For Kansas City University (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) alumnus Joe Dorsten, DO (COM 1969), and his wife, Sally, the arts have always been more than a pastime — they are an essential part of a well-rounded life. That belief inspires their annual support of PULSE, a magazine celebrating the visual, literary and performing arts from the student body of KCU.
Each year, PULSE provides students with a creative outlet to share poetry, short stories, photography, paintings and other artistic works. This year’s magazine launched April 7 with a special celebration featuring musical performances by students, bringing the publication to life through both sound and story.
For the Dorstens, supporting PULSE is a natural extension of their lifelong connection to the arts.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Joe began piano lessons at age 6. By eighth grade, he had added alto saxophone to his repertoire and went on to play saxophone and clarinet with his high school band, his own dance band and Dayton’s NCR Band. Sally, a native of St. Louis, is a former Missouri art teacher and accomplished collage artist, working professionally as Sally Dill.
The New York-based couple met in Kansas City and have shared nearly six decades together, learning from and inspiring one another through their respective artistic passions.
“Over the years, we have schooled each other’s discipline and are more appreciative and knowledgeable of each other’s art,” they shared.
Even today, creativity remains part of their daily lives. Joe, a radiologist who works from home, takes breaks to play the keyboard and attend his weekly jazz piano lesson. Sally continues her work as a collage artist, bringing beauty and artistic expression into their apartment and beyond.
Their support of PULSE comes from a deep belief that creativity is essential in the practice of medicine.
“Fostering creativity and relaxation enhances one’s personality in the service to others,” they said.
They hope the publication reminds students that medicine is not solely rooted in science, but also in empathy, reflection and humanity.
“There is a science and an art in the practice of medicine,” they explained. “It affects all students of KCU — those who contribute, along with those who read and absorb the contents — to become a more well-rounded person.”
When they think about students revisiting PULSE years from now, the Dorstens hope they remember that KCU valued the development of the whole person.
“The students will be grateful that their medical school had the foresight to put emphasis on the arts,” they said.
Through their generosity and vision, the Dorstens continue to help ensure KCU students have space to create, reflect and connect, reminding future health sciences professionals that healing is both a science and an art.
View the Spring 2026 edition of PULSE here.
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