Culture

Champions in community impact

When a troubling trend of skin cancer diagnoses among Wichita firefighters emerged, Ashton Youngers, a physician assistant, and Veronica Tripp, a nurse manager, felt a deep responsibility to act. Firefighters — those who put themselves in harm’s way for their community — were facing a significantly higher risk of cancer due to on-the-job exposure, yet many weren’t being screened early enough.

Ashton and Veronica joined forces, driven by a shared commitment to serve those who serve others. Through a collaboration with the oncology department at a local healthcare system and city leadership, including the mayor, they rallied support from their dermatology clinicians. Their collaboration led to the launch of a skin cancer screening program specifically for firefighters — a program that quickly became a model for community-driven healthcare.

A key to the program’s success was its thoughtful design: firefighters were able to receive screenings while on duty, making it easier for them to participate without sacrificing their availability to respond to emergencies. Meanwhile, the clinic’s team of clinicians volunteered their own time — often coming in on their days off — to ensure screenings could happen outside of regular hours. This spirit of giving back, both from the healthcare team and the city’s leadership, was central to the program’s rapid growth and impact.

“In every step of this program, what stood out most was the willingness of our providers to step up and serve,” says Ashton. “Whether it was volunteering on days off or working together across departments, everyone recognized the importance of protecting those who protect us. It was true teamwork — no one hesitated to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

In just five months, more than 200 screenings were completed, leading to life-saving early detection for those who risk their lives for others. These screenings led to detection and treatment of multiple types of cancers. The program’s success is a testament to the power of partnership — between advanced practice providers, nurse managers, clinicians and civic leaders — all united by a common purpose.

Ashton and Veronica’s story exemplifies what’s possible when healthcare professionals step beyond the clinic walls to meet the needs of their community. Their collaboration honors the dedication of frontline responders and sets a new standard for what it means to champion care where it’s needed most.