Caroline Sumner

 Caroline Sumner, a proud University of Kentucky alumna, continues to draw inspiration from her love for the Lexington community, dedicating herself to making a difference through her ongoing contributions. 

Throughout her undergraduate studies, she served as DanceBlue’s overall chair while also studying in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Lewis Honors College.

A picture of a white brain, with the hands of a clock overlapping it. The background is evenly split between stars at night and clouds in the day.

Scientists have long recognized the brain’s need for energy, but groundbreaking research from the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has now illuminated how the brain’s energy utilization significantly influences our sleep patterns. 

Braylon Ellis and Andrew Tatum wearing red, Mercer, basketball uniforms. They are standing on a basketball court in front of red and blue bleachers.

For Mercer County High School basketball seniors Braylon Ellis and Andrew Tatum, success on the court isn’t just about skill, practice and teamwork — it’s also about careful preparation, constant monitoring and resilience in the face of a lifelong challenge. Both student-athletes have type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires meticulous blood sugar management.

Anna Cox, standing outside, showing off her match letter, while other students talk together in the background.

Match Day is a defining moment for medical students, and this year, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 as those students took their next step toward becoming practicing physicians.

Match Day

Match Day is a defining moment for medical students, and this year, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 as they took their next step toward becoming practicing physicians. 

A young girl, sitting on a couch, speaking with a female therapist.

Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, and in recent years, there has been growing recognition of the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year.

Zhonglin Hao and Eddy Yang.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, recently designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, is leading the way in bringing the latest cancer treatments to patients through clinical trials.

Billy Kennedy coached the Texas A&M Aggies from 2011 to ’19. During his time in College Station he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Photo by the Associated Press.

As March Madness sweeps the nation and college basketball takes center stage, a former coach’s journey off the court is proving just as inspiring as any Cinderella story on the hardwood. 

silly socks

Down syndrome is the most commonly diagnosed chromosomal condition in the United States. Each year, approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, meaning it affects about one in every 700 births. This genetic condition results from the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21, which impacts physical and cognitive development to varying degrees.

Sara Khandani

When Sara Khandani arrived in Kentucky at the age of 10, she faced an unfamiliar world. She had left behind her homeland of Iran, spoke limited English, and was suddenly navigating a place that felt entirely foreign. Yet, despite these challenges, she excelled academically, driven by a deep-seated determination and the values instilled in her by her family.

White Coats team photo

Last Thursday, the UK College of Medicine MD+NBA Club clinched an impressive second-place finish in the University’s intramural basketball tournament. Showcasing remarkable teamwork and resilience, the team of medical students made it all the way to the championship game before falling short in a thrilling 36-39 finish. 

Linda Van Eldik sitting in a computer lab, leaning against a table.

The University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is celebrating 40 years of groundbreaking research in the fight against dementia.

Julie Pendergast working in the lab with a pipette.

The University of Kentucky’s Julie Pendergast, PhD, and a team of researchers are exploring how disruptions to our body’s natural circadian rhythms and sleep impact health.

nerve fibers (green) trying to grow into spinal injury sites (white), while others (red) do not

Groundbreaking research from the University of Kentucky has earned a spot on the cover of the prestigious Journal of Neuroscience, highlighting a major challenge in spinal cord injury recovery.

Andrew Gunn

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to announce that Andrew “AJ” Gunn, MD, FSIR, has been chosen to serve as the new chair of radiology. Dr. Gunn will begin this leadership role at the UK College of Medicine Department of Radiology this summer. 

Alex Willett, left, and Bradley Firchow standing in front of a tree line

Beyond the classroom, lab and hospital walls, University of Kentucky medical students are improving the health of their community.

Jacob Nanney

As Match Day 2025 approaches, we are reflecting on recent UK College of Medicine alumni, like Jacob Nanney, MD ’24, whose dedication to rural care exemplifies our mission to advance the health and wellness of Kentuckians.

amy gerwirtz

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is pleased to announce its selection of Amy Gewirtz, MD, as the official chair of its department of pathology and laboratory medicine. She has held this leadership role in an acting capacity for one year.

Dr. Bradford Tannen

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is pleased to announce its selection of Bradford Tannen, MD, JD, MBA, as the new chair of its ophthalmology department. Dr. Tannen will join the UK College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences on July 1. 

residents

Established in 2018 by the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Thank a Resident and Fellow Day was created to highlight the invaluable contributions of trainees and to encourage expressions of appreciation.