2021 Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) Booster Grant

The spring of a medical student’s fourth year marks the final stretch of the long road toward a medical degree. Excitement looms for the opportunities that lie ahead.

This year, however, the end of medical school has been an experience like no other before it. The COVID-19 pandemic forced academic medical centers to adjust their teaching practices. Fourth-year students adapted to incorporate virtual learning, and they could not go through away rotations that offer educational experiences outside of their medical institution.

Kristine Lohr, MD, MS, is professor of medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She also is chief of the division of rheumatology and director of the rheumatology training program. For Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month in March, Dr. Lohr shares her expertise on autoimmune diseases and how you can support people who have them.

Q: What are some examples of autoimmune diseases?

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of protective cartilage cushioning the bones. It affects more than 30 million Americans and has a complex interaction with obesity, socioeconomic status, and mental illness.

Hazard, Ky. (Mar. 22, 2021) – Researchers at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) have released COVID-19 Stakeholder Experiences in Kentucky, a report that details the findings of surveys taken by more than 900 healthcare providers, school leaders, community health workers and their clients, and community members in Kentucky during the summer and fall of 2020. 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 22, 2021) – While Kentucky was dealing with the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown a year ago, Lexington resident Phyllis Alexander woke up one morning and accidentally discovered another frightening problem.

While reaching for her robe in her closet, she turned too quickly, knocking her chest hard against the door. The pain was sharp and immediate, and as she touched her left breast, she noticed something unusual – a large, firm bump.

The UK College of Medicine is thrilled to celebrate our fourth-year students as they learn where they will spend the next phase of their medical careers! Match Day for the Class of 2021 will take place Friday, March 19, 2021, with letter opening beginning at noon.