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Leonard (Leo) Yenwongfai was just 5 years old when he officially solidified his plans to become a doctor. It was after a conversation he had with a physician who was taking care of a family member at the time. That man, also named Leonard, told him, “I want you to be a doctor just like me.”

Connor Appelman, a Maysville, Ky., native, knew from an early age that he wanted to attend medical school just 65 miles down U.S. 68 at the University of Kentucky. As he puts it, he has always bled blue.

“I’m very proud of my home state, and I’ve always wanted to take care of patients in Kentucky,” he said. “That was always the goal growing up, to graduate from the UK College of Medicine. It’s gone by quickly, but it’s been amazing to live out the dream.”

It’s widely known that when it comes to diet, fast food isn’t the healthiest choice. Expanding on this knowledge, a recent study by a researcher at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine found that the inclusion of fructose-sweetened drinks with high-fat foods might add to the negative effects on one’s body.

BOWLING GREEN CAMPUS STUDENTS COLLECT ITEMS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

It was after a recent call to her grandfather when Claire Ottman realized just how vulnerable senior citizens were, not only to COVID-19, but also to the consequences of social isolation. She said some of the only times her grandfather got out of the house during the day were when friends picked him up to take him to the grocery store, lunch with his friends, and to church.

What makes a good teacher a great one? University of Kentucky students were eager to share their opinions about the best teacher in their lives, nominating them for one of the most esteemed awards on campus. The UK Alumni Association 2020 Great Teacher Award was recently bestowed upon six University of Kentucky educators. Initiated in 1961, UK’s Great Teacher Award is the longest-running UK award recognizing teaching. In order to receive the award, educators must first be nominated by a student.

As a young student who was proficient in science, Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro, always saw herself pursuing a career in medicine. But it wasn’t until applying to medical school that she discovered there was another path she wanted to follow.

William W. Stoops, PhD, professor within the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, has been elected as president of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), the longest standing group in the U.S. dedicated to addressing issues of drug dependence and abuse.

As the oldest girl of nine children, Jazmyne Barney always knew she served an important role in her family. She was the “mom of the sibling group,” as she calls it, and because of this, she felt she had the responsibility to succeed so her siblings could have someone to look up to.

Luke H. Bradley, PhD, Chellgren Endowed Professor in the department of neuroscience, was recently selected by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education as a member of its newly-established Faculty Advisory Network.

Stephanie White, MD, MS, has recently been named the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s new associate dean for diversity and inclusion. Beginning Jan. 7, 2020, Dr. White will assume leadership of the College of Medicine’s efforts to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

Capt. Eric Stedje-Larsen, MD, and Cmdr. Ryan Phillips, MD, had worked with one another in the Navy for years, but on opposite sides of the country, Dr. Stedje-Larsen on the east coast in Portsmouth, Va., and Dr. Phillips on the west coast in San Diego. It wasn’t until last May that they met in person while attending a training in California.

That’s when they learned they had something significant in common – they’re both graduates of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Sherrod’s final duty before closing his 10-year Navy career was as a recruiter, traveling across the region to teach young, prospective military members about the opportunities the Navy offered.

During that time he became familiar with area colleges like the University of Kentucky and also made plenty of visits to Bowling Green, Ky. He appreciated the city for its small-town feel and scenic views, but also its growth and potential.

Now, as he chases a new career path, he calls this place home.

Staff Sgt. Sean Thornton joined the Marine Corps in 2009 for a variety of reasons. He wanted to serve his country. He wanted to continue the tradition within his family. He also wanted to improve himself, both physically and mentally.

He served a combined eight years, five in active duty and three in the reserves, before being honorably discharged as a staff sergeant, a coveted position with responsibilities such as leadership, training, and maintaining an efficient platoon of more than 40 Marines.

For Lance Cpl. Benjamin Shaw, enlisting in the military was almost inevitable. Dedication to serving the country ran in his family.

Something else was also a significant part of his family history: autoimmune disorders. More specifically, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system. Also, his wife has autoimmune hepatitis. Seeing the effects of these disorders firsthand is what prompted Lance Cpl. Shaw to also seek training in science, hoping to someday utilize his passion for helping others through research.

The 2019 MediStar Awards honored University of Kentucky College of Medicine Dean Robert S. DiPaola, MD, and Jamie L. Studts, Ph.D., professor in the UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science. Since 2007, IGE Media, publisher of Medical News, has recognized excellence in the business of healthcare at the exclusive MediStar Awards, which honors healthcare professionals for their achievements in advocacy, innovation, education, leadership and aging care.

Congratulations to a College of Medicine alumna and student who were recently honored during the 2019 Lyman T. Johnson Awards Banquet.  

Ima Ebong, MD, '11, assistant professor of neurology and clinical neurophysiology, was honored with the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award. The award is presented annually to an African-American alum whose faith, hard work and determination has positively affected the lives of people on the UK campus, the city, state or nation.  

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine hosted its first annual Faculty of Color Network gala on Friday, Oct. 18. The gala, themed Undeniable, Uncompromising, Unstoppable: Celebrating Diversity in Medicine and the Community, was held at The Campbell House in Lexington, Ky. 

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine hosted its annual Academic Convocation and Awards Day on Friday, Oct. 11, recognizing excellence from dozens of students and faculty members in areas such as scholastic achievement, professionalism, dedication, and commitment to service.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine joined partners St. Elizabeth Healthcare and Northern Kentucky University on Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony that officially marked the opening of its new Northern Kentucky Campus.

The new site welcomed an inaugural class of 35 medical students during a white coat ceremony in August. This will be the UK College of Medicine’s second four-year regional campus. The first in Bowling Green opened in 2018.