Core faculty

Karen Foote, MD, FAAFP, dipABLM — Program Director
Gyn care and psychiatry/behavioral health
Dr. Foote brings a dynamic and diverse background to her role as Program Director, with extensive experience in graduate medical education, Naval service, private practice, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is responsible for overseeing all clinical and educational activities within the residency program, ensuring a high standard of training and patient care.
A full-scope family physician, Dr. Foote is especially passionate about obstetrics and gynecology. She delivers babies, cares for mothers, and supports families well beyond the delivery room. Her broad expertise and compassionate approach enrich both the clinic and the learning environment for residents.
Known for her warm sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge of anime and Comic-Con culture, Dr. Foote brings not only clinical excellence but also a vibrant personality that fosters connection and curiosity among her team.
Melissa Smith, MD
Outpatient Medicine and Clinic Lead
Kristian De Nagel, MD
Kris De Nagel, MD, is a dedicated core faculty member and a recent graduate of the Sports Medicine Fellowship (2024). With a strong passion for musculoskeletal care, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), procedures, exercise physiology, and biomechanics, he brings a dynamic and comprehensive approach to patient care and medical education. Splitting his time equally between sports medicine and family medicine, Dr. De Nagel is committed to providing holistic care that supports both the physical and overall well-being of his patients. His dual role allows him to integrate specialized sports medicine expertise into everyday family practice, enriching the learning environment for trainees and enhancing outcomes for patients. Dr. De Nagel also serves as a local physician for area high school and middle school athletic programs, fostering community outreach and creating valuable learning opportunities for students and residents alike. Outside of his clinical work, Dr. De Nagel enjoys staying active through weightlifting, hiking, camping, water sports, and other outdoor activities. His enthusiasm for fitness and the outdoors reflects his belief in the importance of movement and wellness in everyday life.
Laurie Fisher, MD
Laurie D Fisher, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician who has been in practice for almost 30 years. For most of her career she practiced at Town Plaza Family Practice in Overland Park, KS. She is now practicing as a hospitalist with KC Hospitalists at Lee's Summit Medical Center and is core faculty for the inpatient medicine experience for the Lee's Summit Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Fisher received her medical degree from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and completed her residency at Truman Medical Center East in Kansas City. During her residency, she received both the George Hedgepath Award for UMKC Outstanding Resident and the Outstanding Family Practice Resident Award. She serves or has served in various leadership roles at HCA Midwest Health, including the Physician Advisory Board, Menorah Medical Center facility lead, and as a member of the Menorah Medical Center Board of Directors and Menorah Medical Center Medical Executive Committee member. Dr. Fisher is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians.
Yu-Shiuan Hsu, DO
Yu-Shiuan Hsu, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician who graduated for A.T. Still University - Kirksville of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency training at UMKC Family Medicine. She is passionate about preventative care, chronic medical condition management, prenatal care, and pediatrics. She enjoys being a lifelong learner and loves her experience working with residents and faculty. Outside of medicine, she loves digital painting and traveling with family.