In a world where connections can emerge in the most unexpected places, the bond between Reed June Apostol, a first-year medical student at Kansas City University (KCU), and Denise Wunderler, DO, FAOASM (COM 2004), a passionate advocate for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), is truly inspiring.
Wunderler’s commitment to raising awareness for SUDC is deeply personal, sparked by the tragic loss of her 2-year-old daughter, Vienna, in 2017. Wunderler founded Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for SUDC, and established Vienna’s Day of International SUDC Awareness. This global event, created in conjunction with her nonprofit, honors her daughter’s memory while shedding light on the rare and unrecognized condition that affects healthy children between the ages of 1 and 18.
From global awareness to personal connection
In 2022, Apostol was stationed in Antarctica with the United States Antarctic Program and learned about Wunderler’s advocacy efforts. “I first connected with Dr. Wunderler through my roommate at McMurdo Station [in Antarctica] who had returned to the States and was essentially passing the torch. She introduced us via email, and we have been in contact ever since."
Apostal found a creative way to contribute to the international event’s goal to represent all seven continents. From the frozen wilderness of the southernmost continent, she shared a striking image of herself against the icy landscape, using her unique position to amplify the urgent message of SUDC awareness across the globe.
This bond, fueled by a shared commitment, laid the foundation for a mentorship that would become central to Apostol’s medical journey.
Discovering shared roots
The connection deepened when Apostol received life-changing news: she had been accepted to KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). "It was a pretty big deal because I was applying from overseas," Apostol said. "KCU had always been on my radar, but when I learned that Dr. Wunderler was an alum, it made everything feel even more real. It was like, 'Oh my gosh, this person I admire—who has been such a source of inspiration for me—came from here. What more could you ask for?' It was a powerful moment, realizing that I was following in her footsteps."
The serendipitous nature of their shared connection to KCU only further deepened Apostol's sense of purpose and belonging, inspiring her to pursue her medical dreams with even more determination.
A vision for advocacy in medicine
Through her conversations with Wunderler, Apostol has come to appreciate how advocacy and social change can be integral to the practice of medicine. Apostol admires how Wunderler has been able to combine clinical experience with a tireless commitment to social advocacy, influencing both her patients and the wider community.
"Dr. Wunderler is incredibly open and approachable—she doesn't just teach, she listens, asks questions and shares her own experiences. What I admire most is her ability to talk about such a difficult and painful subject like SUDC with both passion and empathy. As someone who doesn’t have children yet, it’s eye-opening to learn about the unimaginable challenges families face, and it makes me think more deeply about the importance of awareness and compassion in medicine. She is a powerful person and her passion is infectious. She shows me how science and empathy can come together to make a real impact. I will be a better doctor if I bring this into my practice as a physician."
Reflecting on her own journey, Apostol remembers a pivotal moment during her paramedic school training that solidified her desire to pursue a career in medicine. "When I was in paramedic school, we had a lecture one day, and I remember turning to my friend next to me and saying, 'This isn’t going to be enough, is it?' He looked at me and said, 'No, it’s not.' That was when I realized I needed to do more. I wanted to have a broader understanding and make a more holistic impact on people’s lives, not just in emergencies but throughout their whole health journey. That’s when I knew I had to pursue medicine."
As Apostol continues her studies, she is committed to finding ways to integrate advocacy into her career. “I’m particularly drawn to pediatrics or family medicine,” she said. “I hope to work with underserved communities to make a lasting impact. I want to be a physician who not only treats patients but also advocates for causes that need a voice.”
(0) Comments