News

Recent News

Shawnee Mission Medical Center to Host Live Panel Presentation on Reproductive Medicine and Infertility on March 25

MERRIAM, Kan. – On Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m., medical experts from Shawnee Mission Medical Center will present a live one-hour panel presentation on reproductive medicine and the most advanced technology and procedures available. Daniel Stewart, MD; Colleen Milroy, MD; and Andrew Weston, PhD; will answer questions live from the audience, while Vice President of Spiritual Wellness & Human Development, Peter Bath, DMin, moderates the session. In-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, embryo transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), will be among the topics discussed.

Nearly one out of every six American couples experiences difficulty achieving pregnancy. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a couple is considered infertile if they have not become pregnant within 12 months of stopping contraception. Statistics show that one-third of infertility issues reside within the female; one-third within the male and one-third are a combination of issues related to both partners. 

Read more...

Shawnee Mission Medical Center to Host Robotic Surgery Live from the OR Webcast Will Feature Hospital’s Newest da Vinci Surgical Robot

MERRIAM, Kan. – On Thursday, February 11 at 6 p.m., Susan Sweat, MD, and John Strickland, MD, will perform a robotic partial nephrectomy surgery live from Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC). The surgery will feature SMMC’s newest da Vinci™ robot that allows surgeons to perform complex surgical maneuvers using one-centimeter incisions. David Emmott, MD, will moderate the Webcast, answering questions live from the audience.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year. Since it is fairly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, doctors oftentimes remove the kidney or kidney tumors utilizing minimally invasive techniques, such as the da Vinci surgical system.

While a partial nephrectomy involves removing a small portion of the kidney, a radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire kidney and the fatty tissue surrounding it. According to Sweat, the robotic procedure offers a number of patient advantages over traditional open surgery.

Read more...

Santé Image Renewal Boutique & Salon Opens at Shawnee Mission Medical Center

MERRIAM, Kan. – Santé Image Renewal Boutique & Salon has opened on the campus of Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC), located at I-35 and 75th Street in Merriam. Santé is the new premier destination for individuals affected by cancer, medical challenges or other physical changes including aging and menopause, and offers products and services to maintain or improve quality of life and restore a positive body image.
Products and services offered at Santé include:
  • Mastectomy bras and prostheses, as well as post surgical camisoles
  • Beauty salon head-shaves, hair trims and cosmetic consultations
  • Wigs, wig fittings, hats, scarves, head wraps and turbans
  • Special products for lymphedema patients
  • Skin care products, non-metallic deodorant, shampoo, lotions and mineral make-up
  • SMMC brand vitamins
  • Counseling support from nutritionists and dieticians
  • Educational materials
  • Swimwear, swim forms, night sweat garments and other clothing options
  • Compression garments
  • Gift certificates
  • And much more.

Read more...

Former Patient-Turned-Top Executive to be Reunited with Shawnee Mission Medical Center Physician who Saved His Life

MERRIAM, Kan. – Thirty years ago Loren Humphrey, MD, removed what was considered by other physicians an inoperable cancerous tumor from Tom Olofson’s neck.  Humphrey then took cells from the tumor to create a vaccine called immunotherapy, a procedure ahead of its time in 1980.

Ironically, Humphrey was in the middle of a clinical trial with immunotherapy and melanoma patients at the time of Olofson’s diagnosis. “I used the knowledge from that experimental trial to create a special vaccine for Tom,” he said. “You do what seems impossible and the patient responds as God plans.”

Read more...

Shawnee Mission Medical Center Hosts NICU Reunion

MERRIAM, Kan. – Shawnee Mission Medical Center will host its first annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion, Sunday, August 9, 1-4 p.m., in the park on the east side of the hospital. Past NICU graduates and their families will enjoy visits from the neonatologists and nurses who cared for them during their stay in the NICU, many of whom developed close friendships during the families’ time in the unit. In addition, children and their families will enjoy a scrapbook table, a bounce house, games, snacks and more.

Shawnee Mission Medical Center’s Level III NICU delivers extra special care to more than 500 babies each year who are born at 28-40 weeks gestation.

More Articles...

  1. Shawnee Mission Endocrinology & Diabetes Welcomes New Physician
  2. New Cardiothoracic Surgeon Joins Shawnee Mission Medical Center
  3. Kick-off Events Scheduled at SMMC in Honor of National Start! Walking Day
  4. Shawnee Mission Medical Center receives American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Gold Performance Achievement Award