Two men finish a race on a sunny day. The one on the left smiles and gives a thumbs up, while the other raises his arm in triumph. "Finish" is marked on the path.

Evan Smith kept noticing the same pattern while shadowing in the UK College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Patients qualified for hearing aids. They wanted to improve their hearing. But the conversation often ended the same way — with cost. 

A smiling health care worker in scrubs uses a stethoscope to take a young woman's blood pressure.

Beyond the classroom, lab and hospital walls, University of Kentucky medical students continue to find meaningful ways to improve the health of their communities. 

A woman smiles holding a first-place certificate from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Behind her is a research poster on autism risk from premature birth.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine–Northern Kentucky Campus reached an important milestone this fall with the launch of its first medical student research showcase. The event reflects how scholarship, mentorship, and opportunity are becoming an increasingly visible part of the student experience.  

Four people in a modern office lounge sit around a table in discussion, smiling. Others stand and chat in the background.

At the UK College of Medicine–Bowling Green Campus, leadership begins early. Students are not only preparing for their future roles as physicians, but also actively shaping the learning environment for those who will follow.

Students in a classroom, attentively listening and taking notes on laptops.

In preparation for our LCME accreditation site visit, we want to highlight how our curriculum is intentionally designed to support students as they progress across the four years of medical school and to prepare them for each step in the journey. 

A woman in a pink hoodie and teal scrub pants smiles in an office decorated with "Future MD" banner. The room has gold and blue streamers, creating a celebratory tone.

Growing up in a rural community, Autumn Glass observed how access to health care can be shaped by geography, transportation, and available resources.  

“I witnessed how delays in care, long travel distances, and limited resources affected individuals and families,” she said. “Those experiences have stayed with me.” 

Smiling health care professional in navy scrubs with a stethoscope, standing confidently in a clinic hallway with arms crossed.

When Elena Manauis left her hometown in Michigan to attend the University of Kentucky, she knew almost nothing about the Bluegrass State. A scholarship application submitted on a whim became a turning point in her life. 

“I didn’t know a single person coming down here,” she recalled. “It was a completely fresh start.” 

Crates of canned and other non-perishable food collected on a beige wheeled cart to donate.

Second-year medical students across the UK College of Medicine put classroom learning into action during their final Nutritional Application Day in the Gastrointestinal and Nutrition class of the fall semester.

med students in a classroom studying together

LCME Standard 5 focuses on the institutional resources that support a safe, effective, and well-functioning learning environment. At the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, library, safety, and information technology resources work together to support students, faculty, and staff across all campuses and stages of training. 

Northern Kentucky Campus medical student wearing white coat smiles in front of research poster.

The UK College of Medicine recently hosted medical student research showcases across three of our campuses — Bowling Green, Lexington (virtual), and Northern Kentucky.

Eight people in business attire stand together indoors, smiling at the camera in a well-lit, modern building with glass and stone features.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine continues to grow, now encompassing 2,809 total faculty members across our Lexington, Morehead, Bowling Green, and Northern Kentucky campuses. We recognize that supporting our faculty is essential to achieving our educational, research, and service missions; fostering professional fulfillment; and sustaining a culture of excellence.

academic medicine cover

Two University of Kentucky College of Medicine students have been recognized by Academic Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical education journals from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Their work is featured in the journal’s December issue, which was recently published online here.

students attend card making event

At the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, the spirit of medicine extends far beyond lectures, labs, and clinical rotations. It lives in the character of our students — in the way they encourage one another, seek connection, and choose compassion even in the smallest moments.

5 medical students pose with a life-size skeleton during a visit to UK COM Morehead Campus

When medical students at the University of Kentucky begin their journey, they often think about where medicine will take them — into hospitals, clinics, and communities across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Large group of students reciting pledge during white coat ceremony

At the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, we are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive, and professional learning environment where every learner can thrive. Our shared expectations around professionalism, ethical conduct, and mutual respect help ensure that students feel safe, valued, and empowered throughout their medical education journey. 

Medical students Grace McDougal, Gabriela Da Silva, Cannon LaFont, Mayah Walker, Arsh Ansari, Miles DeBerge, Anas Gondal, Amunet Jacobs, Matthew Bernard, Emilee Jackson, and Jordyn Hurley.

Students from all four years of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine – Lexington Campus recently took time to connect with aspiring physicians through UK Medicats, an undergraduate, student-run organization for UK students interested in pursuing careers in medicine.

Three medical students dressed for Halloween pose next to a table full of toys and a sign that says "pick or treat" during a Halloween event

Members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) recently brought seasonal joy and meaningful service to the heart of our community when they joined the annual “Trunk or Treat” event hosted by One Parent Scholar House. 

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.

students walking through a bridge with a blue overlay

At the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, our mission and vision guide everything we do — from educating students to improving the health of our Commonwealth. 
  

Med student poses with empty storage tote to advertise medical textbook donation drive

When Carlie Cryer, a second-year medical student at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Lexington Campus, discovered the International Book Project (IBP), she was searching for a meaningful way to give back to the community.