University of Kansas School of Medicine

KU School of Medicine’s Summer Training Option in Rural Medicine (STORM) program recently kicked off with orientation at KU School of Medicine-Wichita. The four-week program is an immersive clinical experience designed to introduce future physicians to the rewards and realities of rural health care.

STORM provides second-year medical students from KU School of Medicine’s campuses in Kansas City, Salina, and Wichita with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in rural medicine early in their medical education by working alongside volunteer physician preceptors across communities in Kansas.

Learn more about the program and the positive impact it has on students:

Medical students head to rural Kansas through STORM program The summer elective pairs second-year medical students with rural physician mentors across Kansas.

👋 Meet Joseph Donnelly, E.d.D., MS, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and director of the Division for Physical Activity & Weight Management. Dr. Donnelly is a nationally recognized authority on obesity and weight management. His research combines medical and behavioral perspectives to create state-of-the-art prevention and treatments for metabolic diseases. In recognition of his commitment to research, he recently received the 2026 The University of Kansas Chancellors Club Research Award.

"I think it's well known that KU is on the move in this particular area. I think there are very few limits to the obesity and weight management community that we have here at KUMC. I would expect nothing but upward movement," said Dr. Donnelly

Hear from Dr. Donnelly and learn more about his research, as well as his passion for teaching and mentorship:

Joseph Donnelly, Chancellors Club Research Award Learn more about Joseph Donnelly, 2026 recipient of the Chancellors...

Several of our KU School of Medicine faculty recently received the royal treatment at Kauffman Stadium 💙⚾

Faculty members in the Department of Neurology, Dipika Aggarwal, MBBS, and Kelly Lyons, Ph.D., were each nominated to occupy the honorary Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat at recent games. Dr. Aggarwal, a general neurologist and stroke survivor, received the honor during the Stroke Awareness Night, while Dr. Lyons, who specializes in research on Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, received the honor on Brain Health Awareness Night.

Mitchell Douglass, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, took to the field as the May recipient of the Blue KC Answering the Call award. With other department faculty by his side, Dr. Douglass was formally recognized for his instrumental role in expanding access to mental healthcare for children and adolescents in the Kansas City area.

Congratulations to all!

Quality sleep is essential for optimal brain function and overall health. Nancy Stewart, D.O., assistant professor of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at KU School of Medicine, explains that during sleep, the brain cleanses toxins, stores memories and restores hormones. Disruptions to sleep cycles can affect everything from heart health to cognition.

Though still in its infancy, sleep research and the study of what happens to our brains while we are asleep are critical to promoting good health. Learn more about common sleep issues and explore tips on how to improve your sleep:

Science is waking up to how sleep affects our brain Though still in its infancy, the study of what happens to our brains while we are asleep is critical to promoting good health.

👋 Meet Bret Freudenthal, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Freudenthal is an internationally recognized leader in the field of DNA repair whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of how DNA damage leads to disease.

Together with the research team in the Freudenthal Lab at The University of Kansas Cancer Center he has led breakthrough discoveries about DNA repair mechanisms at the atomic level, providing insights for targeting cancer cells and developing more effective chemotherapies.

Dr. Freudenthal recently received the University Scholarly Achievement Award from The University of Kansas in recognition of his ongoing work to develop better therapeutic treatments for human diseases.

Hear from Dr. Freudenthal and learn more about what fuels his passion for research:

Bret Freudenthal, University Scholarly Achievement Award Learn more about Bret Freudenthal, 2026 recipient of a University Scholarly Achievement Award. Discover more about life-changing research happening at KU at ...

The University of Kansas recently announced the promotion and tenure for individuals across the university. Please join us in congratulating 87 KU School of Medicine faculty and researchers for this significant achievement. See the full list: https://bit.ly/431wBvv

On May 16, nearly 290 students from across our three campuses received their degrees at the KU School of Medicine Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Our graduates are off to make a difference in communities in Kansas and beyond. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

Earlier today, we honored the Class of 2026 at the KU School of Medicine Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Nearly 290 students from across our three campuses received degrees today. Congratulations to all of you on your extraordinary accomplishments!

Ahead of graduation celebrations this week, several graduating medical students across our three campuses are reflecting on the experiences that inspired them to pursue medicine and sharing their plans for the future:

Why I Chose Medicine: 2026 KU School of Medicine graduates reflect on their path Three graduating medical students share what led them to choose a career in medicine and what’s next on their journey.

On Monday night, students on our Kansas City campus came together at the 10th annual Senior Banquet. The evening offered an opportunity to reflect on the last four years, honor exceptional contributions and hear moving remarks from Dr. Akinlolu Ojo, executive dean, Dr. Laurel Witt, associate professor, and class speaker Kennedy Morey. Dr. Mark Meyer, associate dean for student affairs, led the Class of 2026 in a celebratory toast. Cheers to the Class of 2026! 🎉