By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
January 6, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) has announced that Anne VanGarsse, MD, assistant dean of clinical affairs and assistant professor of pediatrics, has been appointed the new chief medical officer of Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) of Johnson County.

As chief medical officer, VanGarsse is responsible for the leadership and management of all clinical services at HPC, as well as supervision of the clinic’s providers. In her role as KCU assistant dean of clinical affairs, Dr. VanGarsse serves as the liaison for all clinical partners, and has served as chief liaison between KCU and HPC since the beginning of the relationship in August 2015.

“The role grew from the liason work between KCU and HPC,” VanGarsse said, adding faculty from the school perform clinic work at HPC. They had someone leave and asked her if she was interested in the role. She was and accepted the position.

VanGarsse said she isn’t leaving KCU, however her time will now be split between the campus and HPC’s offices for administrative work.

In a press release announcing the new position, Marc B. Hahn, DO, KCU president and CEO, said they are pleased to have VanGarsse take on the role of chief medical officer for HPC.

“She continues to play a critical role in developing relationships between KCU and all of our clinical partners, and this new responsibility is an excellent opportunity to further assist the communities we serve,” Hahn said.

The Health Partnership Clinic of Johnson County is a federally qualified health center that provides valuable medical, dental and behavioral health services to the community. The clinic serves as a safety net to ensure under- and un-insured patients in Johnson County have access to high-quality health services. VanGarsse said she is honored to serve as chief medical officer for this health center, where “services are absolutely vital to the community.” She added there’s already been discussions with HPC physicians about bringing students over to help.

“With more than 100,000 uninsured individuals in Johnson County, the staff of HPC is committed to providing high-quality medical care for those who have difficulty accessing services,” VanGarsse said. “I look forward to providing leadership for this dedicated group of professionals.”

VanGarsse received her Bachelor of Science from Rockhurst University and her Doctor of Medicine from Saint Louis University. Raised in the Northeast, VanGarsse noted she attened Holy Cross and St. St. Stephen’s Academy and that her parents still live in the Northeast.

“When I came to KCU two and a half years ago, it was like coming home,” VanGarsse said.