Why did you become a physician?
As a high- school and college student, I LOVED science. I took a class, The Biology of Cancer, in college and was amazed at what I learned. Unfortunately for my family, I would come home and tell them all these details about cell biology and DNA, to a level that I am sure was far beyond their interest. (But they always listened intently!) Being a doctor meant that I could learn all about how the human body worked, but also help and care for people at the same time. I couldn’t imagine a career that would be more fulfilling.
Tell us about your educational and professional background.
I graduated from Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. I completed my residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After residency, I came back to UK to do a Master Educator fellowship in Internal Medicine. During this time, I completed a Master of Public Health degree at the UK College of Public Health. Public Health gave me a broader perspective of individual health, population health, and the health care system. Because of that experience, I decided to complete requirements for and became board certified in Preventive Medicine- General Public Health; and went on to become the Preventive Medicine residency program director at UK. Along with Dr. F. Douglas Scutchfield, I founded the Kentucky Public Health Research Network (KPHReN), the first public health practice-based research network in Kentucky. I have been on the faculty at the UK College of Medicine since 2007. I have precepted residents and students in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, and spent many years teaching medical interviewing to first year medical students. In 2014, I became the Associate Chief of Staff for Education at the Lexington VA Health Care System, where I oversee all medical, dental, and associated health professions trainees at the VA. In 2017, I became the Assistant Dean of Accreditation for Graduate Medical Education at UK. In this role, I assist UK residency and fellowship programs with accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Last summer, I attended the Kentucky Physician Leadership Institute (KPLI) through the Kentucky Medical Association, which was an outstanding experience. I was also recently appointed by Governor Matt Bevin to serve as a member of the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. In 2019, I look forward to serving the Lexington Medical Society as the Secretary/ Treasurer!
What are your interests outside of Medicine?
I have a wonderful husband and three children, ages 6, 8, and 10. They are my main interest outside of Medicine! I am also very involved in my church. I teach Sunday School to a class of kindergarteners and lead women’s Bible studies. I try to exercise regularly and prefer running outside in my neighborhood. If I ever have a spare moment, I love to read.
Why did you join the Lexington Medical Society?
Dr. Tuyen Tran, a colleague and friend, encouraged me to join the Lexington Medical Society. I was inspired by the Vision of the LMS- “…to ignite, sustain, and rekindle the passion for the practice of medicine,” and by LMS’s history of advocating for physicians. As physician wellness has become such an important focus, I have been very appreciative of the LMS support of physician well-being, especially resident physicians in training.