Program Leadership and Other Clinical and Core Faculty

John Stewart, MD, FACP, FAAP

Program Director Internal Medicine-Pediatrics

Polk Dalton Continuity Clinic Director

Dr. Stewart completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2010, serving as the med-peds chief resident during his last year. Afterward, he served as chief resident in internal medicine from 2010 - 2011.  He worked as the associate program director for the residency program from 2011 - 2016.  Since 2016, he has been the program director.  His clinical practice is at the Polk Dalton clinic, one of our two continuity clinic sites that care for a more medically-underserved population.

Kate Wimberly, MD

Associate Program Director Internal Medicine-Pediatrics

Dr. Wimberly completed her undergraduate degree, medical school, and her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky. She completed residency in 2019, serving as one of the med-peds chief residents in her final year. She joined the UK faculty after residency as a combined med-peds hospitalist. She currently practices med-peds primary care at UK's Internal Medicine-Pediatrics clinic (University Health Service site). She has served as the residency program's associate program director since 2022, and is passionate about resident education and patient care.

Gabrielle E. Kahler, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

UHS Med-Peds Continuity Clinic Faculty

Dr. Kahler completed her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2024. She joined the University of Kentucky faculty following residency and currently practices at University Health Service, where she provides comprehensive primary care for a diverse patient population.

In her clinical role, Dr. Kahler focuses on preventive health, managing chronic medical conditions, and supporting patients across the lifespan. She is particularly passionate about medical education, mentoring residents and medical students, and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

In addition to her clinical and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kahler is dedicated to helping trainees develop into compassionate, skilled, and well-rounded physicians prepared to meet the needs of diverse patient populations.

Ethan J. Ritter, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics

Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Faculty

Dr. Ritter completed his internal medicine-pediatrics residency at the University of Kentucky in 2021, serving as one of the med-peds chief residents in his final year. He joined the University of Kentucky faculty following residency and currently practices at Polk Dalton Clinic and the Albert B. Chandler Hospital, where he provides comprehensive care for patients across the lifespan and teaches residents in a continuity clinic setting.

In his clinical role, Dr. Ritter focuses on preventive care, managing chronic medical conditions, and supporting patients in medically diverse and underserved populations. He is particularly passionate about resident education, mentorship, and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

In addition to his clinical and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Ritter is dedicated to helping trainees develop into compassionate, skilled, and well-rounded physicians capable of meeting the needs of diverse patient populations.

Thaddeus Robert Salmon III, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics
Polk Dalton Continuity Clinic Faculty

Dr. Salmon completed both medical school and his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2017, serving as one of the med-peds chief residents in his final year. He joined the University of Kentucky faculty following residency and is passionate about caring for underserved populations. He developed and now oversees the Health Equity Track within the residency program, providing residents the opportunity to participate in focused training on health equity and advocacy.

In his clinical and teaching roles, Dr. Salmon is dedicated to mentoring residents, fostering a supportive learning environment, and helping trainees become compassionate, skilled, and well-rounded physicians prepared to serve diverse patient populations.

Chris Simmons, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
UHS Med-Peds Continuity Clinic Faculty

Dr. Simmons completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2017 and subsequently served as a pediatric chief resident. He joined the University Health Service med-peds clinic faculty following his chief year and continues to provide comprehensive care for patients across the lifespan.

In his clinical role, Dr. Simmons focuses on preventive care, management of chronic conditions, and supporting patients in a student-focused primary care setting. He has a particular interest in wellness and is actively involved in faculty development initiatives to promote well-being among both residents and faculty.

In addition to his clinical and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Simmons is committed to mentoring residents and medical students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and helping trainees develop into skilled, compassionate, and well-rounded physicians.

Savannah R. Walker, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Walker earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and completed her Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. She is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

She joined the University of Kentucky in 2022 as a faculty and currently practices at University Health Service, providing comprehensive care for patients across the lifespan. In her clinical role, Dr. Walker focuses on preventive care, management of chronic medical conditions, and supporting patients in both primary care and continuity clinic settings.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Walker is passionate about medical education, mentoring residents and medical students, and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. She is committed to helping trainees develop into skilled, compassionate, and well-rounded physicians capable of meeting the needs of diverse patient populations.

 Heidi Ehrhardt, MD
 Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
 UHS Med-Peds Continuity Clinic Faculty

Dr. Ehrhardt completed her med-peds residency at Wright State University in 1998. She joined the University of Kentucky faculty in 2015 and currently serves as a continuity clinic preceptor for both the combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency program and the categorical Internal Medicine program.

