserted.
The Changing Face of Medicine The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014 and 2015, there
are over 14 million Americans living with a cancer diagnosis at some
stage of new diagnosis, active treatment or in remission with need for
ongoing followup. With the many advances in targeted therapies and
other rapidly advancing technologies available locally, patients now have
a choice about how they receive treatment. At KIM Cancer and Blood
Center, serious diseases can be battled from the home front.
Rolando Breier, MD and April Berry, RN
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Michael J. Searcy, ChFC, CFP®, AIFA®, is president of Searcy Financial Services Inc.,a fee-only registered investment advisory and financial planning firm located in Overland Park.
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The Evolution ofthe Financial Plan
BY M ICHAEL J . S EARCYChFC, CFP®, AIFA®
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
y company’s slogan in the 90’s promised, “Mike Searcy will
put your life in a 3 ring binder.” The financial planning industry
was just starting to become popular, and for many households
who were used to stuffing receipts into shoeboxes, the idea of having
someone organize their finances into a binder sounded promising.
However, I found many were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of
paperwork they had built up through the years, paralyzing them from
taking action. Others who took action would receive their financial
plan and then never look at it again. My company is now celebrating
its 40th anniversary this year and I find that many people today are still
overwhelmed with getting their finances in order and adjusting their
plan along the way –– are you one of them? If you are, and you haven’t
taken a look at how the industry has evolved to help you with this
process, keep reading.
Years ago, most financial planners were focused on the outcome of
financial planning rather than the process of financial planning. They
let you wade through piles of statements to get them the information
they needed, they plugged it into a template, and called it a day.
Over the past 40 years that I’ve been working with clients, I have
worked on turning that painful process into an easier experience, with
strategies to ease the burden of gathering, organizing, and updating
the information. And really, who wants their plan in a 3 ring binder
anymore? By utilizing technology and software, we have moved from
paper statements and stagnant budgets to financial plans that are
digital, living, breathing plans that can be updated, adjusted or adapted
to the situations that occur in life.
One great benefit to having an interactive financial plan is the
freedom it gives you to test different scenarios without having to pick
up the phone and wait for an advisor to plug something into a
spreadsheet for you, and then schedule a meeting to show you the
results. By giving clients access to view and test scenarios in their
plan through interactive software, they can quickly see how changing
variables modifies their outcomes. Want to see how buying a new
home, retiring earlier, or saving more or less money affects your goals?
An interactive plan lets you do so at your convenience. If clients test
different scenarios and decide they want to change their goals or
inputs, we can make the changes an ongoing part of their plan.
Developing a financial plan is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. With an
interactive plan, you can make adjustments with your advisor or from
the privacy of your own home. The plan can grow and adjust to your
life so that it helps keep you on track to meet your goals.
Are you looking for a financial plan that makes sense for your life, but
you’re overwhelmed with taking the first step? Chances are you’ve
seamlessly embraced technology in many other areas of your life.
Don’t let fear hold you back from doing so with your financial plan. You
may be surprised at just how easy it is!
M
he American culture is increasingly busy and multifaceted, placing new and
increasing stresses upon the body. Evidence of the effects of these stresses is
abundant and stark. Statistics show that 69% of Americans are overweight and/or
obese. Many are suffering from the common and diverse effects caused by hormonal
imbalance, while countless others seek to reverse the signs of aging.
Health and wellness is a huge concern in the United States, and though we place
an enormous amount of importance on it, many are neglecting their own needs simply
because of a lack of convenience or because services fail to keep the same pace their
lives demand.
Beginning his career as an OBGYN, James Mirabile, M.D., FACOG saw that patients
desired supportive beauty, health, and wellness services that fit their lifestyle. After
delivering over 7,500 babies, Dr. Mirabile retired from Obstetrics to concentrate his
area of expertise in Gynecology, including minimally invasive gynecological treatment
and bio-identical hormone therapy to treat perimenopausal and menopausal women.
The services continued to expand to meet the needs and in 1999 he founded
a medical spa, MedCosmetic. In 2010, he opened Medi-Weightloss, a medically
supervised weight loss clinic. In 2012, Dr. Mirabile combined his three separate
practices into one location, forming Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health and Wellness, located
in Overland Park, KS.
“As I listened to my patients, I had a growing awareness of their needs and how to
meet them in a way that accommodated them, fusing the most advanced services
and technologies in beauty, health, and wellness into one state-of-the-art facility.
