Care Across the Commonwealth:
A plan that prioritizes learners, strengthens our research efforts, and ensures the well-being of our community.
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is driven by a clear purpose: to advance health care for the people of Kentucky and beyond by preparing the next generation of physicians and scientists. The Care Across the Commonwealth strategic plan serves as the framework to align our collective efforts, focus our resources, and measure our progress. It ensures that every initiative — whether in education, research, clinical care, or taking care of our people — moves us closer to our mission.
This plan follows the conclusion of the college’s previous strategic framework, COMMITS, and builds on the progress we made under that plan from 2018-2024. Our new strategies align with the University's strategic plan, and they ensure that we continue our longstanding work while reponding to today's opportunities.
Our Three Central Pillars
Putting Learners First
Education is at the heart of our mission. This pillar affirms our dedication to providing students and trainees with the strongest possible foundation, built on innovation, mentorship, and support. By reducing barriers to education, strengthening pathways to careers, and supporting student well-being, we ensure our graduates are not only well-trained in medicine and science but also ready to lead with integrity and compassion.
Initial Learner Pillar Goals
Become the indispensable institution for developing and training physicians and scientists in Kentucky for Kentucky
Support and facilitate the growth of GME programs across the state
Deliver comprehensive educational programs to promote learner success, well-being, and development
Ensure continuous accreditation
Strengthen physician-scientist training through targeted enhancements to the MD/PhD program
Initial Learner Pillar Goals
Become the indispensable institution for developing and training physicians and scientists in Kentucky for Kentucky
Support and facilitate the growth of GME programs across the state
Deliver comprehensive educational programs to promote learner success, well-being, and development
Ensure continuous accreditation
Strengthen physician-scientist training through targeted enhancements to the MD/PhD program
Key Learner Metrics
- Completion of the Health Education Building
- Annual medical student enrollment by campus
- Participation and matriculation rates in pathway programs
- Number of new residency and fellowship programs launched and percent fill rate achieved. Utilization of student support services
- Implementation of a graduate tracking system
Key Learner Metrics
- Completion of the Health Education Building
- Annual medical student enrollment by campus
- Participation and matriculation rates in pathway programs
- Number of new residency and fellowship programs launched and percent fill rate achieved. Utilization of student support services
- Implementation of a graduate tracking system
Leading Through Research Discovery
Discovery drives progress. Our research enterprise is a cornerstone of the college’s impact, fueling breakthroughs in areas most critical to Kentucky — cancer, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, substance use disorders, and more. This pillar calls us to expand our research capacity, strengthen clinical trial infrastructure, and embrace new frontiers in data science. By fostering collaboration across departments and with partners statewide, we are accelerating the translation of discovery into practice.
Initial Research Pillar Goals
Develop and invest in innovative, collaborative research
Cultivate and empower a thriving research community
Foster a supportive and productive environment for faculty and staff in research
Enhance research opportunities and scholarly activity for learners
Initial Research Pillar Goals
Develop and invest in innovative, collaborative research
Cultivate and empower a thriving research community
Foster a supportive and productive environment for faculty and staff in research
Enhance research opportunities and scholarly activity for learners
Key Research Metrics
- Annual changes in funding source distribution
- Number of funded principal investigators
- Percentage of Kentucky counties represented in UK College of Medicine clinical trials
- Involvement rates of learners in research projects
Key Research Metrics
- Annual changes in funding source distribution
- Number of funded principal investigators
- Percentage of Kentucky counties represented in UK College of Medicine clinical trials
- Involvement rates of learners in research projects
Taking Care of Our People and Partners
Our success depends on the people who make up the College of Medicine — faculty, staff, students, trainees, alumni, and community partners. We are committed to creating an environment where every member of our community feels supported and valued, where leadership is developed and encouraged, and where contributions are recognized. By investing in our people and strengthening partnerships across Kentucky, we are building the foundation for lasting impact.
Initial People Pillar Goals
Create impact through a comprehensive framework for organizational well-being
Cultivate a supportive community
Develop and recognize our people
Initial People Pillar Goals
Create impact through a comprehensive framework for organizational well-being
Cultivate a supportive community
Develop and recognize our people
Key People Metrics
- Number of organizational well-being initiatives implemented annually
- Utilization of anonymous reporting and inquiry systems
- Utilization of endowments for faculty recruitment and development
- Retention and engagement indicators
- Faculty/staff participation in leadership and professional development programs
Key People Metrics
- Number of organizational well-being initiatives implemented annually
- Utilization of anonymous reporting and inquiry systems
- Utilization of endowments for faculty recruitment and development
- Retention and engagement indicators
- Faculty/staff participation in leadership and professional development programs