A line of runners participating I the third annual World Hearing Day 5K

While shadowing physicians in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UK HealthCare, third-year medical student Evan Smith began noticing a pattern.

Patients would come in seeking help for hearing loss. Doctors could diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. But for some patients, the conversation quickly shifted from treatment options to cost.

Two men finish a race on a sunny day. The one on the left smiles and gives a thumbs up, while the other raises his arm in triumph. "Finish" is marked on the path.

Evan Smith kept noticing the same pattern while shadowing in the UK College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Patients qualified for hearing aids. They wanted to improve their hearing. But the conversation often ended the same way — with cost. 

Carlie Arlinghaus and Riya Patel

Two University of Kentucky College of Medicine students, Carlie Arlinghaus and Riya Patel, have been chosen for the Health Disparities Research Training (HDRT) Fellowship.

A woman in a pink hoodie and teal scrub pants smiles in an office decorated with "Future MD" banner. The room has gold and blue streamers, creating a celebratory tone.

Growing up in a rural community, Autumn Glass observed how access to health care can be shaped by geography, transportation, and available resources.  

“I witnessed how delays in care, long travel distances, and limited resources affected individuals and families,” she said. “Those experiences have stayed with me.” 

Matthew Bush, a man in a blue suit with green bowtie, leaning on a handrail on UK's campus.

Hearing loss is one of the most common health challenges worldwide, touching individuals of all ages and stages of life. It can influence relationships, learning and overall well-being.

The Huffman brothers standing in front of a field of flowers in black suits with blue ties.

In the heart of southeastern Kentucky, the Huffman family has established a legacy of exceptional eye care, deeply rooted in their education at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

MVPE awardees

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to share the winners of the fourth annual Mission, Vision, Pillar, and Enabler (MVPE) Awards.

Matthew Bush posed for a photo while leaning on a railing.

Hearing loss impacts millions of people worldwide and can occur at any age. More than just a medical condition, hearing loss impacts communication, connection and overall quality of life.

As awareness grows, so does the urgency to advance solutions that restore not just hearing — but engagement, confidence and independence.

Matthew Bush, leaning against a cement railing

A University of Kentucky researcher dedicated to improving health care access for rural communities was honored with a prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).  

Miguel Abscala

On Dec. 13, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine hosted a premiere event that was much more than a film screening—it was a celebration of the dedication, innovation, and human spirit driving health care and education in Kentucky.

Conference room filled with participants of the Kentucky Rural Telehealth Summit

The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) will host the 2024 Kentucky Rural Telehealth Summit (KRTS) Sept. 26 at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Justin Ma presents his poster

At the UK College of Medicine, we embrace our responsibility to drive the change and the discovery required to improve health and wellness across the state. As a recognized leader in biomedical research, we focus on innovative, transformative, and collaborative discoveries from the bench to the bedside.

US News and World Report rankings

UK HealthCare has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky for the ninth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. Chandler Hospital was also named Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access – a new category from U.S. News that recognizes success in caring for patients in historically underserved communities.

An image of UK Chandler hospital, with five U.S. News & World Report awards listed in the top-left corner. The awards are for Best Regional Hospital for the Bluegrass (2024-2025), Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access (2024-2025), Best Hospitals for Ear, Nose and Throat (2024-2025), Best Hospitals for Cancer (2024-2025), and Best Hospitals for Obstetrics and Gynecology (2024-2025)

The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare is the No.

promotions and tenure 2024

Congratulations to the following University of Kentucky College of Medicine faculty members who received promotions and/or were granted tenure this year. The following list includes faculty from basic science and clinical departments. It is organized alphabetically by department, then by last name.

Bryce Noblitt and his family.

Not everyone gets to walk outside and watch monkeys play together in their front yard, but for Bryce Noblitt, MD, and his family, this has become a new normal.

A group of smiling doctors and their children in shirts that say Teddy Bear Hospital.

The UK Otolaryngology team participated in the Teddy Bear Hospital, an event in collaboration between the UK Children's Hospital and the Living Arts and Science Center.

A graphic showing the headshots of four incoming residents with their names and schools. These are listed in the article.

UK Otolaryngology is excited to introduce our newest additions to our phenomenal residency program. We wish to extend a warm welcome to our incoming interns: 

Tessa London-Bounds

Any new mother will tell you that breastfeeding, under the very best circumstances, is emotionally and physically taxing. While increasingly common in the workplace, accommodations such as private lactation rooms, permissive scheduling and clean, dedicated refrigerators for milk storage, are still the exception rather than the norm.

McNulty and Henderson

First-year resident Olivia Henderson, MD, credits advanced development director (ADD) Beth McNulty, MD, with playing a key role in her medical career journey.