We achieved this three years ago in Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellness, having
medical aesthetics, gynecology, hormone replacement therapy and medically
supervised weight loss under one roof,” shared Dr. Mirabile enthusiastically.
Accessibility in GynecologyAstonishingly, many women will delay gynecological services, though such services are
an integral part of a woman’s comprehensive health care. One of the biggest barriers
to care is true accessibility. Beyond having a convenient location, patients today want
those services in an atmosphere comfortable to them at every stage of their life.
Without that, patients are far less likely to access the care.
“We understand that women want and require different gynecological services at
various stages in their lives, and we’ve worked hard to create an environment where no
one ever feels out of place. The world of women’s healthcare is constantly evolving,
and we make sure that our treatments are evolving, while at the same time specific to
each patient’s gynecological needs,” Dr. Mirabile shares.
At the practice, Dr. Mirabile and three nurse practitioners offer well woman care, as
well as treat problematic gynecological conditions including urinary incontinence,
uterine fibroids, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr. Mirabile recently began using a new
16 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
Mirabile M.D.B E A U T Y , H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S
One-Stop Shop for Total Wellness
4550 W 109th Street, Ste.130 Overland Park, KS 66211
913.888.7546MirabileMD.com
T
James Mirabile, M.D.
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 17
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
The practice added SottoPelle to their BHRT offering a few years
ago for women and men. Most recently, SottoPelle has appointed
James Mirabile, M.D. as its new Medical Director. SottoPelle founder,
the late Gino Tutera, M.D., had been personally working with Dr.
Mirabile so that he could eventually assume his position.
Enhancing Natural BeautyOur skin is one of the most telling aspects of our age, and sun
damage is one of the leading contributors to the skin’s premature
aging. Overexposure to ultraviolet light triggers the photo damage that
accounts for about 90% of the unwelcome aesthetic changes that we
associate with aged skin. Genetics, lifestyle factors, environmental
toxins, and the natural aging process are other key variables that can
damage the healthy, glowing appearance of our facial skin.
Looking and feeling one’s best is an important part a person’s
overall well-being, and fortunately has never been easier. MedCosmetic’s
founder and on-site Medical Director, Dr. James Mirabile, is a pioneer
in the aesthetics industry. Dr. Mirabile has been responsible for training
doctors and medical professionals nationally on laser treatments.
uterine ablation device, Minerva, to treat women with
heavy periods. Minerva offers many advantages over
previous uterine ablation technology. Dr. Mirabile is
proud to have been chosen as the first physician in
the world to use Minerva post clinical trials.
Dr. Mirabile has a genuine interest in making certain
that his patient’s compassionate care leverages the
newest advances in gynecological treatment and
the most effective and comprehensive treatment
plan available.
Bio-Identical HormoneReplacement TherapyRather than being an event that can be marked with
a single point in time, menopause happens slowly
over the span of a woman’s reproductive life. In the
process, hormonal changes and imbalances can
create a myriad of problems including such things as
hot flashes, mood swings, chronic fatigue, and
diminished interest in normal activities.
Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance are
attributed to aging or depression, and patients are treated for the
symptoms, rather than dealing with the cause.
“Women have more demands put on them today than ever before.
In many cases, women are juggling demanding careers along with
motherhood and being the best mom, sister, daughter, friend they can
be. Women who are suffering from hormonal imbalance often
complain of being tired, have trouble sleeping, and experience mental
fogginess, irritability and low libido. You don't have to live with it! We
can naturally and safely restore hormonal imbalance with bio-identical
hormone replacement therapy. Often times, patients are given an
antidepressant or some other synthetic drug to help alleviate these
symptoms. This is a Band-Aid approach. We can solve the root cause
of the problem with BHRT.”
Dr. Mirabile explained the therapy.
“BHRT offers an effective, safe option for patients needing to restore
hormonal balance. Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT closely matches
what your body once made on its own. So, we are naturally restoring
what you once had. We also treat men. Men of all ages suffer from low
testosterone and we are able to help them as well.”
PLEASE TURN THE PAGE
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
“We treat virtually any skin condition, non-surgically. Our Registered
Nurse injector is highly skilled and has become known as one of the
best injectors in the area. Our Licensed Estheticians (LE’s) are all very
knowledgeable about skin care. One of our LE’s is NCEA Certified ––
only a few in the country have this honor and represents the highest
skin care credential in the U.S.,” he shares of the practice, one of the
original medical spas in Kansas City.
