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As the spirit of Giving Tuesday approaches, Steve Radinsky, DO (COM ’69), stands as a shining example of the dedication, service and generosity that defines the Kansas City University (KCU) community. His story is not only a testament to overcoming obstacles, but also a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to healing, service and giving back to the alma mater that shaped his remarkable career and life.
Growing up, Dr. Radinsky, was a quiet, serious kid who knew he wanted to be a doctor. He was determined to succeed in his goal and strengthened by his desire to have a career in medicine helping others.
Influenced by a friend whose grandfather studied at A. T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri, the future doctor set a path towards becoming a DO. When it came time for his medical training, there were only five osteopathic medical schools in the nation. Choosing KCU was a pivotal decision for Dr. Radinsky: KCU was close to home, and at a time when Jewish students experienced discrimination in medical school admissions, Dr. Radinsky was grateful to be accepted.
At KCU, Dr. Radinsky received the highest quality education where his professors believed in him, giving him the foundation to build a meaningful career of excellence in patient care and service.
Graduating in 1969, Dr. Radinsky faced a medical landscape where DOs were often not accepted by their MD counterparts. But being a DO in this era of skepticism from MDs didn’t deter him. Dr. Radinsky broke barriers, becoming the first DO at prestigious institutions like Barnes Jewish Hospital and the University of Kentucky, the first DO to teach at St. Louis University, and the first DO in a significant MD radiology group in St. Louis.
After a fulfilling career in radiology, Dr. Radinsky’s focus shifted to giving back. He’s a familiar face in St. Louis, volunteering with various organizations, from chairing the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University to contributing to St. Louis’ Channel 2 “Call for Action” team. His involvement extends to the United Way, his temple, and the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Radinsky is a proud KCU Conley Society member as well as a long-time Gold Society member, giving back to his alma mater every year since the year he graduated. His pride in KCU shines in his commitment to the University. Not only does he give back financially, he advocates for KCU, encouraging his family, friends and neighbors to consider the rewarding profession of health care and to look at KCU’s many programs and paths. He encourages his fellow alumni to do the same; he recently connected with a potential student who was previously unaware of KCU, and they are now eager to explore further. A single phone call can have a profound impact on a young person’s life.
Dr. Radinsky reflects on his KCU education with pride – not just for the career it enabled, but for a life dedicated to service and giving back. Dr. Steve Radinsky, the quiet dreamer turned trailblazing healer, embodies the enduring spirit of Kansas City University.
