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.
During the event, the Office of Strategic Communications premiered “Because We Care,” a four-part docuseries that delves into the heart of the college’s mission. The office also launched “Our Care in Action: A Year in the Life,” an immersive storytelling initiative highlighting the lived experiences of our college community.
Lauren Greathouse, assistant dean for communications and strategy, kicked off the event by underscoring the vision behind the docuseries. “Why do we do what we do? What makes the University of Kentucky College of Medicine special?” she asked.
The answer is simple yet profound: Because We Care.
This ethos has guided the college for over six decades, shaping its education, research, and patient care efforts. The docuseries captures the college’s history, from its establishment in the late 1950s to its current role as a leader in medical education and health care innovation. It emphasizes not just the achievements but the people who make them possible—faculty, learners, researchers, and staff who work tirelessly to improve the lives of Kentuckians.
Emery Wilson, MD, dean emeritus of the college, provided a rich historical perspective during the event, highlighting Kentucky’s pivotal role in medical education. “We care for patients,” Dr. Wilson emphasized, connecting the college’s legacy to its current impact as Kentucky’s major referral center and a hub of groundbreaking research.
The premiere also unveiled “Our Care in Action: A Year in the Life,” an innovative storytelling project that provides an in-depth look at the UK College of Medicine through the eyes of 14 individuals who represent the diverse roles and perspectives within the institution. This year-long initiative, captured between July 2023 and June 2024, goes beyond traditional reporting by offering a human-centered narrative of the college’s mission in action.
Participants in the project include deans, medical and graduate students, residency coordinators, researchers, center managers, and student support staff. Each story weaves a vivid portrait of their professional journeys and personal motivations, revealing the profound dedication behind the UK College of Medicine’s success. Whether it’s a researcher striving to uncover new treatments, a student navigating the rigors of medical education, or a faculty member mentoring the next generation of health care professionals, the project highlights the interconnected efforts that drive progress.
The event concluded with a lighthearted blooper reel, reminding everyone of the humanity behind the college’s achievements. It was a fitting close to an event that celebrated not just milestones, but the people and values that make them possible.
The UK College of Medicine is more than an institution—it is a community driven by care, dedicated to shaping the future of health care in Kentucky and beyond.
