Awardee and presenter hold a certificate and pose for a photo in front of blue backgroudn

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine Awards Convocation recognizes excellence across our institution. During the annual event, faculty, staff, and learners were recognized for their exceptional contributions to education, research, clinical care, and service. On Oct.

Portrait photo of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a royal blue sleeveless blouse

The UK College of Medicine is proud to recognize its faculty representatives in the prestigious Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program.

Four women stand together smiling in a bright hallway, with a golden retriever wearing a red therapy dog vest sitting at their feet.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine has launched a new Child Abuse Pediatrics (CAP) Fellowship Program through its Office of Graduate Medical Education, advancing its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and training leaders in this c

A group of five people attentively observes a medical simulation as an anesthesiology resident in scrubs demonstrates a procedure on a mannequin. The setting is clinical, with a focused and educational atmosphere.

After a hard day’s work, it’s only natural to talk through the day’s achievements and frustrations with trusted loved ones.  

But what if they don’t know what you're talking about?  

Vince Gouge, MD, pediatric chief resident at UK HealthCare, left, and his wife Kaylee Gouge, MD, internal medicine and pediatric fourth year resident

By Hilary Brown, Ben Branscum, and Hayden Gooding

Vince and Kaylee Gouge are University of Kentucky blue, through and through.

Both are central Kentucky natives — Vince is from Frankfort, Kaylee from Versailles — and both knew early on they were meant to be UK Wildcats. And that they were meant to be together.

‘On, On, U of K!’

Jonathan Barko

Jonathan Barko, MD, did not follow a conventional path to medicine. Before becoming a physician, he was a music educator, performing professionally and teaching in public schools after earning his degree in music education.

Reagan Stafford in white coat

For Reagan Stafford, MD, the decision to become a physician was shaped by her early experiences growing up in West Virginia.  

“Growing up in a small community with limited access to health care inspired me to become a physician,” she said. “I saw the difference the town physicians made and the respect they garnered.” 

Dr. Moore, Dr. Oberst, and Dr. Sanders

For Garrett Oberst, MD, practicing medicine wasn’t always the plan.

Abigail and Jason Hurt pose in graduation regalia with newborn son, Griffin

For most medical students, Match Day and graduation signify the culmination of years of rigorous study, personal sacrifice, and unwavering determination. But for Drs. Abigail and Jason Hurt, this milestone season marked something even more profound: the beginning of their life as a family.

QIPS cohort

This month, the Office of Graduate Medical Education is celebrating its second class of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) Certificate Program graduates. A small cohort of residents and fellows spent the past academic year growing in quality improvement and patient safety.

Anna Cox

At 23 years old, Anna Cox was active and in good health, and she rarely needed medical care. But when severe abdominal pain sent her to the emergency room, imaging revealed an abnormally enlarged lymph node, prompting further testing.

MVPE awardees

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to share the winners of the fourth annual Mission, Vision, Pillar, and Enabler (MVPE) Awards.

Dr. Ellen Van Norman

Ellen Van Norman, OD, FAAO, has a connection to the University of Kentucky that runs deep. 

headshot of dr wilkerson

Congratulations to Dr. Paul Wilkerson, a PGY4 in neurology, for his selection as the Resident of the Month for March 2025. 

Match Day

Match Day is a defining moment for medical students, and this year, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 as they took their next step toward becoming practicing physicians. 

residents

Established in 2018 by the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Thank a Resident and Fellow Day was created to highlight the invaluable contributions of trainees and to encourage expressions of appreciation.

Dr. Sibu Saha

To begin 2025, Sibu Saha, MD, a professor in the division of cardiothoracic surgery, established a new research award for College of Medicine medical students or residents who demonstrate excellence and promise in the field of cardiovascular research.

professional headshot of Dr. Kate Spencer

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.

Doctors inside the simulation center

As a resident, Zaki Hassan, MBBS, handwrote the grant application for the $250,000 that went to purchase the University of Kentucky's first human patient simulator.

Maddie Mitcham

Match Day is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking days in a medical student's journey. It’s the day when soon-to-be doctors find out where they will spend the next few years training in their chosen specialty.