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Upstairs in the University of Kentucky Johnson Center’s Blue Studio on a Wednesday night, a crowd begins to gather — first a trickle, then smaller groups. Soon, a line develops outside the door as participants check in.

A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky continues to advance strategies to prevent child sex trafficking (CST) across the Commonwealth through a training program for middle school staff.

A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky is working to better understand the impact of opioid use disorder on mothers and babies.

Every 24 minutes in the United States, a baby is born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) after being exposed in mothers with opioid use disorder.

In celebration of National Rural Health Day, yesterday the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky announced new scholarship opportunities for ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s Rural Physi

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s philanthropy project was a big success – raising more the $12,000 to support transdisciplinary education at Lexington’s Rise STEM Academy for Girls. The academy utilized the funds to purchase two sets of bicycles to provide scholars with a multitude of learning opportunities. 

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú HealthCare is the first in the state to offer the innovative Sonata® Treatment for women suffering from debilitating symptoms caused by uterine fibroids, including heavy periods.

The following individuals were honored at the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Awards Convocation on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Winners included those in Bowling Green, Lexington, Morehead, and Northern Kentucky.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award:
Jamila Tucker, MS

Franny Meritt, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was recently named ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú HealthCare’s first CNM of the Year! The special recognition was part of ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú HealthCare’s Celebration of National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) week. National APP week was celebrated September 25-29, 2023.

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú is thrilled to announce that after an extensive search, Emily DeFranco, DO, MS, has been selected to serve as the new chair of obstetrics and gynecology.

A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky is working to reduce the number of deaths and injuries among pregnant and postpartum women through an online training program for ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú students in helping professions across nine ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú colleges.

Mackenzie Harbin, MD, is gynecologic-oncology fellow (PGY-7) at the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú. Originally from Frankfort, Ky., she cherishes the opportunity to return to the Bluegrass to care for women in the Commonwealth.

Burnout is a problem in any profession, but it is rampant in health care. This national problem has been evident recently as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many learners, practitioners, faculty, and staff to the limit.

When Amandah Hesselbrock found out 37 weeks into her pregnancy that her fourth baby was in a breech position, she was overwhelmed with anxiety. Breech babies account for about 4% of all full-term pregnancies and often result in a Cesarean birth (C-section). 

The mission of the department of obstetrics and gynecology is to provide excellent and advanced clinical care, educate the next generation of physicians, and research the questions that lead to discovery and advancement. The mission only succeeds when we have committed faculty who devote their career to these grand goals.

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú is excited to announce that faculty, staff, learners, and trainees will have free access to a leading online resource for medical Spanish proficiency.

CanopyLearn, a Spanish language training program for health care professionals, will be available to the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú College of Medicine community starting Aug. 1.

A new study conducted by a group of researchers, including the interim executive director of the University of Kentucky Center for Research on Violence Against Women (CRVAW), has found that people who experience interpersonal violence or child abuse face a more than 20% increased risk of developing diabetes. 

Na’Tasha Evans, PhD, MEd, is a researcher, published author, champion for female empowerment, and our new vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú. Learn more about her goals, her past work, and more in the following Q&A.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in research? 

Congratulations to the following basic science and clinical faculty at the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú! These individuals were honored with promotions and tenure in fiscal year 2023.

Names are organized alphabetically by department.

Sarah Jean Hall, MD, PhD
Associate Professor

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú invites applications and nominations for chair of its highly-regarded department of obstetrics and gynecology.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Following an extensive national search and interviews with highly qualified individuals, the College of Medicine is excited to welcome Na’Tasha Evans, PhD, MEd, as the new vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and associate professor in the department of behavioral science.