KMC Dermatology

July 1, 2025

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Story by Corinn Ayers

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and while treatment options have advanced significantly, access and innovation have not always kept pace. That is what makes KMC Dermatology stand out. With nearly a dozen locations across Kansas and Missouri, KMC has built their reputation on providing comprehensive care in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. But lately, the group has gone beyond being a trusted provider – they have become a leader in innovation.

IG-SRT uses low-dose radiation that targets skin cancer cells with precision, guided by imaging technology that helps avoid healthy surrounding tissue. KMC Dermatology is currently the only dermatology provider in Kansas to offer this non-surgical option for treating non-melanoma skin cancer.

“Being able to offer IG SRT is just one more way we make sure our patients have every option available.”– Dr. Shekhar Challa, KMC’s President and CEO

KMC’s mission of being a full-service skin cancer treatment center is shaping the way they approach every patient interaction and every clinical decision. From same-week appointments to groundbreaking treatment technologies, KMC is changing what people expect from their dermatology experience.

“We want people to feel like they can take care of their health without rearranging their entire life to do it.”– Dr. Shekhar Challa

A First in Kansas: IG-SRT

One of the most exciting developments at KMC is the introduction of Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, or IG-SRT. The group is currently the only dermatology provider in Kansas to offer this non-surgical option for treating non-melanoma skin cancer. That matters because not every patient is a candidate for surgery, and not every person feels comfortable opting for a surgical procedure.

IG-SRT uses low-dose radiation that targets skin cancer cells with precision, guided by imaging technology that helps avoid healthy surrounding tissue. It is painless, does not require stitches, and there is no down time for recovery. The treatment is already available at several KMC locations, including Topeka, Lawrence, Mission, and Independence, and more locations are in the pipeline.

This new therapy is particularly helpful for patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, especially in areas where surgery could be more difficult cosmetically or physically. It also offers an important alternative for elderly patients or those on blood thinners who may face added risks with surgical procedures.

“Being able to offer IG-SRT is just one more way we make sure our patients have every option available,” said Dr. Shekhar Challa, KMC’s President and CEO. “The best treatment is the one that fits the individual patient, and that is why we work so hard to have everything in-house.”

Mohs Surgery and the Importance of Options

Alongside IG-SRT, KMC continues to offer Mohs micrographic surgery, considered the most effective technique for treating certain skin cancers. Dr. Albahhar explains, “Mohs micrographic surgery is an office-based highly specialized technique for removing certain types of skin cancer with great precision. During the procedure, we remove thin layers of cancerous tissue and examine each layer under a microscope in real time. This process is repeated layer by layer until no cancer cells remain.” It is a precise and tissue-sparing method with cure rates around 99 percent.

Offering both Mohs and IG-SRT allows KMC to tailor treatment to the individual. Some patients might be ideal candidates for one approach, while others may prefer the less invasive option based on their lifestyle or medical history.

That dual capability reinforces KMC’s promise to be a comprehensive center for skin cancer treatment. Patients do not have to be referred elsewhere or navigate unfamiliar clinics. Everything, from diagnosis to recovery, happens within the KMC network.

Same-Week and Saturday Appointments Make a Difference

Accessibility is a key part of KMC’s approach, offering patients the convenience of same-week and Saturday appointments. Early detection is critical in skin cancer treatment, and by reducing wait times, KMC helps ensure patients get timely care that can truly save lives.

It is also a benefit for families juggling packed weekday schedules, professionals with demanding workdays, and anyone who might otherwise put off making an appointment.

“It all goes back to what is best for the patient,” said Dr. Challa. “We want people to feel like they can take care of their health without rearranging their entire life to do it.”

That flexibility is one of the reasons patients keep coming back, and why word of mouth continues to grow across the state.

When a patient knows they can come back to the same clinic, see the same provider, and get answers quickly, it changes how they feel about healthcare.”

– Dr. James Allen

From First Visit to Final Check-In

Part of what makes KMC so effective is their integrated care model. Patients can walk into a dermatology clinic for a routine skin check and, if something concerning is found, be guided through the next steps right away. There is no waiting weeks for an outside referral or navigating a confusing list of follow-ups. The entire care journey is streamlined and supported by a team that communicates closely behind the scenes.

Dr. James Allen, one of the providers at KMC, believes this continuity of care is what builds real trust with patients.

“When a patient knows they can come back to the same clinic, see the same provider, and get answers quickly, it changes how they feel about healthcare,” he said. “We’re not just treating their skin; we are making their experience better from start to finish.”

Cosmetic Services That Complement Clinical Care

While KMC’s medical dermatology services are central to their mission, their cosmetic offerings are just as thoughtfully executed. Across six MedSpa locations, the group offers treatments like Botox, fillers, microneedling, laser therapy, and facials.

The standalone MedSpa in Park Place, Leawood, is a particular highlight. This location has a more luxury-oriented environment while still being backed by KMC’s high medical standards. It offers patients a spa-like setting where they can address cosmetic concerns under the guidance of licensed, experienced professionals.

This blend of cosmetic and clinical care is very intentional. Often, patients start their journey with a medical concern and grow curious about additional ways to care for their skin. Having access to both services under one umbrella encourages that curiosity and leads to more holistic, confidence-boosting outcomes.

Reaching New and Underserved Areas

KMC’s expansion is about more than just adding clinics for convenience. It is about bringing quality dermatology care to communities that previously had no local options. “KMC understands the need to support underserved areas where dermatology was previously unavailable locally,” said Charles Glass, PA. This presence means quicker diagnoses, faster treatment, and better outcomes for conditions that may have gone untreated for years.

A Team That Believes in the Mission

What ties all of this together is the dedication of the KMC team. Providers like Kara Smith, APRN, highlight their commitment to ongoing learning and improving patient care. “Medical dermatology consistently brings new opportunities to learn and improve how we care for our patients. That continuous growth is what drives my passion for this job,” said Smith. Across the board, KMC’s providers emphasize the importance of patient education and see it as their responsibility to encourage patients to take good care of themselves.

This deep care for patients goes beyond treatment plans. It is about empowering people to take control of their skin health and feel confident doing so. That mindset attracts providers who genuinely want to make a difference. And as KMC expands their services and reach, the team stays focused on what matters most: delivering thoughtful, personalized care that improves lives.

Looking Ahead

As KMC continues to grow, their focus remains on meeting patients where they are and offering the most effective, accessible care possible. Whether that means pioneering new treatments like IG-SRT or making appointments available when most convenient, the group is constantly refining what it means to be a full-service dermatology center.

KMC’s mission is not just about being the biggest or the first. It is about making a difference – one appointment, one diagnosis, and one patient at a time. For the communities KMC serves, that difference is already being felt.