In 2021, diversity and inclusion ambassadors launched an outreach program in collaboration with Frederick Douglass High School’s (FDHS) biosciences academy, an idea conceptualized by Ima Ebong, MD, MS, associate professor and ambassador for the neurology department. The effort has since expanded to include regular participation from surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and emergency medicine departments.
During the school year, College of Medicine faculty and UK HealthCare physicians visit 3-4 times to offer hands-on workshops related to their specialties. These workshops include an IV simulator, ultrasound machines, suture practice, an electroencephalogram (EEG), and an intubation simulator, to name just a few.
Jamie Key, DO, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, has been participating since the program’s inception. This winter, Dr. Key was driven to do more for the students and spearheaded a college-wide toy drive to benefit FDHS students and families.
The drive served as a way to spread holiday cheer amongst participating departments, as well as a way to give back to the local Lexington community. Toys were collected throughout late Oct. and Nov. and delivered to FDHS at the Nov. 28 workshop.
“We are so appreciative of our partnership with UK College of Medicine and UK Health Care. Our students are getting to experience hands-on activities and learn about healthcare fields they didn’t realize existed, said Jennifer Muncy, EdD, academy director for FDHS. “Our goal is to continue this partnership and help support the future workforce of health care professionals in Fayette County.”
The college has appointed 27 diversity and inclusion ambassadors across its basic science and clinical departments. Ambassadors meet regularly to share success stories, opportunities for collaboration, and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.
To get involved with the ambassador-led FDHS outreach effort, please contact the office of diversity, equity, and inclusion at comdei@uky.edu.
