An Outstanding Education for a Fulfilling Career

Kenneth Ganapini, D.O. (COM '77), credits the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) for challenging him to become the best physician he could be—stretching him intellectually, broadening his horizons, providing priceless resources. But the journey leading Dr. Ganapini to KCU wasn't without its own challenges and opportunities for personal growth. The aspiring physician from Omaha, Nebraska, wasn't accepted the first time he applied to the school, largely because of a less-than-satisfactory answer he offered during the admission interview process.

"I was asked a simple question—why I wanted to become a D.O.—and I didn't have a good response," Dr. Ganapini says. "I wasn't convincing."

A period of soul-searching ensued and the determined young man who wanted to make a difference in the quality of people's lives beyond the science of medicine applied a second time to KCU. The year was 1973 and Dr. Ganapini found himself sitting in a chair across a desk from James DiRenna Sr., D.O. (COM '38), who served the university in many capacities, including professor of surgery.

"Countless aspiring physicians and students before and after me sat in that chair, listening to Dr. DiRenna talk about why he became a D.O. and a general practitioner and surgeon," Dr. Ganapini says. "Chewing on his signature cigar, he asked: 'Why do you want to be a D.O.?'"

Prepared this time with an authentic and heartfelt answer, Dr. Ganapini confidently replied. Dr. DiRenna congratulated him on his admittance to KCU.

Education, Insight and Legacy

A graduate of Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University) in Kansas City, Dr. Ganapini, president of his graduating class, turned his attention to the rigors of medical school at KCU. One impactful mentor he encountered was Dr. Gayle H. Nelson, an anatomy professor who, as Dr. Ganapini recalls, "strode into the classroom without notes but instead carried a box of colored chalk and, as I discovered, a mission to inspire his students."

Poised in front of a large, blank chalkboard like it was an artist's canvas, Dr. Nelson proceeded to painstakingly draw detailed anatomical structures as a way of teaching, Dr. Ganapini describes.

"Every student, including me, tried to re-create what he put on that board, which was like having Gray's Anatomy come to life. I kept a notebook dedicated to transferring Dr. Nelson's drawings to its pages."

A prized possession that embodied a powerful classroom experience, the tattered notebook, along with an early edition of Gray's Anatomy, was gifted by Dr. Ganapini to his son, Vincent, on the occasion of his admission to the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing.

"I inscribed the volume of Gray's Anatomy with a personal message on my pride in his accomplishment and how inspirational this part of my medical education proved," Dr. Ganapini says.

Currently in a gastroenterology fellowship in a combined program at CarePoint Health in New Jersey and now age 34, Vincent often accompanied his father when he was on call, becoming fascinated with medicine. During his third year of medical school, at age 26, Vincent was diagnosed with leukemia. He took a year off from his studies, and underwent chemo and more than 20 spinal taps.

"We nearly lost him three times," Dr. Ganapini says, adding that his son is now in full remission. "His passion for medicine is remarkable. He is part of the new generation dedicated to high-quality, compassionate care. Most recently, for six weeks while his GI fellowship was placed on voluntary hold, he cared for COVID-19 patients in Greater New York City."

Pursuing an Enriching Education to Help Patients Live a Life of Wellness

During his first year at KCU, Dr. Ganapini became aware of a combined B.S.-M.D. fast-track program at University of Missouri-Kansas City and had an opportunity to transfer. Ultimately deciding to remain at KCU as a result of his complete satisfaction with the quality of the education he was receiving, he became an enthusiastic, full-fledged D.O. advocate and ambassador, embracing the whole-person approach to the treatment and care of individuals.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Ganapini was a surgical cart boy and eventually a surgical technician at Saint Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, receiving hands-on experience that prompted an interest in surgery. After graduation and following his desire to be a surgeon, Dr. Ganapini did an internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, a renowned surgical hospital in Flint, Michigan. He returned to Kansas City where he was the first D.O. student to work at Wayne Miner Neighborhood Health, behind KCU. There he met Dr. Mike Wilkins who, after observing the newly minted medical school graduate, encouraged him to consider becoming an internist.

During a family practice rotation during his internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, Dr. Ganapini met Dr. William Bernard, D.O., a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy and a physician who eventually became one of his partners for 37 years in family practice.

"I loved his style and the caring and compassionate approach he had with patients, and wanted to emulate that," says Dr. Ganapini, who chose family medicine as his specialty.

Dr. Ganapini and Dr. Bernard recruited two other partners—D.O.s educated in Michigan and Chicago—to Preventive and Family Care Center, their large Flint practice where they specialized in alternative and complementary medicine. Interns and residents frequently rotated through the practice, which Dr. Ganapini treasured.

"Students keep you on your toes. You learn from them—they keep you challenged, current. And we were able to impart interpersonal skills, something you learn by example, not in the classroom," he says.

Affiliated with several hospitals in the area, Dr. Ganapini lists as a highlight of his career (in addition to the fulfillment of caring for generations of family members) receiving the "General Practitioner of the Year" award two consecutive years in the mid-1980s from the Flint Osteopathic Hospital house staff.

"Typically, the award is never given to the same physician twice, but the students voted me in the second time," he says. "That recognition meant a great deal."

A Responsibility to the Next Generation

Testifying to his belief in the importance of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Ganapini and his wife, Diana, are part of KCU's Heritage Society where they established a planned gift to the university.

"KCU is impressive—everything from the facilities, recent expansions, the quality of the education and the lectures," he says. "We know they use our donations wisely and we are making a sound investment in a school that has provided me a memorable career, profession and quality of life.

Stressing that the success and satisfaction of a physician's practice is defined by the sheer effort put into it, Dr. Ganapini reflects on a physician's educational foundation as the soul of a medical career.

"I had the distinct privilege of being taught by the best of the best," he says. "It's an honor to participate in the future success of KCU students, much like I did my son's."

Like the Ganapinis, you, too, can leave a lasting legacy by including KCU in your estate plan. Contact Jennifer Ingraham at jingraham@kansascity.edu or (816) 654-7282 for details.