Brandon Parigo | UMKC
We are excited to announce that Dr. Sandra Stites will join our leadership team as Chief Medical Officer in June 2022. Dr. Stites, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, brings 30 years of clinical experience, serving as an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Kansas City Women’s Clinic.
In addition to her work with the Kansas City Women’s Clinic, Dr. Stites has had medical staff affiliations with various hospitals across the Kansas City Metro, including Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Saint Luke’s Health System. Dr. Stites also plays an active role in the community, serving on the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations, including the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, BioNexus, and the Center for Practical Bioethics.
A common thread throughout her extensive career is an unwavering commitment to justice and equity. In her one-on-one work with patients and time serving on local boards, she has continued advocating for those who are often overlooked or whose voices go unheard.
For Dr. Stites, joining Vibrant Health represents a continuation of her lifelong commitment to equity and the belief that high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. At Vibrant Health, these values of dignity and respect are ingrained into the culture of our organization and inform the way we engage with our patients, community, and staff.
This shared vision for health equity is critical for our community, as maternal and infant mortality rates in Wyandotte County far exceed those of our neighbors to the south in Johnson County. A clear focus on the impact of poverty, racism, and other social determinants on the health of our community, specifically for Black women, is vital to our work ahead.
For Vibrant Health, Dr. Stites is joining the organization at a pivotal time as we continue to expand our work in the community and the services we provide in our clinics. Looking ahead, we believe her experience, passion, and leadership as Chief Medical Officer will play a critical role in the success of our organization and the health of our community for years to come.
