It is important for all Kansans to have access to health care, for help when they are sick and to prevent or reduce the severity of disease and illness. For many Kansans, access to affordable health care can be a real challenge. It is even more difficult for those who do not have access to health providers close to where they live.

But for five decades, the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita has been the source of educating and training many of the doctors caring and healing people in every corner of our state. And, KU School of Medicine-Wichita is No. 1 in the nation in percentage of graduates who go to rural areas! So, if you’ve been to a hospital or clinic in Kansas, there’s a good chance you’ve been doctored by one of the KU School of Medicine-Wichita physicians!

For the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF), having this access to qualified healthcare professionals is vital to having healthy communities around our state. It’s why we supported a $50,000 grant to KU School of Medicine-Wichita to raise awareness of the importance of this 4-year education facility for the health of Kansans. With the KHF grant, and a group of community members (mostly volunteer), KU School of Medicine-Wichita was able to create a brand and campaign called “We Doctor Kansas” that describes what the school does and how important it is to the state’s future.

While the university’s stats are impressive, the stories from students were most impactful in the campaign. Harpreet, Ken and Jennifer (each at different stages of their physician education) shared their experiences at KU School of Medicine-Wichita and about working toward their dreams of being a physician.

“This grant was a perfect partnership between two entities who believe in promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing access to care across the state,” said Steve Coen, KHF president and CEO. “We wanted Kansans to understand how the KU School of Medicine-Wichita plays a key role in keeping families and communities healthy.”

Please see the video above for more information.