After many years without a dedicated pediatric specialist, Excelsior Springs Hospital is excited to have Dr. Josh Umscheid, a board-certified pediatrician with a unique expertise in non-operative orthopedics, in the community.
Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Umscheid is a graduate of K-State and pursued medical education at the University of Kansas in both Kansas City and Wichita. Following his core training, he honed his expertise in non-operative orthopedics during a fellowship at the University of Louisville. This specialized training allows him to handle many orthopedic issues without resorting to surgery, including uncomplicated fracture management, scoliosis checks, and monitoring the alignment of growing children.
Umscheid’s approach to medicine is holistic and patient-centered. While he treats newborns just days old, he also extends his care to young adults up to age 21, especially for sports medicine and orthopedic complaints. When there are multiple viable treatment options, Dr. Umscheid emphasizes the importance of involving parents in decision-making. He said his goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding to parents, discussing potential treatments and their implications.
Addressing mental health has become another crucial aspect of Dr. Umscheid’s practice. When he first meets patients, he conducts screenings for various conditions, including developmental disorders, depression, and ADHD. He works closely with the psychiatric team at the hospital, ensuring that patients get the specialized care they need.
With the rapidly growing clinic and expanding resources, Dr. Umscheid said that he foresees a time in the not-so-distant future when he can spend more of his days dedicated to sports medicine, fracture care, and orthopedic follow-ups. He also hopes to be more involved in newborn care at the hospital beyond the usual two to three-day follow-ups.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Umscheid has diverse interests and a background in competitive sports like wrestling, fencing, and rugby. During COVID, he said he began to do more painting and cooking. He said his passion for pop culture and video games allows him to build rapport with younger patients, bridging the generational gap. He and his wife, a dietitian at Excelsior Springs Hospital, are expecting their first child in just a couple of weeks. “I think my free time and obligations are gonna be more focused on being a full-time dad for quite a while,” he laughed.
Access to quality pediatric care is crucial for the health and well-being of a community. Children have unique medical needs, and having a specialized provider ensures they receive tailored appropriate care. Dr. Umscheid’s arrival at Excelsior Springs Hospital fills a long-standing void, promising local families better health outcomes and peace of mind.
Residents of Excelsior Springs can now rest easy, knowing that their children’s health is in the capable hands of Dr. Umscheid and the excellent team at Excelsior Springs Hospital.
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