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.”
That perspective followed her to the University of Kentucky, where she earned her undergraduate degree and has been working as a medical assistant with UK HealthCare in the UK College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
“My time working in otolaryngology allowed me to see medicine from the inside and was the first time I truly felt like a valued part of a patient’s care team,” said Glass. “Being involved in patient care and seeing how my work directly impacted patients showed me how meaningful this role can be.”
During her time with UK HealthCare, Glass worked alongside physicians and staff who provided instruction, guidance, and mentorship. “Being surrounded by providers who invested in me, encouraged my growth, and modeled compassionate care left a lasting impression,” she said.
This fall, Glass will join the incoming class of medical students at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Having already worked within UK HealthCare, she is familiar with the institution’s emphasis on teamwork and patient-centered care.
“I’m excited to begin medical school at UK and continue my journey in a community that already feels like home,” she said.