Maya Estephan, MD
ARCK
Medical Honoree
 Dr. Estephan was born in Lebanon, attended elementary and middle school in Montreal, Canada, high school in Lebanon and ultimately Medical School, graduating at the top of her class from Saint Joseph University School of Medicine, in Beirut, Lebanon.
She completed 2 years of training in Internal Medicine at Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital Center, before moving to Kansas where she completed training in Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas, Wichita Campus. She then moved to Kansas City and completed a fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Kansas. By joining ARCK, she brings a multicultural background and an extensive medical experience in multiple academic systems. Invariably, in every setting, she excelled in medicine without ever forgetting her compassionate approach. Her practice approach consists of outstanding, thorough, compassionate and State of the Art Evidence-Based Rheumatology care for her patients. Dr. Estephan has presented her personal work in national meetings at the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology, including oral presentation in open sessions. |
When Kaylin turned 3 in late 2019, her family noticed that she was having trouble with large motor activities such as jumping and walking due to pain and stiffness, as well as fine motor activities due to pain and decreased mobility in her wrist and fingers. So they set off on a journey to find answers. Kaylin saw a physical therapist, occupational therapist, orthopedic doctor, endocrinologist and made several trips to a rheumatologist before she was finally diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at the age of 4 in May of 2021. She started a treatment plan of weekly oral medication and in Aug. 2021 the Dr. added injections every other week. A little over a year after she has been on the combination of medications, she can run and play with the other 5 year-old kids. She doesn't complain of pain when we go on walks or take trips to the zoo or fair. She is able to use her wrist and fingers without pain. She is finally able to play like a kid. 
In the 3rd grade, Leo Vanskiver joined the running club at his school. Up to that point he never really complained about any unusual pain. Leo’s family always talked about how he inherited the family genetics: thin legs and "knobby" knees, so the mild swelling wasn’t very noticeable at first. After being in running club for a few months and a rough upper respiratory infection, his symptoms emerged. Leo was at the end of his illness when one night, him mom noticed one of his knees was swollen, red and warm. His mom treated his symptoms and they receded quickly. Within 2-3 days his knee was completely normal again.
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