In her clinical role, Dr. Ehrhardt provides comprehensive care for patients across the lifespan, emphasizing preventive health and chronic disease management. She is dedicated to resident education and mentoring, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and helping trainees develop into skilled, compassionate physicians.

Paula Bailey, MD, MHA
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Chandler Medical Center Hospitalist Program

Dr. Bailey graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2000 and completed her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2004.  She completed an academic medicine fellowship at the University of Kentucky in 2006 and has earned a master's degree in health administration. 

Jonathan Barko, MD

Internal Medicine – Hospital Medicine Faculty

Dr. Barko completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2024, serving as one of the med-peds chief residents in his final year. Following residency, he served as the internal medicine chief resident for the 2024–2025 academic year, during which he oversaw quality improvement (QI) projects at the VA hospital. He subsequently joined the University of Kentucky faculty as an internal medicine – hospital medicine physician.

In his clinical role, Dr. Barko provides high-quality, patient-centered care for hospitalized adults, focusing on managing complex medical conditions and coordinating multidisciplinary care. He has particular interests in quality improvement, hospital-based education, and optimizing transitions of care.

In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Barko is passionate about mentoring residents and medical students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and promoting professional development for trainees. He is committed to helping future physicians grow into skilled, compassionate, and well-rounded clinicians capable of meeting the needs of diverse patient populations.

Hilary Crutcher, MD

Internal Medicine – Hospital Medicine Faculty

Dr. Crutcher completed her internal medicine - pediatrics residency at the University of Kentucky  in June 2023, serving as one of the med-peds chief residents in her final year. Following residency, she served as the internal medicine chief resident for the 2023–2024 academic year, during which she oversaw quality improvement (QI) projects at the VA hospital. She subsequently joined the University of Kentucky faculty as an internal medicine – hospital medicine physician.

In her clinical role, Dr. Crutcher provides high-quality, patient-centered care for hospitalized adults, focusing on managing complex medical conditions and coordinating multidisciplinary care. She has particular interests in quality improvement, hospital-based education, and optimizing transitions of care.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Crutcher is passionate about mentoring residents and medical students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and promoting professional development for trainees. She is committed to helping future physicians grow into skilled, compassionate, and well-rounded clinicians capable of meeting the needs of diverse patient populations.

Kristen E. Fletcher, MD

Associate Program Director, Associate Professor of Medical Education and Medicine

Internal Medicine / Pediatrics Hospital Medicine

Dr. Fletcher graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed her combined internal medicine–pediatrics residency at the University of Kentucky in 2022, serving as med-peds chief resident during her final year. She then served as internal medicine chief resident in 2023 and is now an Internal Medicine faculty member and Associate Program Director of the Internal Medicine residency program.

In her faculty role, Dr. Fletcher is deeply committed to mentoring and teaching residents in both internal medicine and pediatrics. She fosters a collaborative, supportive, and engaging learning environment, helping trainees develop strong clinical reasoning, leadership abilities, and confidence in patient care. Known for her approachability and dedication to education, Dr. Fletcher emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and the professional growth of each resident.

Her educational philosophy centers on creating opportunities for residents to excel as clinicians and leaders, encouraging inquiry, accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Through her mentorship and guidance, Dr. Fletcher plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of physicians while promoting a culture of excellence, teamwork, and professional development within the residency program.

Carrie Gaby, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Veteran's Administration Medical Center Hospitalist Program

Dr. Gaby completed her medical school at the University of Kentucky and completed her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2015. She then served as a pediatric chief resident and now primarily works as a VAMC Internal Medicine Hospitalist.

 Alan Hall, MD
 Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
 Kentucky Children's Hospital Hospitalist Program
 Chandler Medical Center Hospitalist Program

Dr. Hall attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his med-peds residency at the University of Michigan.  He is an attending physician on both pediatric and internal medicine hospitalist services.

TJ Lile, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Kentucky Children's Hospital Hospitalist Program
Chandler Medical Center Hospitalist Program

Dr. Lile completed medical school at the University of Kentucky and completed his med-peds residency training at the University of Kentucky in 2010.  He’s an attending for both internal medicine and pediatric wards.

Dorothy M. Maes, MD

Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine

Dr. Maes earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed her combined internal medicine–pediatrics residency at the University of Kentucky in 2022. She then pursued advanced training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Kentucky, completing her fellowship in 2023.

