Rebecca Smith
Health ReporterRebecca Smith is an award-winning reporter and producer for the KBIA Health & Wealth Desk. Born and raised outside of Rolla, Missouri, she has a passion for diving into often overlooked issues that affect the rural populations of her state – especially stories that broaden people’s perception of “rural” life. She created a conversations-based journalism project, Missouri Health Talks, in 2016 that empowers people throughout the state to share their stories of access to healthcare – in their own words.
She has degrees in both Journalism and Chemistry from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and often says health reporting is the perfect marriage of individual’s stories and reporting on science.
You can reach her at smithbecky@missouri.edu or 573-882-4824.
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Dr. Amy Patel is the Medical Director of the Breast Cancer Center at Liberty Hospital outside Kansas City. She spoke about an AI algorithm they use with breast ultrasounds that gives radiologists a data-informed second opinion. -
Medicare Open Enrollment begins tomorrow, which means that eligible senior and disabled Missourians will be able to compare new health care options and find the plan that works best for them. -
Mace Hoover is a 25-year-old trans man, as well as a former teacher. He spoke about how he supported his students during that time, but also about how they have supported and inspired him. -
Jason Mayberry is the stroke coordinator for Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri. They began using RapidAI, an AI software, in October 2023 that helps their doctors more quickly assess, diagnose and begin treatment for people experiencing stokes. -
Dr. Charles Maitz, a veterinary radiation oncologist at MU has been doing research lately that focuses on thyroid cancer in dogs. I recently sat down with Dr. Maitz to discuss how research and clinical trials in dogs can help the dogs while also advancing human medicine. -
As the weather shifts from summer into fall, there are some natural indicators. KBIA’s Rebecca Smith reports crickets can be a tool in measuring the temperature. -
Sarah Mosteller is a lesbian in her early 20s. She spoke about how she came out somewhat unexpectedly in her teens, and about how her church community reacted. -
The rollout of this year’s updated COVID-19 vaccine has been confusing, to say the least. KBIA’s Rebecca Smith has more on who’s eligible for this year’s booster and what steps may be needed to get it. -
The sixth annual Pettis County Pride Picnic is happening tomorrow/Saturday – despite recent legislative efforts targeting LGBTQ+ Missourians and the pride fest in nearby Marshall being canceled due to safety concerns. -
Cynthia Martin grew up and still lives in very rural Missouri. She’s a transgender woman that began transitioning later in life – as she approached 40. She spoke about some of the challenges she’s faced and about her hopes for her future.
