Dr. Terance Tsue of the University of Kansas Cancer Center was selected by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the Chiefs as the Blue KC Chiefs Kingdom Champion for the NFL Crucial Catch game on October 15, 2017, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He conducted the ceremonial first pass to [Chiefs Rep] and was recognized on the field prior to kickoff.
As the physician-in-chief at the KU Cancer Center, Dr. Tsue combines his expertise as a professor, surgeon and researcher to provide clinical oversight and treatment for cancer patients across the region. Nationally recognized for his expertise in microvascular reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancers—specifically microvascular reconstruction of the jaw—Dr. Tsue has been included in Best Doctors, a renowned electronic database and consulting service made up of the best five percent of physicians worldwide, since 2005.
"To be recognized in this fashion by organizations that demonstrate success through the same philosophy is very special and a true honor," Dr. Tsue said in regard to being named a Blue KC Chiefs Kingdom Champion. "It's a privilege to be part of this great partnership both Blue KC and the Chiefs have with the University of Kansas Cancer Center in the battle against this disease that touches all of us."
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Tsue completed his residency at the University of Washington in Seattle and has served on the faculty of the University of Kansas School of Medicine since 1996. Committed to educating future physicians at the school, he rose to become the Douglas A. Girod, MD, Endowed Professor of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and vice chairman, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in 2008. For the next four years, he served as associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and as the ACGME designated institutional official at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. In 2012, he was appointed physician-in-chief of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, part of the University of Kansas Health System.
"At a very young age, I saw my parents care for illness in both my family and their friends," said Dr. Tsue, who graduated first in his electrical engineering class at Stanford before pursuing medicine. "Those with cancer were often the most challenging, but also were what brought us all closest together. Throughout all this, they had successful careers and they never let me want for anything. That was inspirational to me, and I wanted my children to see how caring for others is essential to a fulfilling life."
In his role at the KU Cancer Center, Dr. Tsue has helped hundreds of cancer patients from Kansas City and the surrounding region by supplying them with the best treatment in the country. Part of that treatment involves helping them handle the mental battle that comes with facing cancer.
"I tell my patients that we are in this battle together as a team and that they are not alone," said Dr. Tsue. "When my patients get down, I tell them I have some patients without cancer that live like they still have it. I have a lot of patients who are battling cancer but live like they don't have it. Let's try the latter."
For Dr. Tsue, his role at the KU Cancer Center is particularly special, as it allows him to invest in the community he's come to love.
"What makes living and thriving in Kansas City so easy are the people," said Dr. Tsue. "We are surrounded by the good, the honest, and the humble. Selflessness and generosity are assumed. It's easy to give when everyone around you gives more." To nominate a local hero like Dr. Tsue to be recognized as a Blue KC Chiefs Kingdom Champion, visit chiefs.com/bluekc.