Unparalleled Support inMedical Weight LossIn a market flooded with gimmicky, and often dangerous diet plans and
supplements, patients are looking for a safe, effective alternative for
weight loss. Different than other weight loss options, medical weight
loss is not surgery or a quick fix approach. It is weight management
based on medical scientific principles that target the root causes of
obesity and weight gain to achieve and sustain a healthy weight in the
long-term under the care of a medical provider.
“The tools that medically we use to help you manage your weight
are very different from what you find with many commercial programs,”
asserts Dr. Mirabile.
Rather than aiming purely for weight loss, the goal is a lifestyle
change with the medical team, which includes a nurse practitioner,
registered nurse, registered dietitians and nutritionists, all working
closely with patients to help them lose weight and keep it off.
“Every patient begins the program with a full exam including EKG
and bloodwork.”
“We develop a personalized plan based on lifestyle and history. You
eat real food purchased at the grocery store. The combination of our
exclusively formulated Signature Supplements, vitamin and mineral
based injections and FDA approved prescription appetite suppressants,
if prescribed, work together to enhance your metabolism, manage
appetite and keep you feeling great during the weight loss process.
Most importantly, the patient has a committed and compassionate
support network that helps ensure success,” he shared.
The program has helped KC area patients lose over 30,000 pounds
since their opening in 2010. Patients can lose up to 20 pounds the
first month.
Multifaceted Care isMore Than ConvenientThe multicare practice offers much more than convenience. Many
aspects of care are interrelated.
“Often times a patient may come to us for a specific concern and
then, because many conditions are interrelated, we find that another
condition is the underlying cause. For example, a weight loss patient may
learn that she has hormonal imbalance. Once we solve the hormonal
imbalance issue, she is more successful in her weight loss efforts.”
That fusion of efforts and technology leveraged for ultimate success
is really the heart of Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health and Wellness. Every
member of the team works tirelessly to help people reclaim their lives,
whether they are treating a person for hormone deficiency, weight loss
or acne, they are making a difference in their lives.
“I find this work is some of the most rewarding I have ever done.
The practice I have today is what I dreamed of over 20 years ago when
I went into private practice. I have a wonderful staff of people who are
passionate about what they do and who truly care for our patients. I
couldn’t ask for better group of people to associate myself with or
to spend my days with. I want every patient to feel welcome here. I
believe in treating my patients the way I would want to be treated or
how I would want my family to be cared for,” concluded Dr. Mirabile.
Today, many Americans are seeking supportive health and wellness
services that lift the practical barriers of care that actually exist in
their lives. Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health and Wellness succeeds in
doing just that.
18 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
ansas City is blessed with a cornucopia of physicians specializing in all areas of
medicine. Insurance aside, you can pick and choose the ones that you believe are
best suited and most qualified to meet your personal health needs. It may take a bit of
research on your part, and perhaps a bit of trial and error, but when it comes to selecting
the best gastroenterology specialists in the metro area, perhaps this article will save
you appreciable time and effort in that regard.
First of all, what is gastroenterology? Essentially, it is the branch of medicine that
deals with disorders of the stomach and intestines. A gastroenterologist, then, is
someone who studies and treats the function and diseases of the esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts and liver. If
that makes you a bit squeamish, consider the idea that a gastroenterologist is one who
can perform a short-term procedure that can provide long term benefits, depending
upon the health issue at hand. Dr. Marc Taormina of Midwest Gastroenterology Center
in Lee’s Summit, Missouri is one such specialist.
Success stories come in all shapes and sizes, and when considering the hallmarks
of the contributing factors that shape that success and the inspirational elements
behind it, sometimes it’s good to begin with the end in mind…literally. When you
become a patient of Dr. Taormina of the Midwest Gastroenterology Center, your health,
comfort, satisfaction and peace of mind are what he and his team of dedicated
20 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
Midwest GastroenterologyTAO RM I N A , M C C U L L O U GH A N D L O Z O F F
3601 NW Ralph Powell Road Lee's Summit, MO 64064
816.836.2200MidwestGastroKC.com
From left to right... Marc K. Taormina, M.D.,R. Wade McCullough, D.O. andRichard Lozoff, M.D.
