Announcements of North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health physician retirements are published twice a year in Physician Connections. Email Amy.Bennett2@nkch.org regarding upcoming retirements.
W. Kent Barr, MD
Meritas Health Cardiology
Retired: Dec. 30, 2022
Years in Practice: 38 years
Plans: As a Board of Trustees member, I hope to continue helping NKCH succeed. My wife and I plan to travel and spend time with our grandchildren.
Kenneth Collins, MD
Kansas City Urology Care
Retired: Oct. 1, 2022
Years in Practice: 40 years
Plans: I plan to play tennis, pickle ball and golf. I’ll also visit my daughter’s and son’s families out of town. My winters will be in Bonita Springs, FL.
Kathy Hanson, MD
Meritas Health North Kansas City
Retired: July 31, 2022
Years in Practice: 20 years
Plans: My retirement focuses on faith, family, felicity and travel.
James Riojas, MD
Meritas Health Obstetrics & Gynecology
Retiring: Feb. 23, 2023
Years in Practice: 33 years
Plans: I’m thrilled to spend more time with my wife, parents, children and granddaughter, as well as to woodwork, garden, fish and boat.
Michael Somers, MD
Somers Eye Center
Retired: Dec. 27, 2022
Years in Practice: 31years
Plans:Beyond taking a few call weeks this year, I hope to cycle many miles and visit as many national parks as possible with my wife.
James Stewart, MD
North Kansas City Hospital
Retired: Nov.18, 2022
Years in Practice: 36 years (combined in private practice and at NKCH)
Plans:I plan to spend time with my grandkids and do some cooking and traveling.