As a faculty member in the division of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, Dr. Maes is dedicated to educating and mentoring residents in the combined internal medicine–pediatrics program. She strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where trainees are encouraged to ask questions, explore complex cases, and develop their clinical reasoning and professional skills. Known for her approachability and commitment to teaching, Dr. Maes emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong commitment to learning, helping residents grow into confident, skilled physicians.

Mike McCoy, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Veteran's Administration Medical Center Hospitalist Program

Dr. McCoy completed medical school at the University of Kansas and completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2006. He now primarily works as a VAMC internal medicine hospitalist and works shifts in the after-hours pediatric twilight clinic at UK.

John Ragsdale, MD, MS
Associate Professor Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Hospital Medicine
Assistant Dean for Clinical Education

Dr. Ragsdale graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed a pediatric internal medicine residency at the University of Kentucky, serving as med-peds chief resident his final year. After residency, he completed a general internal medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh and received a master's of science in medical education. He has given multiple workshops at national meetings on various topics in medical education and faculty development.

Dr. Ragsdale's academic interests include curriculum development, physical exam, and clinical reasoning. He is an attending physician on the inpatient internal medicine services.

John Romond, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Dr. Romond received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed his med-peds residency training at the University of Kentucky in 2014.  He is an attending physician for the adult hospitalist service.

Zackary V. Roy, MD
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Director of Inpatient Services, UK Good Samaritan Hospital

Dr. Roy completed his medical school at the University of Kentucky and completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky. 

Clark Sleeth, MD
Clinical Instructor of Medicine and Pediatrics

Dr. Sleeth received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Kentucky in 2016. Dr. Sleeth is now working full time at Kinyasini District Hospital, Zanzibar.  He remains an appointment as voluntary faculty with UK which allows residents the opportunity to work with him as part of our global health track.

R. Kyle Wheeling, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Wheeling completed his medical school at the University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Afterwards, he completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky.

Michael Anstead, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Pulmonary

Dr. Anstead received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed a med-peds internship at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He finished his residency in med-peds at the University of Kentucky, where he also completed his fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine in 1996.  Dr. Anstead is the director of the adult cystic fibrosis program.

Joe Auer, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine - GI

Dr. Auer received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky in 2005 and completed his med-peds training at the University of Kentucky in 2009. Dr. Auer completed his GI fellowship at the University of Kentucky in 2012.

Matthew K. Bacon, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Interim Chief, Heinrich A. Werner Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Medical Director, Kentucky Kids Crew Transport Team

Dr. Bacon joined the faculty at the University of Kentucky in 2015 after finishing his pediatric critical care fellowship at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. In 2017-2018, he completed an advanced fellowship in pediatric cardiac critical care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and continues to hold a faculty appointment there within the CICU.

Since the initiation of the Joint Pediatric Heart Care Program, Dr. Bacon has played an integral role in the leadership and development of the program. In addition, he has served as assistant ECMO director for Kentucky Children's Hospital and medical director for the KCH Neonatal and Pediatric Transport Team, both since 2016.

Dr. Bacon is a native of the state, originally from Flemingsburg, and leads with the goal of providing the highest quality of care as close to home as possible.

Hubie Ballard, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Neonatology

Dr. Ballard received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2000. Afterward, he served as chief resident for pediatrics prior to completing his neonatology fellowship at UK.  He attends in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Scottie Day, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Critical Care

Dr. Day received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky in 2002.  He completed his med-peds residency at Indiana University in 2006.  Dr. Day completed his pediatric critical care and research fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in 2010. 

Margaret A. Disselkamp, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine - Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

Dr. Disselkamp received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky in 2009 and completed her med-peds training at the University of Kentucky in 2013. Dr. Disselkamp completed her pulmonary disease and critical care medicine fellowship at the University of Kentucky in 2016. She worked at the University of Kentucky for the past three years where she also served as the associate fellowship program director. She currently serves as a pulmonary and critical care attending at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lexington, Ky.  

Debbie Flomenhoft, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine - Gastroenterology

Dr. Flomenhoft received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed her med-peds training at the University of Kentucky in 2002. After residency, she served as chief resident of pediatrics prior to beginning her fellowship.

Nicole Leedy, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine - Adult Infectious Disease

Dr. Leedy received her medical degree from Marshal University and completed her med-peds training at the University of Kentucky in 2011. She completed an infectious disease fellowship at the University of Kentucky in 2013. As an attending in the Bluegrass Care Clinic, she provides care to children and adults with HIV.

