The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is pleased to announce that April Hatcher, PhD, has been named assistant dean for foundational sciences. Dr. Hatcher will assume this new role beginning April 1, 2024.
Dr. Hatcher is a professor in the department of neuroscience with a focus on embryology, histology, and gross anatomy education. She works with students in a variety of disciplines, including medical, dental, physician assistants, physical therapists, and graduate students.
As assistant dean, Dr. Hatcher will work closely with the Office of Medical Education (OME), first- and second-year course directors, and the Medical Student Curriculum Committee (MSCC) to enhance the instruction of the foundational sciences across all campuses: Bowling Green, Lexington, Morehead, and Northern Kentucky.
“I am eager to take on this new challenge,” said Dr. Hatcher. “With the thoughtful planning toward the construction of the health education building and growth of the curriculum and assessment unit in OME, we have a unique opportunity to think collaboratively, be innovative, and really strengthen our medical curriculum.”
As the current chair of Women and Medicine and Science (WIMS), Dr. Hatcher is no stranger to collaboration. Under her leadership, the organization has grown its mentorship program to include more than 200 participants, funded various team research projects, and implemented a semiannual interdisciplinary event with colleagues from UK’s Colleges of Dentistry, Health Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. Last fall, Dr. Hatcher presented on WIMS successes at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Annual Meeting alongside Stephanie White, MD, MS, senior associate dean for medical student education, and Na’Tasha Evans, PhD, MEd, vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Dr. Hatcher has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sciences foundational to the practice of medicine,” said Steven Haist, MD, associate dean for curriculum and assessment. “As we redesign our curriculum to coincide with moving into the Health Education Building, Dr. Hatcher will be vital to our success.”
Dr. Hatcher is a University of Kentucky alumna, earning her doctorate in anatomy and neurobiology in 2009.