In recognition of her growing responsibilities and oversight of a maturing program, Rebecca Todd, MD, has been promoted from assistant to associate dean for the Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP).

This title change, which went into effect July 1, also recognizes that Dr. Todd’s role mirrors the duties of associate deans at the UK College of Medicine’s regional campuses in Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky.

Housed in Morehead, Ky., RPLP was established in partnership with St. Claire HealthCare and Morehead State University to train physicians who are specialized in rural and community medicine.

Dr. Todd’s primary duties as assistant dean included student recruitment and training clinical preceptors. In her 10 years involved with RPLP, and four years leading it, her roles have greatly expanded to include oversight of student affairs, finances, curriculum development, compliance, admissions events such as boot camps and open houses, outreach, community partnerships, career counseling, and professionalism.

Her leadership has helped develop the program to train high-quality, impactful physicians who are prepared to practice in rural communities. As of May 2022, there have been nearly 100 graduates of RPLP.

Along with her leadership position, Dr. Todd practices general obstetrics and gynecology in Morehead and is an associate professor in the UK College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.