Growing up, Kate Spencer, MD, was always drawn to medicine. With a mother and brother in pharmacy, health care was a familiar space, but she knew early on that she wanted to carve out her own path.
As an undergraduate student at Centre College, Spencer took the initiative to secure a research assistant internship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, focusing on quality-of-life studies for pediatric urology patients. There, she witnessed firsthand the impact that physicians could have—not just in treating conditions but in restoring a fundamental quality of life that many take for granted. This experience ignited her passion for urology, a discipline she describes as “deeply personal and rewarding.”
After earning a master’s in global health and development at University College London in England, the Versailles, Ky. native returned home and earned her Doctor of Medicine from the UK College of Medicine in 2024. Dr. Spencer is now a first-year resident in the department of urology.
Her decision to stay at the University of Kentucky for residency training was driven by two major factors: opportunity and community.
Why UK?
As an academic medical center and health care enterprise serving the entire state, UK provides a wealth of clinical experiences that help shape learners into well-rounded physicians. “When you take care of the entire state of Kentucky, you see everything and anything that can possibly happen to a human,” shared Spencer. “It’s great exposure and experience.”
Residency is often described as one of the most grueling periods in a physician’s journey, and for Dr. Spencer, choosing UK for her urology training was about more than just the program’s excellence—it was about the people. She had built strong connections with faculty members and fellow students during medical school, relationships that helped shape her understanding of what kind of doctor she wanted to be.
“It was hard to say, ‘I think I can find better somewhere else,’” she admitted. “That’s how much I really enjoyed UK, the people here, and the culture.”
Why urology?
Her passion for urology is rooted in its intimate and life-changing nature. The field requires physicians to discuss deeply personal topics with patients, from urinary health to sexual function, in a way that is compassionate and non-judgmental.
“From the second I walk into the room, I have to make sure patients feel comfortable enough to talk to me about really personal things,” she said. That challenge—blending medical and surgical knowledge with meaningful patient interactions—drew her in and continues to drive her forward.
Looking ahead, Dr. Spencer remains open to the possibilities within urology, from oncology to pediatric care, but one thing is certain: she wants to give back.
Her commitment to Kentucky and its patients has only deepened over time. “I’ve kind of grown up and matured throughout my time here, and I’ve fallen in love with this patient population,” she shared.
“It’s become a big part of my ‘why.’”
For her, staying and training at UK isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about serving the community that shaped her, ensuring that future generations of Kentuckians receive the best care possible.
