Dr. Beck and Dr. Neltner

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to announce that Sandra Beck, MD, and Janna Neltner, MD, will join the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) leadership team.

Dr. Beck will serve as assistant dean for program development. Dr. Neltner will serve as assistant dean for accreditation.

The top ten finalists of the Five-Minute Fast Track Research competition. Top Row: Artin Asadipooya, Brianna Bryant, Sydney Chapman, Jordan Colella, and Shria Holla. Bottom Row: Abigail Knoy, Ashbey Manning, Connor Stuart, Ellen Williams, and Caroline Youdes

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is proud to announce the fifth annual 5-Minute Fast Track student research competition finalists. These undergraduates competed in the competition’s preliminary round and were selected as Top 10 finalists to present their research during the final round from 5 to 8 p.m.

Man sitting at a computer, typing

Starting buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder through telehealth was associated with an increased likelihood of staying in treatment longer compared to starting treatment in a non-telehealth setting, according to a new University of Kentucky study analyzing Medicaid data from 2019-2020 in Kentucky and Ohio.  

A map of the state of Kentucky with eastern and some central counties circled with an orange outline.

With the creation of Cancer InFocus, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s Community Impact Office introduced a new tool monitoring the geographic burden of cancer.

UK students from the Rural Physician Leadership Program walking out on a road in the mountains.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine has received a four-year, nearly $16 million grant from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA).

Three breast cancer awareness ribbons on a pink background.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, buildings across the University of Kentucky’s campus will shine pink beginning 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, through Oct. 27.

Judge Mitchell (Left) holding a certificate, and Regina Blevins (Right) holding an Appalachian Strong shirt

The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) recently released their impact report for Appalachian Community Health Days (ACHD).

GME winners

The following individuals were honored at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Awards Convocation on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Winners included those in Bowling Green, Lexington, Morehead, and Northern Kentucky.

Biomedical Education

Outstanding Graduate Student Award:
Jamila Tucker, MS

Philip Kern with Dean Charles Griffith

Philip Kern, MD, professor of medicine, has served nearly 50 years providing exceptional education and clinical care and conducting groundbreaking research, with 14 of those years dedicated to advancing the mission of the University of Kentucky.

Thirteenth Annual Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia banner logo

The 13th annual Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia is set for Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18. The symposium, hosted by UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, is named in honor and memory of the late William R. Markesbery, MD, the founding director of Sanders-Brown.

Catherine Anderson and her daughter, Peyton

Every October, the city of Versailles, Kentucky, is adorned in pink. Light poles downtown don bright pink banners — each with the photo of someone diagnosed with breast cancer — patients, survivors and those who lost their lives to the disease. 

DOCS lab

Students at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus will now have access to important hands-on skill development experiences with the establishment of its new Development of Clinical Skills (DOCS) Lab.

HEED Award

For the third consecutive year, “INSIGHT into Diversity” magazine has recognized the University of Kentucky College of Medicine for its work toward inclusive excellence.

Dr. Randaline Barnett

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine welcomes a familiar face to its neurosurgery faculty next year. Randaline Barnett, MD, will join the college and UK HealthCare as a pediatric neurosurgeon, returning to her alma mater where she “fell in love” with neuroscience and officially became the first doctor in her family.

Linda J. Van Eldik working in the lab.

“My mom was the best mom.”

That's how Mallory Martinez describes her mom, Patti Pfiester, to anyone she meets.

“She was my person. If I needed advice about anything, I could talk to her,” said Martinez. “She was just a constant in my life.” 

Doctors and nurses standing side-by-side.

Applications are open to students in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine for the fourth cohort of the White Coats for Black Lives fellowships.

University of Kentucky Human Resources Elder Care, in partnership with the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, is hosting several events for Dementia Caregivers Week, Nov. 7-10. The theme for the week is "Embracing the Dementia Caregivers Journey." 

Markey Cancer Center personnel conducting a surgical procedure.

In September, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center announced that it has been named a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor a cancer center can earn from the NCI. There are only 55 NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country, and Markey is the first and only one in Kentucky.

Photo of Sydney Howard

Sydney Howard, data analyst at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH), will speak in Washington, D.C., as an invited panelist at “Advancing Rural Health Equity through Partnerships, Data, and Finance,” a hybrid event hosted by the Urban Institute and Partners for Rural Transformation, scheduled for 2-5 p.m., Oct. 18. 

Dr. DeFranco

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is thrilled to announce that after an extensive search, Emily DeFranco, DO, MS, has been selected to serve as the new chair of obstetrics and gynecology.