K
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 21
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine and has
been in practice since 1982. He opened Midwest Gastroenterology
Center in 1998, with a primary presence in Lee’s Summit, Missouri
since 2003. Dr. Taormina is affiliated with Centerpoint Medical Center
and is also the Medical Director of the Midwest Physicians Surgery
Center in Lee’s Summit, the center’s own endoscopy center dedicated
just to GI procedures. However, this accomplished physician’s passion
for medicine began before he was even old enough to drive.
“I knew I was going to be a doctor when I was 13 years old,” he
recalled, referencing his upbringing in the inner city. “I was there when my
dad died in the middle of the night at home from cardiac arrest. I thought
to myself ‘if only I’d known what to do, I could have saved him.’”
That’s a tough burden to place upon your heart, but it truly intoxicated
Dr. Taormina’s desire to pursue a calling in medicine, and while he
stood helpless as his father took his last breath, his inherent drive
and determination to help others has put a positive light on the face of
medicine for more than three decades.
But Dr. Taormina had a few obstacles of his own to overcome
before he obtained the designation of Medical Doctor. After the death
of his father, his family slid down the economic scale, staring poverty
in the eye, making the dream of attending medical school just that ––
a dream. He pushed himself academically as a stellar student at East
High School and fortunately, with the assistance of scholarships, Dr.
Taormina became a member of the inaugural class of the University
of Missouri –– Kansas City School of Medicine’s six year B.A./M.D.
program, a journey not for the faint of heart.
professionals work tirelessly to provide. No matter what service,
procedure, or consultation you require, in the end you know that this
experienced team will always keep your best interests in mind.
Obviously it can be quite the literary challenge to write a story that
discusses such topics as endoscopies, gastrointestinal diseases and
colonoscopies without breaking the ice with some sort of joke, and
Dr. Taormina would probably be the first to admit to that sentiment.
Without question, initial conclusion of his personality reveals a medical
professional of great character and integrity tempered with a laid back
and easy going style. He has a welcoming presence coupled with a
relaxed sense of humor, and somehow you feel there is really no
reason to put off that gastrointestinal (GI) procedure you’ve been
dreading, such as that routine colonoscopy your primary care doctor
keeps reminding you to get. Clearly passionate about what he does,
Dr. Taormina confidently pontificates with enthusiasm and excitement
for his chosen profession, and for good reason. After all, he is in the
business of saving lives. Having completed thousands upon thousands
of GI procedures over the course of his career, it’s easy to understand
why so many people put their health in his hands.
A Kansas City native, Dr. Taormina graduated from medical school in
1977, completing the accelerated six-year program at the University of
Missouri –– Kansas City School of Medicine. From there he transitioned
to an internship at Baylor Medical Center in Houston, Texas and also
acquired five years of postgraduate training at Walter Reed Army
Medical Center and a facility in Honolulu, completing a Fellowship in
Gastroenterology. He is triple board certified in the specialties of
PLEASE TURN THE PAGE
“It was a very rigorous program,” he recalled. “But I ended up
graduating a semester early when I was just 23 years old.”
Because of the scholarships Dr. Taormina received during the
course of his education, he was able to fulfill his dream and as a result
has recently donated funds to the UMKC School of Medicine to assist
medical students who are facing similar economic challenges he faced
and to mentor those students while giving back to a school that
gave him so much. Dr. Taormina is one for whom kindness and
compassion are genuine instincts, and those traits are something he
extends to everyone, especially his patients.
“It’s our goal to ensure our patients have a relaxed and comfortable
experience at our facility,” he noted. “We understand that going to a
hospital to have these types of procedures done is not always desired,
so we provide a non-clinical, welcoming and comforting environment.”
Operating under the umbrella company of Westglen GI Consultants
in Shawnee, Kansas, the Midwest Gastroenterology Center provides
top-notch medical treatment covering issues affecting the entire GI
tract, including heartburn, acid reflux, coughing, throat clearing,
esophageal cancer, and even liver disease, along with colon screening,
disease education, dietary counseling and a variety of support
services. Using special instruments, the professionals at Midwest
Gastroenterology Center are specifically trained to perform diagnostic
tests of the digestive system, including celiac disease, colon
(colorectal) cancer, and esophageal conditions. Using the latest in
technology, the success rate for colon screening is over 99% and
the doctors are able to provide key diagnostic information to patients
and doctors quickly and accurately. Using high-quality images and an
advanced recording system, the records can be immediately faxed to
the referring physician.
