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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.

University of Kentucky College of Medicine Dean Robert S. DiPaola has been selected as a professional member on the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) beginning the 2019-2020 academic year. 

"To be nominated and selected by a group of peers is an incredible honor,” said DiPaola. “More importantly, it is an honor to be part of a large team of faculty, staff and students at the UK College of Medicine making this a possibility." 

The responsibility of leading the charge to educate a new generation of health care providers, researchers and leaders isn’t something University of Kentucky College of Medicine Dean Robert DiPaola takes lightly.

With the challenges facing health care today, he hopes to position UK as a national leader in solving those issues through multidisciplinary research, transformational education and advanced clinical care.

Athletics teaches discipline, commitment and perseverance. All of those skills are valuable on the court, in the classroom and in life. For first year medical student Rachel Potter, a lot of the discipline and time management she applies to her studies she learned while a member of the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team.

After four years of medical school and numerous interviews, University of Kentucky College of Medicine students found out where they will continue their medical education in residency programs. Match Day is a culmination of the hard work and dreams of students on the path to becoming doctors.