Jenna Ross, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Dr. Ross received her medical degree from the University of Louisville and completed her med-peds residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2003. She served as chief resident in pediatrics from 2003-2004. She has been at UK since 2004 and served as the pediatrics medical student clerkship director from 2007 to 2011, and the categorical pediatric program director from 2011-2017.

Sarah L. Schaefer, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Schaefer received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky. She completed her med-peds training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Afterwards, she completed the hospice & palliative care medicine fellowship at Ohio State University.

Doug Schneider, MD
Professor of Pediatrics - Cardiology

Dr. Schneider received his medical degree from the University of New Mexico and completed his med-peds training at the University of Kentucky in 1992. He completed a pediatric cardiology fellowship in 1995.

W. Jackson Smith, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine - Endocrinology

Dr. Smith completed his med-peds residency at the University of North Carolina College of Medicine in Chapel Hill, N.C., where he also completed a fellowship in endocrinology. Dr. Smith received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C. Dr. Smith is board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, endocrinology, and diabetes and metabolism for internal medicine and pediatrics.

Mark Wurth, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Kentucky Children's Hospital

Dr. Mark Wurth is a pediatric pulmonologist at the Kentucky Clinic Pediatric Specialty Clinic. He is a native of Henderson, Ky. and completed his undergraduate work, a PhD and medical school at UK.

Dr. Wurth’s clinical interests include severe asthma and phenotype driven therapeutics for asthma management, and he is currently section head of pediatric allergy and immunology. His research interests include understanding the immune response that drives mold allergy in severe asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. In addition to his clinical work and research, Dr. Wurth teaches first year medical students about primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Angela Dearinger, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Assistant Dean for Accreditation, GME
Associate Chief of Staff for Education - VA Medical Center

Dr. Dearinger completed medical school at the University of Kentucky and completed her med-peds residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2005. She completed an academic medicine fellowship at the University of Kentucky in 2007 and earned a master's degree in public health.

Mary Duke, MD, FACP
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Chief of Internal Medicine - VA Medical Center

Dr. Duke received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Urbana and completed her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky. She completed a fellowship in general internal medicine at the University of Washington and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Seattle. Board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, she is a leader in teaching and advising activities within the departments of internal medicine and pediatrics. Dr. Duke was the program director at the University of Kentucky for 10 years, stepping down in 2005.

Charles H. Griffith, MD, MSPH

Acting Dean, College of Medicine
Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Vice Dean for Education
UHS Continuity Clinic Faculty

Dr. Griffith completed a med-peds residency, and then completed a two-year general internal medicine fellowship and earned his master's of science in public health at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center. Dr. Griffith received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.  He is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics.  His teaching skills have been duly recognized. He has received more teaching awards than any other faculty member not only for the College of Medicine but also for the entire University of Kentucky.

Stephen Besson, MD

Dr. Besson received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky and is a 1998 graduate of our med-peds program. After his residency, he served as chief resident of internal medicine prior to opening his med-peds primary care practice in Cynthiana and Carlisle, Ky.

Madeline Fisher, MD

Dr. Fisher received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2020.  Dr. Fisher practices primary care med-peds in Lexington, Ky. alongside with Drs. Amanda Smith and Sarah O'Leary.

Amanda Foxx, MD

Dr. Foxx received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky and is a 2015 graduate of our med-peds program, serving as chief resident. She is practicing med-peds primary care in Lexington, Ky.

Alexander Hernandez, MD

Dr. Hernandez completed his med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2022.

Ashley Rollins, MD

Dr. Rollins received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed her med-peds residency in 2018.  Dr. Rollins practices primary care med-peds in Lexington, Ky. alongside Dr. Amanda Foxx.

Amanda Smith, MD

Dr. Smith received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed her med-peds residency in 2012, serving as chief resident.  She then served as an internal medicine chief during 2012-13.  Dr. Smith practices primary care med-peds in Lexington, Ky. alongside Drs. Sarah O'Leary and Madeline Fisher.

Kelli Trent, MD, FACP, FAAP

Dr. Trent completed her med-peds residency at the University of Kentucky in 2014, serving as the med-peds chief resident during her last year. Afterward, she served as chief resident in pediatrics from 2014-2015.  She became the associate program director in 2016 and served in that role until 2022.

Leann Jacobs

Leann Jacobs has been the med-peds program coordinator since 2014. She received her bachelor of business degree from University of South Australia. She is an integral part of our program and med-peds family, and Leann is routinely praised by residents for her dedication and support!