In small towns like Colby, Kansas, health care isn’t just about medicine — it’s about community. In Thomas County, where Colby sits, there is a shortage of primary care physicians, part of a statewide challenge affecting 1.42 million Kansans who face limited or no access to a doctor nearby. That’s why Kelly Gabel, DO, and Sarah Gabel, DO, both physicians trained at Kansas City University (KCU), chose to practice in Colby and the surrounding area. Their work brings critical access to care while strengthening the fabric of the communities they serve.
Across the United States, nearly 20 percent of the population lives in rural areas, but only 9 percent of physicians practice there. In Kansas, the gap is even more stark, often forcing patients to travel long distances for care or endure long waits for appointments. For the Gabels, it became an opportunity to serve.
The pair met as undergraduates at Fort Hays State University, where Sarah was his chemistry lab teaching assistant. Their shared passion for science and for helping people eventually led them to KCU.
From the beginning, both felt called to osteopathic medicine for its focus on treating the whole person.
“I started reading about osteopathic medicine and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is what I want. This is what I hope to be as a doctor,’” Kelly said.
When it came time to choose a medical school, KCU stood out.
“KCU gave us a community that wanted to see us succeed. We had mentors who poured into us, and that’s something I’ve carried forward into how I practice and how I teach,” Sarah said.
Today, she practices primary care with a focus on family medicine and obstetrics, while Kelly serves as a general surgeon. Kelly is one of seven KCU-trained surgeons practicing in rural Kansas, a remarkable footprint, given there are just 15 general surgeons serving these communities across the state. Both chose to build their careers in rural Kansas, where access to care can be limited, but the work is deeply rewarding.
“Sometimes your friends and your co-workers are your patients too, and so you’re kind of emotionally attached from that standpoint. But I really like it,” she said. “We’re at our kids’ games, and we get called because someone was injured. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a joy to be part of the community.”
As the second-largest producer of physicians in Kansas and more than 10,000 alumni practicing nationwide, KCU plays a vital role in strengthening the health care workforce. With a focus on personal connection and attentive care, Sarah and Kelly make a meaningful difference in their patients’ lives.
“I made the decision early on that I was going to treat every single patient that I encounter here, no matter what town I’m in, as family. How would I want my family member approached by a surgeon? That’s how I treat them,” Kelly said. “It’s been our goal to try and improve how people perceive not just rural surgery, but rural medicine in general.”
From classrooms at KCU to clinics and hospitals in Kansas, the Gabel’s journey reflects the best of osteopathic medicine: compassion, perseverance and a deep commitment to serving others.
“It’s about going where you’re needed, listening and caring for people as whole human beings,” Sarah said. “That’s what called us to this path, and it’s what keeps us here.”
To see how KCU is shaping the future of health care access across the country, explore the full report from the National Center for the Analysis of Healthcare Data here.
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