The UK College of Medicine Office of Research 2024 Research Awards recognize faculty and staff who have made outstanding contributions to basic, clinical, and translational research in the College of Medicine.  Please join us in congratulating the following awardees: 

Early Career Mentoring Award in Basic, Translational, or Clinical Research (Faculty)

Michael Cannon, MD, earned his medical doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1999. Afterward, he completed a residency and fellowship in rheumatology at the Medical College of Virginia, now Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Today, Dr. Cannon lives and practices in Virginia Beach, Va.

For 65 years, the department of behavioral science has engaged in transformative research and provided exceptional educational opportunities for learners. Founded in 1959 by William R. Willard, MD, the first dean of the College of Medicine, and Robert “Bob” Straus, PhD, the department was the first of its kind in the United States.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky were part of a team that discovered a key protein in the brain that can regulate motivation for reward in mice.

Work by several researchers within the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics. 

Darwin Conwell, MD, joined the University of Kentucky in 2022 as a professor and the Jack M. Gill Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine. Since then, he’s become a recognizable fixture of the UK College of Medicine and UK HealthCare. 

Renee Gallagher, MEd, is a self-proclaimed “lifelong learner”, an insatiable reader of research articles, and a lover of solving puzzles. She’s also a dancer, a social innovator, a former small business owner, and a member of the UK College of Medicine Office for Organizational Well-Being (OWB). 

Researchers at the University of Kentucky (UK) and Texas Christian University (TCU) have received a $4.7 million, five-year grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to support a new study aimed at reducing overdose risk among women in the criminal legal system.

The Office of Medical Education would like to welcome the following faculty as the new Foundational Science Thread leaders: 

Pharmacology: Robert Hadley, PhD 

Dr. Hadley is an associate professor of pharmacology and nutritional sciences and director of graduate studies for pharmacology. 

Microbiology: Brian Higgins, PhD

n recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Lexington Sporting Club’s (LSC) USL Super League soccer team will take the field in special edition pink uniforms to support the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center during their home match against Carolina Ascent FC on Oct. 6.

When Sean Regnier, PhD, started working with people with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) 10 years ago, he noticed a high rate of cigarette smoking among his clients.

“From a clinical standpoint, I was interested in figuring out how I could help my clients quit smoking,” he said.

Alan Daugherty, PhD, professor of physiology and medicine, was elected to the leadership of the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation Board of Directors.

Our mission is to educate physicians and scientists who will positively impact care for patients in the Commonwealth and beyond. Thanks to a variety of ongoing global health initiatives within the college, residents, and fellows are gaining invaluable experience in dozens of countries – helping thousands of patients while learning unique skills to enhance their practice of medicine.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to welcome Allana Oak, DO, to the leadership team of the Northern Kentucky Campus.

Dr. Oak will serve as assistant dean for clinical education effective Sept. 16. The new role will involve collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to support and strengthen clinical experiences at the campus. 

The Kentucky Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) recently held its 2024 Fall Meeting. The event included keynote speakers, a poster competition for medical students and residents, a doctor dilemma challenge, as well as networking opportunities. Students from our Lexington, Bowling Green, and Northern Kentucky campuses represented our college well. 

Results from a new University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study show that molecular tumor boards can play an important role in identifying potential inherited cancer risks, leading to better patient care.

Just like the rest of the human body, the brain changes as it ages. Most people eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional memory problems. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way the mind works could be a troubling sign that brain cells are failing.

At UK HealthCare - Turfland, Trilby Trent’s workspace tells a story. The 58-year-old patient registrar’s desk is adorned with colorful notes and inspiring messages. There’s also a sign that reads: “I fight peritoneal cancer. What’s your superpower?” 

Fourteen University of Kentucky students spent the summer expanding their research skills through the Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship program, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the 

Cardiovascular disease is a pressing health challenge in Kentucky. It’s one the University of Kentucky and the American Heart Association (AHA) have been working to address for decades.

Since 1949, the AHA has provided more than $41 million through 469 research grants to the University of Kentucky, with 15 grants totaling more than $3.2 million currently active.