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. The diagnosis that followed would not only shift the course of her life but also uncover a new sense of purpose — one that would ultimately lead her toward a career in medicine.
In 2017, soon after graduating from the University of Kentucky, Cox faced an unexpected and life-altering challenge. She was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
Cox’s patient journey began at UK HealthCare under the care of Sarah Schuetz, MD, where she was quickly referred to the Markey Cancer Center. There, with Dr. Schuetz and a team of oncology specialists, she began treatment. The compassionate and expert care she received during her time as a patient deeply shaped her perspective on medicine.
In the early days following her diagnosis, Cox grappled with fear and uncertainty. But with steady support from Dr. Schuetz and her comprehensive care team, she gradually found a sense of control and resilience.
By December 2018, after completing chemotherapy, she was in remission. Her experience as a patient opened her eyes to the profound impact that compassionate, knowledgeable providers can have.
“Seeing that patient-provider relationship, the instant trust, and the fact that they had to guide me through this unknown, super scary situation… I want to do that,” Cox said. “I want to be on the other end. I want to help someone else get through their scary time.”
Inspired by the care she received, Cox decided to return to UK — this time as a student at the UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus. The regional campus offered her the opportunity to stay close to family while still receiving the high-quality education offered across UK’s four medical campuses.
A pivotal moment in her training came during her second-year Advanced Clinical Medicine course, which marked her first opportunity to conduct a history and physical exam with a patient in a clinical setting.
“Seeing the trust and vulnerability they had with me instantly reaffirmed my decision to become a physician,” she said.
Cox’s time as a patient also continues to shape how she approaches patient care during her training.
“I developed a great appreciation for my primary care team, who acted as the constant during a chaotic time,” she explained. “Now, I find myself wanting to know the entire plan for my patients, even when I’m on a consulting service.”
Her undergraduate training in mathematical economics has also given her a unique lens through which to view medicine. “It provided a way to critically think about medicine both for the individual, but also on a broader scale,” she said. “I found myself looking for ways to remove barriers to care, make health care more efficient, and improve the patient experience overall.”
Had it not been for her diagnosis, Cox says medicine likely never would have entered her radar. “It completely changed the direction of my life, and I’m so grateful,” she said. “There’s always a reason for what happens. Being diagnosed with cancer helped me discover exactly what I’m meant to do. I feel like I’ve found God’s plan for me.”
Now, Anna’s journey is coming full circle. She is preparing to begin her residency in UK’s internal medicine-pediatrics program, training at UK HealthCare, the institution that helped her through her darkest hours.
“I’m most excited about building strong, trusting relationships with patients across all ages,” she said. “The opportunity to be someone they can confide in and rely on, especially in moments of vulnerability, is one of the greatest honors of becoming a physician.”
To those considering a similar path, she offers this advice: “Find what you are passionate about and get involved. Your genuine interest will speak for itself.”