Dr. Taormina urges people to get a routine colonoscopy at age 50
(at age 45 for African Americans) and at age 40 if you have a family
history of the disease. Despite being the the second most common
form of cancer in both men and women in the United States, colon
cancer –– it is preventable, which is why routine screenings are
important for early detection. Unfortunately, many people die every
year because they fail to obtain proper screening. Dr. Taormina would
ideally like to narrow that number down to zero.
“Some of the symptoms of colon cancer can include rectal bleeding,
change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and
changes in appetite,” noted Dr. Taormina. “If detected early, it can be
prevented by the removal of the polyps. The disease is curable.”
Other symptoms of GI trouble can include difficulty with swallowing
or intestinal discomfort. While some of these symptoms may be
benign, the specialized equipment and training offered at Midwest
Gastroenterology Center can mean the difference between life or
death. Dr. Taormina and his staff continually communicate with and
educate patients on the importance of screening, the impact of diet,
and other educational directives to ensure their patients remain on the
22 | KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016
From left to right... Marc K. Taormina, M.D.,R. Wade McCullough, D.O. and
Richard Lozoff, M.D.
exercising his culinary prowess in the kitchen. He and his wife Gail own
SPIN! Pizza.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Lozoff to our practice,” the staff at
Midwest Gastroenterology exclaims.
The center is open Monday through Friday but also provides
appointments one Saturday a month in the morning.
“We understand that you have the choice to go anywhere in the city
to get your screenings done, but it is our goal to continually offer the
best in the area,” reinforced by the Midwest Gastroenterology staff. “I
like seeing the immediate results we can provide and the satisfaction
that comes with giving our patients the best care possible.”
Midwest Gastroenterology is the only center in Western Missouri
accredited by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,
which recognizes physicians with a focus on advancing patient care
and digestive health through excellence and innovation in endoscopy.
Midwest Gastroenterology Center is also accredited by the Joint
Commission of the Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH).
And with respect to the previously mentioned jokes about
colonoscopies that tend to add a bit a levity to the situation, it’s safe
to assume that Dr. Taormina wants every patient’s health story to have
a happy ending.
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
leading edge of understanding their health and taking control of any
issues that should arise.
Roughly 80% of the procedures preformed at the center are
colonoscopies, and while you may have heard stories from others who
have had these done elsewhere, which is why you may have put it off
unnecessarily, Midwest Gastroenterology will definitely assuage any
anxiety you might have, as patient comfort is their top priority.
“We offer low volume FDA-approved preps for colonoscopies which
involve two liter options as opposed to the standard gallon,” noted Dr.
Taormina, noting that these procedures are performed with Propofol,
a short-acting medication delivered intravenously for a decreased level
of consciousness that is administered by an anesthesia professional.
“The patient is asleep through the exam, but awakens right up
afterwards without complications,” said Dr. Taormina.
The center also offers new surgical hemorrhoid therapy done via
electro cautery of the hemorrhoid which eliminates the need for
sedation and can be done on an out-patient basis.
“And when appropriate, we can treat hemorrhoids at the time of the
colonoscopy,” notes the Midwest Gastroenterology staff.
For Dr. Taormina, being a physician is not just a calling, but a
privilege. Empathetic and understanding, he listens with sincerity to
each patient, offering specifically tailored treatment programs designed
to save lives while simultaneously providing ultimate comfort. He is an
expert in the detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, hemorrhoid
treatment and managing inflammatory bowel disease, such as Chron’s
disease and colitis.
Working alongside Dr. Taormina is Dr. Wade McCullough, a graduate
of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, formerly known
as the University of Health Sciences. Board certified in Internal
Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dr. McCullough has been recognized
as one of America’s Top Gastroenterologists by the Consumer Health
Research Council and the Midwest Health Foundation. Dr. McCullough
serves on the staff of the Midwest Physicians Surgery Center,
Centerpoint Ambulatory Surgical Center, St. Luke’s Northland Hospital
and Liberty Hospital.
Joining the team in February 2016 is Dr. Richard Lozoff, also a board
certified gastroenterologist who graduated from the University of
Wisconsin –– Madison and Rush University Medical College in
Chicago. Additionally, he completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology
at Hines VA/Loyola Medical Center. He has been practicing in this
specialty within the Lee’s Summit area since 1985. In addition to his
medical skills, Dr. Lozoff holds a degree in Culinary Arts and enjoys
KCH&S HEALTHY KANSAS CITY 2016 | 23
Richard Lozoff, M.D. educates a patient on Gastroenterology.