It is an undeniable fact that ULSOM has some outstanding staff, and Cheri Bingham is no exception. As the residency and fellowship program administrator within the department of Radiology, Cheri plays a pivotal role in the academic leadership team.  Her expertise spans managing training programs, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. She is deeply committed to advancing educational initiatives and achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Residency and fellowship program administrators like Cheri undertake unique responsibilities, including recruitment, credentialing, web content management, mentorship, event planning, and process enhancement at ULSOM. Cheri has admirably fulfilled these roles for 19 years, consistently bringing enthusiasm and expertise to her work.

Reflecting on her role, Cheri shared, “I find immense fulfillment in contributing to the education and development of our future physicians. Working alongside our outstanding staff makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”

Cheri also expressed admiration for ULSOM’s faculty, recognizing their dedication to academic responsibilities while serving as attending physicians.

Outside of her role as program administrator, Cheri is an active member of the School of Medicine Advancement, Retention and Training (S.M.A.R.T.) Advisory Council, advocating for resources that benefit her colleagues. Her involvement allows her to stay up-to-date with new, trending, and relevant topics within the medical education community.

Recently, more than 300 community members gathered at the annual S.M.A.R.T. Staff SummerFest, where attendees explored campus resources and enjoyed engaging conversations. The event fostered a sense of community and included free ice cream – a nice bonus!

“We were thrilled with the turnout at this year’s SummerFest,” said Dr. Glenn Gittings, chief of staff for the ULSOM Dean’s Office. “This event is a great example of how our S.M.A.R.T. Advisory Council continues to prioritize staff engagement and wellness. It’s rewarding to see so many colleagues connect with the resources and people that make ULSOM a special place to work.”

The S.M.A.R.T. Advisory Council remains committed to promoting holistic health and wellness among the ULSOM staff, planning additional events such as the HSC Fitness Center Open House, virtual coffee breaks, Speed Networking, and so much more. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives aimed at supporting our dedicated staff.

In its 2025 edition of Best Graduate Schools, U.S. News & World Report ranks UofL’s School of Medicine among the best in the nation. Its impact is evident in key areas: it ranks No. 57 for graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas, No. 52 for those entering primary care and No. 52 for graduates serving rural communities.

UofL has a long history of preparing physicians for practice in rural and smaller communities through the UofL School of Medicine Trover Campus, which began in 1998 with the goal of increasing the number of physicians practicing in rural areas, and in existing UofL family medicine residencies in Glasgow and Owensboro.

Supporting this mission, UofL was awarded a $16 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant in 2023 to expand the training of primary care physicians and encourage their practice in underserved areas. 

UofL is also a part of the Kentucky Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), a collaborative effort of the UofL Health Sciences Center, the University of Kentucky Medical Center and eight regional centers. The AHECs work to improve the recruitment, distribution and retention of health care professionals in medically under-served areas throughout the state commonwealth. 

“These national rankings affirm the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s deep commitment to improving access to care in communities that need it most,” said Kelli Bullard Dunn, MD, vice dean for community engagement. “Our longstanding efforts, alongside new investments like the HRSA grant and ongoing support from the Kentucky General Assembly, are strengthening the pipeline of primary care providers and creating real change for families across Kentucky and beyond.”

Other key highlights in the U.S. News & World Report graduate and professional schools ranking include: 

• No. 29 in criminology 
• No. 36 in audiology 
• No. 43 in social work 
• No. 46 in healthcare management

Graduate education at UofL provides over 130 graduate programs to approximately 5,800 graduate students. Learn more on the UofL Graduate School webpage.

Previously, U.S. News & World Report had ranked the university in the top 100 public universities in the nation. Additionally, UofL Online Learning received a five-star rating and came in it at No. 53 in America’s Top Online Colleges 2025 listing.

You know the feeling all too well— throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, visual disturbances... it seems to never end. Migraine attacks, a form of moderate to severe headaches with crippling side effects that worsen with movement, are far too common, but there is hope.

Migraines are present in approximately 16% of adults in the United States, and yet migraine attacks are rarely talked about. Those who have never had a migraine often misunderstand the severity, and many who suffer from migraines are under the impression that migraines are not treatable. Despite these misconceptions, migraines can cause severe pain and other side effects, but there are treatments that can reduce, mitigate, and diminish the impacts.

Luckily, there are a wide range of options for treatment. In the past decade alone, there have been more than 10 new medications approved by the FDA for acute and preventative treatment of migraines. These new medications have provided additional options for patients who have not found success with traditional medications.

Beyond medications, lifestyle adjustments can also reduce migraine and headache frequency. Getting adequate hours of uninterrupted sleep, managing stress, eating heart-healthy foods, staying hydrated, and exercising daily can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Migraines are serious, but when does a headache call for a trip to the doctor’s office? Headaches that are made worse by coughing, sneezing, or straining; occur with nighttime awakening; or are progressively worsening may be a cause for concern. A provider who specializes in headaches can best assess these symptoms to determine if a potentially dangerous cause is present.

“We understand that migraines can be miserable hindrances to daily activities, and for many, they are far from rare occurrences,” explained Michael Sowell, M.D., professor of Neurology and director of the University of Louisville Comprehensive Headache Program. “At the University of Louisville School of Medicine, a plethora of resources are available for those suffering from migraines, including neuroimaging techniques and coordination of care with other health care providers, when necessary.”

Although there is a higher prevalence in women as opposed to men (an approximate 3:1 ratio), migraines can affect anyone. Underlying medical conditions, tobacco use, high levels of stress, and family genetics may put some individuals at a higher risk of developing migraines.

Increasing awareness of the condition can lead to improved recognition and treatment, thus resulting in increased work productivity, decreased disability, and improved quality of life for the millions of individuals who experience migraines.

Whether you experience migraines occasionally or frequently, you deserve to feel better. Join us at the University of Louisville School of Medicine as we continue to advance research, refine treatment, and raise awareness for those living with migraine. Learn more about the Comprehensive Headache Program through the Department of Neurology here at the University of Louisville.

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a serious risk to the health and well-being of older adults, linked to heightened risks of depression, cognitive decline, chronic illness and even early mortality. A new research project launching this year will tackle this pressing public health challenge, “Universal belonging: A place-based intervention to reduce loneliness.”

Led by researchers at the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville, this five-year project seeks to identify and reduce loneliness among seniors aged 65 and older by combining neighborhood-level data, community engagement and targeted, place-based interventions.

“We are deeply grateful to the Humana Foundation for supporting this effort to find new ways to help seniors live healthier lives in Louisville and across Kentucky” said Ted Smith, Ph.D, co-director of the Humana Center for Community Health Research at UofL.

This initiative builds on the work of the Universal Basic Neighborhood (UBN) project, a framework developed to discover and promote the core resources neighborhoods offer that have been shown to support good health. Through the UBN project, researchers identified social connection as a key ingredient in healthy communities, and loneliness, especially among seniors, as a critical risk factor for poor health outcomes. The new project applies UBN’s data-driven approach to address this challenge, using demographic, clinical and environmental data.

“This project represents a direct application of this place-based framework to a real and growing need in our community,” said Lauren Anderson, a UofL researcher who developed that place-based data model for this work as part of her dissertation research.

The project continues a collaboration with Nancy Seay, Ph.D., with The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. Center for Racial Justice and the Department of Sociology at Simmons College of Kentucky, who will lead the asset mapping and community-based research components of the study. Their work will focus on identifying both social needs and existing assets within the neighborhoods selected for intervention, helping to ground the study in the lived experience and local context of older adults.

Over the course of the study, researchers will work with community partners to test a variety of neighborhood-based strategies aimed at fostering social connection. The project will also gather new insights on how local infrastructure and community design influence emotional well-being in aging populations. While target neighborhoods are still being identified, the project team is also actively seeking organizations that serve seniors to join as collaborators and subject matter experts. Interested partners are encouraged to visit the project website to learn more about how to get involved.

Funding for this work is provided by the Humana Foundation, whose commitment to community health and equitable aging has made this study possible.

How to participate:

• For seniors: Enroll in the study by taking the Baseline Loneliness Survey *Coming in July 2025*
• For partners: If you serve the senior population, contact Cayley.Crum@louisville.edu
• For volunteers: To help with outreach, survey collection or event support, contact Cayley.Crum@louisville.edu

“Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does,” shared second-year ULSOM student Vishal John. “Survivorship is about rebuilding physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s about rediscovering who you are in a body that’s changed and learning to trust it again.”

For Vishal, that insight didn’t come from a textbook or a lecture hall. It came from a rock wall.

Before beginning medical school, Vishal volunteered with a unique program in his hometown that used rock climbing to support pediatric cancer survivors. He saw first-hand the emotional transformation that took place when a young climber, once weakened by treatment, pushed past fear, found their footing, and soared upward. He remembered the pride in the children’s faces and the sense of empowerment that returned with every climb. That memory stayed with him.

So, when Visual began medical school at ULSOM, he knew he wanted to bring that same sense of healing and joy to Louisville.

Together, with his classmates, Paige Oldfield and Liam Scott, and his friends at the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute - Dr. Kabat, a hospitalist, and Kate Dooley, a licensed social worker – Vishal helped launch Rock Cancer in Louisville. Hosted at Rock Sport Climbing Gym, the program is a free, adaptive rock-climbing program for individuals aged 4 to 25, and was designed to help those who are undergoing or have completed cancer treatment. Through Rock Cancer, climbers can reclaim strength, rebuild confidence, and find joy after their strenuous journey.  

Each climber is encouraged to bring a friend or sibling, reinforcing that recovery isn’t a solo climb. It’s a shared experience that strengthens both the body and the bond between loved ones.

“Rock climbing forces you to engage muscles that may have been weakened during treatment,” Vishal explained. “But just as important, it encourages confidence, trust, and connection. It shows survivors they are capable of not just climbing a wall, but of reclaiming their strength.”

What sets Rock Cancer apart is the passion of Vishal and his team of volunteers. As ULSOM students watch survivors mount the wall, they are reminded of the importance of healing outside of the clinic.

Still in the early years of medical school, a lot of Vishal’s learning involves textbooks and learning the basics of medicine. By engaging with survivors through Rock Cancer, he finds that he can connect to the human side of medicine. Every disease he memorizes relates to a person with a story, a family, dreams, fears, and goals for the future, and Rock Cancer helps him to remember that.

 “One moment I’ll never forget happened while I was belaying a child during a Rock Cancer session. He was nervous but determined, and when he finally reached the top of the wall, he beamed with pride. I looked to my left and saw his mom crying tears of joy. At that moment, I realized that Rock Cancer isn’t just about climbing; it’s about overcoming.”

As we recognize National Cancer Survivors Month, the Rock Cancer team hopes to raise awareness not only about the challenges of survivorship but also about the possibilities that emerge when patients are met with compassion, community and creativity.

“True healing includes more than what we do in hospitals,” said Vishal. “Sometimes it means meeting a patient on the climbing wall instead of in the clinic and being ready to catch them when they let go.”

Want to get involved with Rock Cancer? Whether you’re a student, a survivor, or a supporter, there’s a place for you in this uplifting community. Learn more and find out how you can help here.

When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often turns to women. But Jessica Schardein, M.D., M.S., is working to change that narrative, one patient at a time.

As one of two male infertility specialists in Kentucky, Dr. Schardein is bringing much-needed awareness to a topic rarely discussed yet incredibly common. Up to 15% of men in the United States experience infertility, and male factor issues contribute to nearly half of all cases where couples have difficulty conceiving. With Father’s Day approaching, her work is a powerful reminder that the journey to fatherhood can take many forms and that every path is worthy of support and recognition.

Before becoming a physician, Dr. Schardein worked as a marriage and family therapist, supporting couples through the emotional toll of infertility. Today, she continues that work in a new setting as assistant professor and Director of Sexual and Reproductive Medicine in the Department of Urology.

“Infertility of any kind can be discouraging, and male infertility often leaves men feeling like they are less of a man,” shared Dr. Schardein. “A man is absolutely not any less of a man if he has infertility.”

Male infertility can stem from a wide range of factors, including lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor overall health, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, and environmental exposures. The most common reversible cause of male infertility is a varicocele, a dilation of the veins in the scrotum that hinders sperm production and function.

Yet, despite the heavy presence of male infertility in America, men still do not get routinely tested during an infertility evaluation. Recommendations from the American Urological Association and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine call for both male and female partners to undergo a concurrent assessment for the initial evaluation when a couple is struggling to conceive. Medical professionals of all kinds should understand that a complete medical history, physical exam, labs, and, sometimes, even more advanced testing are crucial when a couple is struggling with infertility. After all, infertility can reveal broader health issues and can even have implications for a patient’s future health.

“I view male reproductive health as an essential part of overall health, deeply connected to physical, emotional, and social well-being, and I strongly believe it should be given the same priority and access as any other aspect of health care,” explained Dr. Schardein. “Reproductive health is health.”

In her clinical practice, Dr. Schardein connects her patients with specialists across disciplines, including primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals. This not only ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed, but also promotes healthier behaviors and more connected care, which ultimately helps foster healthier individuals, families, and communities.

Her work is advancing the conversation surrounding male infertility by breaking down barriers that stigmatize the condition and limit access to specialty care so that all men can have the opportunity to improve their health and build their families if and when they choose to. But she can’t do it alone.

Kentucky needs more infertility specialists who can help couples achieve their dreams of becoming parents. If you’re passionate about advancing care in this critical area, the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s urology residency program can help you make an impact. Learn more and join the next generation of changemakers in reproductive medicine.

Art created by older adult participants of the UofL Trager Institute’s acrylic painting class, along with music by the Optimal Aging Choir, filled the room as part of the annual Optimal Aging Conference at the Founders Union on UofL’s Shelby Campus.

More than 230 attendees took part in the two-day conference May 15-16, hosted by the UofL Trager Institute Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic and Kentucky Association of Gerontology. The conference, focused on the theme Art of Aging: Advancements in Aging Care, explored healthy lifestyle practices, new technologies, advanced research and community care that improve people’s lives as they age. Sessions also explored how health care professionals, social workers and caregivers help serve older adults.

“When we talk about the art of aging, we’re talking about each person’s unique aging journey and the new approaches and advances in the aging field they can incorporate in a way that suits them and their needs. It’s not an exact science—we’re all defining what aging means to us as we go and refining how we navigate the joys and challenges along the way,” said Anna Faul, executive director of the Trager Institute Optimal Aging Clinic. 

Joy Willenbrink-Conte, a music therapist from the University of Dayton and the conference’s opening keynote speaker, focused on breathing, vocalizing and singing for health and healing. Meantime, Josephine Gomes, a geriatrician at the Optimal Aging Clinic, gave a survey on the past, present and future of Alzheimer’s and related dementias during the day’s second keynote address. She discussed modifiable factors, which are ways people could alter their lifestyle to lower the risk of onset, and innovative care models, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, that can help people better navigate their diagnosis.

A reception with a demonstration of a HealthRHYTHMS drumming session and an opportunity for attendees to interact with the older adult painters showcasing their artwork concluded the first day.

On day two of the conference, keynote speakers Bob Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, and Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, provided a timely update on aging policy in a changing political environment. A panel of four octogenarians and nonagenarians closed out the conference with humor and wisdom.

“This year’s conference really hit the mark. It provided not only education on a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence in dementia assessments, using improv to improve communication skills in care settings, integrating behavioral health into aging care, music therapy and more, but also levity and inspiration during a period of great uncertainty for older adult services,” reflected Barbara Gordon, the institute’s director of community engagement.

Learn more about the UofL Trager Institute.

View pictures from the conference on Flickr.

Article by Samantha Adams, UofL Trager Institute. 

Dr. Daisy Sangroula, a global educator and esteemed anesthesiologist, is not just revolutionizing care in Louisville but also shaping the future of obstetric anesthesia in Nepal. For five consecutive years, Dr. Sangroula has led simulation based obstetric anesthesia workshops in Kathmandu, focusing on “Perioperative Critical Events in Obstetrics,” a pivotal training program aimed at enhancing emergency response in labor and delivery units.  

The workshop covers essential topics such as postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive crisis in pregnancy, cardiac arrest and perimortem cesarean delivery, cardiac diseases in pregnancy, maternal sepsis, and improved decision-making and teamwork dynamics in the labor and delivery unit.

“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of effective anesthesia in ensuring both maternal and fetal safety,” Dr. Sangroula remarked. “Whether in Louisville or in Kathmandu, every woman deserves optimal care during childbirth.”

The urgency of this training resonates far beyond Nepal. Every day, women across the world need care from anesthesiologists as they prepare to bring new life into the world. While sometimes this only requires an epidural, other times, more intense care is a necessity. Dr. Sangroula recalls a time when a patient with Goldenhar syndrome presented for a repeat cesarean section. The patient had a history of difficult intubation and had emergency tracheostomy three times during previous anesthetics. On top of that, multiple back surgeries made spinal or epidural anesthesia particularly challenging.

“Cases like this highlight the importance of preparation and multidisciplinary collaboration,” she said. “I worked closely with both Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ear Nose and Throat teams to create a comprehensive care plan.”

Dr. Sangroula’s ability to translate clinical expertise into both action and education makes her an extraordinary leader in obstetric anesthesiology. Her passion for patient-centered care is matched only by her pride in easing suffering during one of life’s most intense experiences.  

“I have placed hundreds of labor epidurals, but even now, to see the relief from pain I see in patients' faces after I place a labor epidural gives me immense pride,” remarked Dr. Sangroula. “Labor is a dynamic process, and it is my job as an obstetric anesthesiologist to ensure that both lives, mother and baby, are safe and comfortable.”

Back in Louisville, Dr. Sangroula continues to shape the field. As Director of Obstetric Anesthesia, she mentors residents in the in advanced maternal care, helping them build confidence and competence in managing complex cases.  Under her guidance, patients (especially those at high risk) receive individualized anesthesia plans long before arriving in the delivery room. This level of planning is not just best practice; it’s lifesaving.  

Beyond the bedside and classroom, Dr. Sangroula is an active member of the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) and serves in different subcommittees, including the simulation and technology committee, international outreach subcommittee, and MFM/OB/midwife anesthesia education subcommittee. Her involvement helps bridge the gaps in global health equity and supports the advancement of safer childbirth practices worldwide. 

Dr. Sangroula exemplifies what it means to be a ULSOM faculty member. She is a teacher, a healer, and a global health advocate for maternal health. Her work in both Kentucky and her home country of Nepal underscores the vital role anesthesiologists play in ensuring positive outcomes during labor and delivery.

Interested in learning more about anesthesiology? Our Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine is full of compassionate providers who are dedicated to patient safety, comfort, and care.

The University of Louisville’s Trager Institute has opened the Culinary Medicine Kitchen, an innovative space where health care providers can learn practical, science-based skills to help people improve their health through better eating habits.

The space features eight cooking stations where health care professionals and students will learn culinary medicine, a growing field that integrates nutrition science with practical culinary skills that can lead to improved health, including better management and prevention of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

The kitchen supports the mission of the Trager Institute/Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in Kentucky through innovative, age-friendly health care practices. The Culinary Medicine Kitchen, located in the institute’s East Market St. facility, will host physicians, trainees, medical students and other health care providers for hands-on demonstrations that will help them guide patients to better health through healthy eating. The kitchen also will host nutrition-focused cooking demonstrations for the community.

“This wonderful educational venue is an outstanding example of our dedication to advancing medical education and community health, reinforcing our role as a leader in integrating innovative practices into health care training,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “It also highlights the Trager Institute’s distinctive approach and dedication to ensuring that older adults across Kentucky receive the care and support they deserve with dignity and compassion.”

The UofL School of Medicine joins 60 other medical schools in using the American College of Culinary Medicine curriculum to train health care professionals to understand and communicate the impact of good nutrition on their patients’ health. At UofL, the kitchen will serve as a vital resource for the Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Information Sciences, Nursing, Social Work and others, supporting their mission to train future and current health care providers and advisors in the role of nutrition in patient health.

“Research shows that good nutrition not only promotes overall health and well-being but also plays a crucial role in preventing and managing chronic diseases,” said Joe D’Ambrosio, director of behavioral health at the Trager Institute. “The Culinary Medicine Kitchen will help bridge the gap between what we know about nutrition and the practice of medicine.”

The Culinary Medicine Kitchen was created with support from GE Appliances, a Haier company, which donated state-of-the-art appliances for the buildout. Features such as an overhead camera and large-screen TVs in the kitchen give learners a bird’s-eye view of techniques for engaging, informative demonstrations. Integrated technology also enables live remote classes as well video recording to create enduring resources for sharing with patients and health professionals online.

Improving health for older adults

Beyond the kitchen, new and renewed funding for workforce training and support services has allowed the Trager Institute to expand its mission to improve the quality of life for older adults across the state. The institute has increased its age and dementia-friendly care and support services, particularly in underserved and rural areas to improve care for the Kentucky’s rapidly aging population.

Last year, the institute received $5 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration through the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), the third consecutive GWEP grant awarded to the institute, following grants in 2015 and 2019.

The new funding allowed the institute to establish FlourishCare Centers of Excellence in the Kentuckiana, Cumberland Valley and Barren River regions of Kentucky, bringing together experts from universities, health care providers, community organizations and local governments to improve how care is provided to older adults. Their goal is to ensure health care professionals have the specialized knowledge needed to care for aging adults and to help them stay independent, maintain their dignity and improve their overall well-being.

“By connecting different systems — hospitals, nursing homes, senior care programs and government services — the centers foster a coordinated approach to health care, ensuring that older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions receive continuous and well-organized support, whether they are at home, in a hospital or in a care facility,” said Anna Faul, executive director of the Trager Institute.

In addition, the institute’s Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic was selected as a UofL Health demonstration site for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. This national initiative is focused on improving communication between primary care providers and specialists, provides educational resources and emotional support for caregivers, offers respite care and ensures health equity for dementia patients and their families. It is provided at no cost to eligible participants.

The Trager Institute also is expanding its FlourishCare initiative that supports vulnerable older adults with diabetes, depression and dementia, as well as their caregivers thanks to a $600,000 grant over four years from the Administration for Community Living. FlourishCare services aim to improve health outcomes and access to care for those in underserved areas of Kentucky, including:

• BRI Care Consultation: Supports people with dementia and their caregivers by addressing unmet needs, reducing stress and alleviating depression
• Diabetes Self-Management Program: Empowers participants to manage their diabetes effectively
• Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors: Helps older adults manage and reduce symptoms of depression

To see more images from the ribbon cutting, visit the gallery on Flickr.

Matt Willinger contributed to this story.

Following more than a decade as Associate Dean and distinguished service in an interim capacity for over a year, J. Christopher States, Ph.D. has been appointed as the Vice Dean for Research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM). Dr. States has dedicated years of his career to pharmacology and toxicology research, specializing in arsenic toxicology, DNA repair, and the development of mitosis-disrupting drugs for cancer chemotherapy.

“My passion for research has guided me through my career in medicine, and it is an honor to assume the role as Vice Dean for Research,” shared Dr. States. “It is through research that we can make a real difference in patient outcomes as we work to understand some of the most intriguing diseases and conditions that we are seeing in medicine today. I aim to continue supporting the initiatives of our faculty and learners who are conducting groundbreaking research each and every day.”

Dr. States received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from State University of New York at Buffalo before receiving his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Pathology from Albany Medical College, Union University. Since 1999, Dr. States has been an excellent example of what it means to be both an educator and a researcher at ULSOM. Dr. States has inspired generations of medical and graduate students through his dedication to research and its application in clinical practice, teaching within  the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology,  Department of Radiation Oncology and the School of Public Health and Information Science, demonstrating his well-rounded and holistic passion for higher education.

“This appointment is a testament to the excellent leadership Dr. States has exemplified through decades of work in our research labs at ULSOM,” said Dean Bumpous. “Dr. States will continue to excel in this position, and we look forward to seeing how he continues to lead throughout his official appointment.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. States on his well-deserved appointment as Vice Dean for Research, effective May 1, 2025.

What if defeating cancer meant more than understanding genetics? What if the key to unlocking a cure also lay in the physical forces surrounding a tumor? First-year ULSOM student, Charles Froman-Glover, is helping to answer those questions and is already making waves in the field of cancer bioengineering.

Driven by a passion for personalized medicine, Charles believes the future of cancer treatment lies in treatments precisely tailored to each individual’s unique biology and tumor environment. This is no small feat. “Once you remove cancer from its biological home, it doesn’t behave the same way,” he explains. “That’s why designing a biomimetic environment – something that mimics the natural home of cancer – is so critical to advancing personalized medicine.”

Chares has spent the past several years conducting research that challenges conventional thinking. His recent research, completed alongside an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Joseph Chen and supported by UofL’s bioengineering and neurosurgery departments, explores how physical forces like squeezing and pressure within tumors can make cancer more aggressive and harder to treat. Under pressure, cancer cells activate genes that are normally silent in healthy tissue, unlocking dormant programs that promote survival, invasion, and therapy resistance. This mechanical reprogramming helps explain how cancer adapts so quickly and aggressively and highlights a new layer of complexity beyond genetic mutations alone.

Growing tumors create dense, hostile environments around them, which fuels their spread and makes it even harder for immune cells and therapies to reach them, suggesting that changing the environment around tumors could potentially be a method for fighting cancer.

“Mechanical reprogramming helps explain why cancer adapts so quickly,” Charles says. “Understanding how tumors respond to pressure gives us a better shot at predicting treatment outcomes and designing more effective therapies.” A

Now, his efforts have culminated in a major milestone: the publication of his first systematic review in conjunction with UofL bioengineering and neurosurgery departments – a significant accomplishment for any researcher, let alone a first-year medical student.

Charles credits his team and mentors with shaping his vision. “Over the past few years, I have been lucky enough to work with Dr. Chen and an interdisciplinary team of neurosurgery faculty to figure out how to bring new technologies to patients with incurable diseases such as glioblastoma,” Charles shared. “I am planning on applying for the MD/PhD program after my M2 year so that I can spend the proper amount of time pursuing hypothesis-driven training in bioengineering, something that I realized my passion for during my undergraduate career.”

As we recognize National Cancer Research Month here at ULSOM, Charles’s story is a reminder of the innovation and determination that drives our community forward. At the ULSOM, our students, faculty, and researchers are advancing new frontiers in cancer care every day bringing us closer to a world without cancer.

To learn more about the innovative cancer research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, click here.

It is no secret that those of us living in the Ohio River Valley experience some intense allergies and asthma, especially during the transition from spring to summer. The valley’s unique geography traps allergens and air pollutants, making Louisville and surrounding areas a hotspot for aggravated allergies and asthma. But, there’s good news—the ULSOM Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology team, affiliated with Norton Children’s Medical Group, urges you to not let allergies and asthma stand in your way. You and your children should still enjoy some time outside!

Allergies are a common nuisance for many people in the Greater Louisville area, exacerbated by pollen from trees and grass in spring and mold from damp leaves in the fall Weather patterns also play a crucial role; high humidity and flooding increase mold spores and dust mites, while hot, dry weather reduces exposure to allergens. Rain initially lowers pollen counts but supports plant growth, increasing allergens later.  Additionally, windy, dry weather blows allergens around, worsening symptoms.

Asthma and allergies are particularly interconnected, as 9 in 10 children with asthma also have inhalant environmental allergies. Seasonal and  year-round allergens impact asthma, exacerbated by air quality alerts signaling triggers like air pressure fluctuations, temperature extremes, pollutants, ground-level ozone and smoke exposure. Hot days can also lead to dehydration, a major trigger for asthma and other health conditions, which is why it is essential to bring your rescue inhaler and water when enjoying the outdoors.

“People with asthma and allergies should be able to do everything their peers can,” said Dr. Scott Bickel, associate professor of pediatrics and pediatric pulmonologist. “Exercise and an active lifestyle can help significantly with symptoms. If your asthma or allergies are preventing you from being able to exercise or be active, it’s important to work with your physician on how to improve your symptoms, especially as we kick off summer.”

Thankfully, there are a number of ways that allergies and asthma can be treated. Prescription or over-the-counter medications and allergy shots are commonly encouraged to manage allergies. Those with asthma should have a rescue inhaler, but there are also several targeted biologic therapies that are available to provide personalized treatment for moderate to severe asthma.

“Keeping pets out of your bedroom, keeping the windows closed in your house, using protective covers for mattresses and pillows, and avoiding smoke exposure are some recommended steps you can take to avoid aggravating allergies and asthma,” explained Dr. Adriana McCubbin, associate division chief of allergy and immunology and pediatric immunologist. “Do not let allergies keep you from going outside! Kids need to be kids and play outdoors. Talk with your pediatrician, allergist, or pulmonologist about ways to optimize your allergy or asthma management so you can stay active and healthy.”

Thanks to the work being done by faculty members like Dr. Bickel and Dr. McCubbin, conditions are improving in Louisville. In 2024, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked Louisville 40^th out of 100 metro areas for asthma severity, an improvement from the 5^th worst in 2018. As summer unfolds, let’s embrace the sunshine without allergies holding us back!

If you have a child suffering from allergies and/or asthma, please contact our esteemed faculty from the Pediatric Pulmonary Care Team and/or the Allergy and Immunology Care Team, affiliated with Norton Children's Medical Group.

Every second counts – literally – when it comes to stroke. With each passing minute during a stroke, the brain loses roughly 2 million cells, making early recognition and rapid response the difference between recovery and long-term disability or death. Yet, despite its severity, many people are still unaware of the warning signs and risk factors. Dr. Saad Hasan, neurology clerkship director at the University of Louisville School Medicine and the stroke medical director at UofL Health – Jewish Hospital, is working to change that during National Stroke Awareness Month.

“Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, but it can also be prevented,” said Dr. Hasan. “Raising awareness is one of our strongest tools.”

Some stroke risk factors – like age, sex, and race – are out of our control. But others can be managed or reduced through lifestyle choices and medical care. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and certain heart conditions like atrial fibrillation all increase the risk of stroke. Dr. Hasan stresses that proactive changes like quitting smoking, improving diet and exercise, managing stress, and adhering to prescribed medications can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

Knowing the signs of a stroke is just as critical. The acronym BE FAST helps individuals quickly recognize the signs and symptoms and take action:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance

E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss

F – Face: Drooping or numbness on one side of the face

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty or inability to speak

T – Time: Make a note of the time and call 911 immediately.

“Time is brain,” said Dr. Hasan. “The sooner we can begin treatment, the better the chances of recovery.”

While many associate strokes with older individuals, stroke in young adults is increasingly common. Research shows that between 10-15% of strokes occur in people under 45. In fact, Dr. Hasan shared that a recent study at UofL Health – UofL Hospital indicated obesity/physical inactivity as the number one indicator for stroke under age 55. The signs may also present differently in younger patients, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Strokes can have lasting consequences including physical limitations, cognitive impairments, emotional and psychological distress, and social isolation, but prompt medical care can lead to significantly better outcomes. From the physicians working to restore blood flow to the brain to the medical students present during rounding, there is a whole team of experts at ULSOM who are dedicated to the prevention, recognition, and care of strokes.

“Our neurology clerkship is designed to give students ample opportunity to learn about the neurological examination of stroke patients, review neuroimaging to identify different types of strokes, and offer treatment accordingly,” explained Dr. Hasan. “Daily rounding on stroke service then prepares students to learn about the long-term management and rehabilitation process that is an important part of the treatment plan. This sets up our students to provide comprehensive, holistic care as they become physicians upon completion of their education.”

This National Stroke Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the signs, know your risk factors, and talk to your doctor about stroke prevention. Share the BE FAST acronym with friends and family – it could save a life.

A revamped and upgraded green space is taking shape in the heart of downtown Louisville. The Trager MicroForest, a research project of the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, officially opens to the public on May 13.

After more than two years of baseline research, construction and planting, the 0.65-acre Founders Square, located at Fifth Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, is now an inviting public space for everyone to enjoy. However, the Trager MicroForest is more than a refreshed urban park. It is a space for scientific inquiry into the impact of intense urban greening on human health and the wider urban environment.

“The vitality of downtown Louisville is inextricably linked to the vitality of the University of Louisville and the entire metropolitan community,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “This beautifully renewed green space will benefit not only residents and visitors to the downtown area, it also will serve as a research site for groundbreaking investigations into the connection between trees and health by UofL researchers.”

A 30-year lease with Louisville Metro Government allows the Envirome Institute to use Founders Square as an outdoor public laboratory. In the park, UofL researchers test the physiological effects of dense planting on human health and to what extent the forest  affects temperature and humidity in the area. For Phase One of the project, the central area of the park has been densely planted with trees, shrubs and ground cover to optimize cooling and reduce urban heat.

The Trager MicroForest Project builds on the Envirome Institute’s groundbreaking Green Heart Project, which found that adding trees to a neighborhood lowered residents’ inflammation levels.

Prior to planting and construction, UofL researchers collected baseline data on how spending time in the space affects stress levels and physiological responses compared with spending time in nearby downtown areas that lack greening. In addition to human studies, the researchers are monitoring air and surface temperatures, air quality and other measures to assess the impact of densely planted trees on the environment in and around the park.

“The Trager MicroForest is part of the wider mission of the Envirome Institute to pursue knowledge about health,” said Aruni Bhatnagar, director of the Christina Lee Brown Institute. “This little forest will not only provide a pleasant space to spend time in downtown Louisville, but it will also help us test how dense urban planting can improve human health. The results of this experiment could inspire and inform the planting of microforests in cities worldwide.”

The microforest is considered part of UofL’s New Vision of Health Campus, located just across Fifth Street, which will include specially designed laboratory space to study sleep, nutrition and exercise, as well as offices and public spaces to investigate how environmental factors impact human health. The development of this innovative campus affirms UofL’s commitment to the vitality of Louisville’s urban core.

“We are excited for this project and hope to see further growth in the greening of downtown Louisville,” Michael Trager-Kusman said. “We believe having public spaces like these will only contribute to the growth of downtown Louisville.”

The park’s opening marks the completion of Phase One of the project. Planning and design for Phase Two of the Trager MicroForest will begin in late 2025. Learn more about supporting the project. 

• 0.65-acre site
• 119 new trees
• 242 new shrubs
• 750 tons of new top soil
• 220 linear feet of new pathways
• 178 linear feet of retaining wall

Watch the press conference of the official opening on May 13, 2025. View the photo gallery. 

The University of Louisville School of Medicine has been training residents in psychiatry for 75 years, reducing mental health stigmas, increasing access to mental health care, and adjusting to fit the ever-evolving mental health needs of the community. What started as a foundational training to address acute psychiatric needs associated with severe mental illness has grown into a holistic, patient-centered approach to care, integrated with neuroscience, psychotherapies, and pharmacological treatments.

For 75 years, the psychiatry residency program has used a comprehensive approach to foster compassionate and well-rounded psychiatrists, training residents on the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental health care. As residents are exposed to a wide range of patient needs and conditions, the multidimensional approach to care grounds residents in empathy and allows them to focus on the individualized needs of each patient.

Over the decades, the program has prioritized reducing stigma through robust education and interdisciplinary collaboration within the medical community. This approach not only normalizes mental health discussions, but emphasizes the critical link between mental and overall health. Outside of the medical community, residents participate in societal outreach campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at dispelling myths and fostering constructive conversations about mental health.

Since the program’s inception, accessibility has remained a core value. Early efforts included partnering with local clinics and community organizations. In today’s world, telepsychiatry has transformed accessibility, overcoming geographic barriers and ensuring more individuals have access to vital mental health care.  The program also works to increase access to care on a systemic level, using advocacy to influence local and state policies that hinder access to care.

“Over the last 75 years, advancements in treatment have transformed mental health care,” explained Dr. Robert Caudill, director of psychiatry residency training. “Institutionalization has largely been replaced by community-based outpatient care, allowing individuals to receive treatment while maintaining their daily lives. Modern approaches also integrate lifestyle factors, such as mindfulness and exercise, alongside traditional treatments. These changes reflect a shift toward more accessible, personalized, and holistic care.”

The psychiatry residency program has long been relentless in its goal of improving the mental health of the Louisville community. Through partnerships with local health centers, services across multiple inpatient facilities, and 24/7 staffing of the Emergency Psychiatry Service (EPS) at UofL Health – UofL Hospital, psychiatry residents are an integral piece of the changing landscape of mental health in Louisville. Faculty and residents also advocate for policies that enhance mental health infrastructure and lead a 40-hour training in mental health crises for law enforcement officers, covering de-escalation techniques, active listening, recognition of mental health conditions, and how to connect individuals to appropriate local resources.

Through diverse clinical rotations, research opportunities, and community engagement, residents develop critical skills and a commitment to advocacy and social responsibility. Collectively, these elements nurture psychiatrists who are deeply empathetic and socially aware. Psychiatry relies heavily on a therapeutic relationship, and mental health conditions frequently lack definitive physical markers, demanding nuanced clinical judgement. These distinctions attract individuals who are passionate about mental health, which is a necessity in the field.

“As our psychiatry residency program trains residents in the most innovative advancements in mental health care while proactively addressing mental health concerns in our community through collaborative efforts and advocacy, I feel confident that the next 75 years will be even more successful than the first,” remarked Dean Bumpous. “In an ever-evolving field, one thing remains the same – our program stands strong in its principles and is changing the future of mental health care, one resident at a time.”

The psychiatry program, which has changed significantly over the years to meet the mental health care needs of a community with a growing understanding of mental health, has never wavered in its dedication to shape the mental health care landscape. Congratulations to the psychiatry residency program on 75 years of compassionate, accessible care! Here’s to continued success in the decades ahead.

Orion Rushin was the first member of her family to graduate from college. Now, she is celebrating graduation from the University of Louisville School of Medicine as a member of the Class of 2025.

Orion’s journey was anything but ordinary. She contributed extensively to the community as a member of the Admissions Committee and a participant in the Distinction of Medical Education Tract (DIME). She held leadership roles such as Co-Activities Coordinator, Co-Director of Education, and Co-Expansion Director of Future Healers. Her involvement also extended to roles as a Medical Students as Teachers Co-Facilitator and Pre-Matriculation program instructor for the Humanism and Compassion in Medicine.

With involvement in numerous organizations, Orion feels connected to each one of them. She cites Future Healers, though, as the organization that is shaping the doctor she is becoming. Born and raised in Louisville, Orion identifies with the population of children she serves through Future Healers. The organization has provided her with a direct avenue to cultivate both servitude and her passion for medicine and education. She even became a substitute teacher at Jefferson County Public Schools, where she aimed to inspire students beyond the classroom.

“As I talk, listen, and laugh with our kiddos, I am quickly reminded of myself at that age - so full of wonder, drive, and excitement, exclaiming my desire to become a physician. