Campus News

KYCOM’s Class of 2027 Receives White Coat of Compassion

On September 16, the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2027 celebrated the beginning of their medical journey with the traditional White Coat Ceremony. Approximately 145 white coats were distributed to the new class, composed of talented individuals with a passion for healing.

“You must recognize this privilege and understand that you are no longer just a student and must embrace the mantle of professionalism bestowed upon you symbolically here today,” said Dean of KYCOM Joe Kingery, D.O., KYCOM ’06, MBA ’18, FACOFP, FAAFP. “As you develop the qualities that will make you outstanding osteopathic physicians, you will grow in knowledge and skills from the academic and clinical experiences you will encounter during your time as physicians in training.”

KYCOM Student Awarded Scholarship

Fourth-year KYCOM student Adaku Ikoh, OMS- IV was presented the William G. Anderson, D.O., Minority Scholarship at the American Osteopathic Foundation Honors Gala. The scholarship was started to honor William G. Anderson, D.O., and to recognize his professional and public career and life-long commitment to civil rights and osteopathic medicine. The scholarship aims to benefit minority students committed to osteopathic principles and practices who have excelled academically and have proven to be a leader in addressing the educational, societal and health needs of minorities.

Ikoh excels academically and demonstrates her commitment to osteopathic medicine while addressing the needs of minorities. She believes this scholarship empowers her to continue to strive for excellence in her medical education, fostering her growth as a future healthcare practitioner.

“As a medical student, this holds immense significance to me because it is not merely a financial award but a recognition of my dedication, hard work and potential in the field of medicine. The process of qualifying for this scholarship opened my eyes to all the support I have from the people who have come before me,” said Ikoh. “I cannot fully convey how humbled I am by this accomplishment. Receiving this scholarship validates my commitment to pursuing a noble and demanding profession, providing both validation and encouragement.”

A Passion for Service: Health Professions Scholarship Program

Three KYCO students earned a full-ride scholarship through the Air Force Allied Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). (From left) James Morrison, Isabel Virgille and Mitchel Taylor were commissioned by Captain Logan Gentry, 30th CSSB Operations Officer, Tennessee Army National Guard.

Earning the extensive scholarship is no small feat. The competitive process requires stellar academic performance, comprehensive background checks and multiple recommendation letters, in addition to the standard physical requirements military service demands.

According to Morrison, HPSP benefits the community by providing more military-trained doctors.

“I am very fortunate to have been selected for the HPSP,” said Morrison. “The program lifts a heavy burden when it comes to student loan debt, but more importantly, allows me to continue to serve and provide eye health care to service members and their families.”

Virgille discovered her love for medicine while working as a registered nurse, providing compassionate care to a wide array of patients.

“While serving in the Air Force as an optometrist, I will be exposed to a unique and rewarding experience where I’ll be contributing directly to the well-being of our country’s armed forces,” said Virgille. “With advanced training opportunities, cutting-edge technology and leadership roles, I knew that joining the United States Air Force was the perfect choice for me.”

Taylor appreciates the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve the country he loves.

“It is an honor to receive the HPSP scholarship and to follow in my father’s footsteps by being part of the Air Force,” said Taylor. “The scholarship has and will continue to open doors in my career as an optometrist. I am excited that I now have the opportunity to serve the country I love and serve the proud men and women who also serve.”

From Germany to Guatemala, Bears were busy over the summer traveling the world, experiencing new cultures and serving communities.

Experiential Learning Allows Students to Visit Germany

Nine students and two faculty members traveled to Germany last May as part of a humanities destination study course, offering students the chance to visit places related to their studies. The group began the trip with a train ride from the Frankfurt airport to Cologne, where they toured the Gothic Cathedral and the international chocolate museum. This was followed by a Rhein River boat cruise to a quaint little wine village, Rüdesheim. They enjoyed a stay in the wing of the 11th-century Imperial Castle in Nuremberg, explored the medieval city center, and visited the toy museum as well as the courtroom of the Nuremberg Nazi Trials. They then traveled to the Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for the Disney Castle. Students stayed in the charming Bavarian small town, Füssen.

The trip continued to Munich, from where they toured the Dachau Concentration Camp. The final destination was Germany’s capital, Berlin, with a guided bike ride along the Berlin Wall to Checkpoint Charlie.

UPIKE’s Experiential Learning Committee and the Humanities Division together contributed funds toward the total cost, which made the trip possible.

This was such an amazing experience. Without UPIKE, I am not sure I would have ever gotten to visit the places that this trip offered. It allowed me to expand my education about other countries’ customs and cultures,” said sophomore Maggie Hall. “I made friendships and connections that will last forever. UPIKE in Germany 2023 will always hold a special place in my heart and I will always appreciate this experience of a lifetime.

Plans are already underway for next year’s trip to take students to London, the Lake District and Edinburgh.

KYCOM in the Dominican Republic

To serve those in need after months of classroom learning, KYCOM took a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Students, alumni, faculty and others were able to help while giving students the opportunity to improve their patient, clinical and osteopathic manipulation treatment skills. Being in a new culture allowed students to understand healthcare in a different country and how to overcome language barriers.

“The trip itself was indescribable and is something that must be experienced in order for it to be understood.

The community was so welcoming, and being there was truly an honor. I learned so much about myself, my peers and my professors in just seven days. This trip reassured me that I have chosen the right path and revealed how much further I need to grow to be the physician I desire,” said KYCOM student Tajauna Batchelor, OMS-II (pictured). “I highly recommend that students take advantage of this opportunity because they will experience a type of joy and humility beyond what can be summed up in a few words. It has significantly changed my perspective of global health, and I hope I get the opportunity to return in the future.”

Serving Guatemala

Five students partnered with Catalyst Resource International and spent a week of their summer serving with Instructor of Religious Studies and Campus Chaplain Rob Musick, D.Min., and Dean of the Coleman College of Business Chris Harris ’99, DBA. They helped two orphanages, packaged more than 10,000 meals and built a house for a local family in Santa María de Jesus, Guatemala.

“Thank you, God, for this experience. There’s nothing like serving others, especially when you get the opportunity to share about Jesus,” said senior Jamie Pollard. “I was able to make bonds that will last a lifetime. Even if we don’t speak the same language or look the same, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.”