Talks with Docs

As part of Firefly DD Health Home’s commitment to the health and wellness of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we’re offering Talks with Docs. It’s a free virtual health education series open to individuals served, families, caregivers, support staff and the public.

Join our Health Home physicians on Zoom for conversations about important health topics that can have a big impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout the series, our doctors will cover aspiration, bowel obstruction, dehydration, seizures and sepsis.

Each talk includes a physician-led discussion about risks, prevention and care, followed by 10–15 minutes of open questions and answers. Join from a computer, tablet or phone, or call in. You’re welcome to keep your camera off and simply listen.

Talks with Docs is led by three of our Health Home physicians.

Dr. Karl Shanstrom, DO

Medical Director, Health Home
Leads: Aspiration Risks and Reduction (October 8) and Bowel Obstruction and Diarrhea (November 12)

Dr. Karl Shanstrom is the medical director for the Health Home program. Before stepping into this role, he was the primary physician consultant for the Health Home program at Family Counseling Center in Kennett, Missouri, and the primary physician for its integrated family medicine clinic. In all, he has more than 10 years with the Health Home program and 15 years of experience in family medicine.

Before that, Dr. Shanstrom spent 11 years in emergency medical services and worked as a seasonal state park ranger in Colorado. He comes from a family of teachers and taught anatomy and physiology and general biology at Pueblo Community College before his journey into medicine. He has also served as president of SEMO AHEC and spent five years as a regional director of medical education for the Bootheel.

Outside of medicine, his hobbies are just as varied. He enjoys working on cars, going to car shows, fencing and taking part in battle reenactments from the 1600s.

Dr. Matt Loutzenhiser, MD

Primary Care Physician, Health Home
Leads: Dehydration and Diet (January 14) and Seizures (March 11)

Dr. Matt Loutzenhiser has been part of the Health Home program since 2017, providing education, consultation and support to Health Home teams across Missouri. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2006 and completed residency training in South Carolina and Springfield, Missouri, building a strong foundation in primary care and integrated healthcare.

Throughout his career, Dr. Loutzenhiser has been committed to improving access to quality healthcare and supporting collaborative care models that improve patient outcomes.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and relaxing at the lake. His interests also include music; he studied piano performance as an undergraduate.

Dr. Chris Loutzenhiser, DO

Physician, Health Home
Leads: Sepsis (May 13)

Dr. Chris Loutzenhiser joined the Health Home program as a physician consultant in 2025. He has spent more than 15 years in primary care and urgent care medicine in Missouri and Florida. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and completed his residency at Cox Family Practice Residency in Springfield, Missouri.

Along with providing consultation and support to Health Homes, Dr. Loutzenhiser enjoys teaching and mentoring residents from the Florida State family practice and internal medicine residencies in an urgent care setting.

He also enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, beach time and offshore boating in Florida.