Advancing UK College of Medicine's key partnerships

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine continues to position itself as a leader in advancing health care for Kentuckians and beyond. Success is made possible through its many robust partnerships with health care institutions across the Commonwealth.

To strengthen these partnerships and promote progress in our development as an academic, health care, and research institution, the UK College of Medicine has established a new position: vice dean for strategic initiatives.

Angela Dearinger, MD, MPH, associate professor of internal medicine, has been selected to fill this role in an acting capacity until a search is complete.

“The UK College of Medicine has grown, and continues to grow, to meet the needs of the Commonwealth, and this position will be imperative to our success,” said Dean Charles Griffith, MD, MSPH. “Dr. Dearinger has a wealth of experience to lead us in the right direction.”

Dr. Dearinger has vast knowledge in leadership, relationship-building, and advancing health care and education. In 2019, she was appointed Kentucky’s Public Health Commissioner, a role through which she led statewide public health programs, the launch of the Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative, and worked with state legislators to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Kentucky’s public health system through Public Health Transformation.

Dr. Dearinger has also served at the associate chief of staff for education at the Lexington VA Health Care System, where she oversaw the education of all health professions trainees, clinical training programs, and educational affiliations.

In addition, Dr. Dearinger has previously served as an appointed member of the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. Currently, she is the president-elect of the Lexington Medical Society, and will assume the role of president in January 2024. She also serves as a member of the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) Commission on Public Health, the KMA Commission on Licensure and Workforce, and the board of directors of the Kentucky Blood Center.

At the UK College of Medicine, Dr. Dearinger most recently served as assistant dean for accreditation through the Office of Graduate Medical Education, as well as the assistant dean for student affairs with a focus on well-being and professionalism through the Office of Medical Education. She has been a UK College of Medicine faculty member since 2007.

As Dr. Dearinger steps into this new role, Alan Hall, MD, will take over her duties as acting assistant dean for student affairs – well-being and professionalism.