Reasons why you should come to UK

There are many reasons why you should consider residency at the University of Kentucky. For one, we are THE referral center for all of Eastern Kentucky. Unlike other states where there are a range of choices for referral of patients, we are pretty much it. This monopoly results in our seeing an amazing variety of patients, during your residency you will experience the entire textbook of medicine. This is important, because engrained learning comes best in the context of caring for patients, and you will see EVERYTHING. Second, we have a creative and interactive curriculum, with many venues for learning, to supplement what you get while caring for patients. For example, on your interview day you will participate in morning report (yes, with the interactive, learner- focused format of our morning report, everyone participates, not just residents and students, but even candidates!), a highlight of every day. The combination of our range of patients plus our innovative curriculum has contributed to excellence in our resident learning, as reflected in our very high board pass rates (100% last year). Third, the University of Kentucky is entering an exciting new time in its history, with high aspirations to be one of the great medical centers in the country, and you can be a part of that excitement. For example, we have recruited an impressive number of high profile faculty in the last 5 years, with subsequent enhanced research opportunities for our residents. Finally, our residents match readily into excellent fellowships.

And yet...          And yet...

There are many excellent academic medical centers and residency programs that can make similar claims, in terms of variety of patients, the curriculum, growth, and research and fellowship opportunities. Internal medicine is the most popular residency choice of students, but it's a "buyer's market", there are more than enough spots for everyone. So why should you come to Kentucky? Well, I came here in 1988 after medical school at Vanderbilt and have stayed here since, for the following reasons, and these are the unique and compelling reasons why you should come to Kentucky. For one, our resident-resident camaraderie is unmatched in the country. When you visit here, I am confident you will see residents-as-friends, smiling faces, laughter, fun. Though much camaraderie occurs working together (and socializing together after hours), our program tries to foster this camaraderie by regular resident social events. For example, in addition to scheduled social events, we will be initiating a residency-sponsored community service project during the Winter holiday season. Second, our faculty-resident rapport is second to none as well. We view our residents as our colleagues, not our minions, we are your teachers and consultants, not your bosses. This educational climate is such a joy to work in, this is among the reasons I've stayed here all these years. Third, Lexington may not be that well known to many of you all, but it is a wonderful place to live. As a University town, we have all the amenities of a university, the intellectual climate, the diversity of heritage and of thought, the vigor and vibrancy of a young person's town, and lots of athletic events. In addition, Lexington is a very safe place in which to live, work, and raise a family. Finally, our residency program wants you to achieve balance in your life. To be the best doctor you can be entails being the best person you can be, and that involves attending to your foundations, which include your ideals, your values, as well as those who love you, your friends and family. Those are your foundations. Our residency program recognizes the importance of family and friends, and we strive to structure our learning experiences and rotations to allow attendance to those critical aspects of your life. We truly look forward to meeting you on your interview day.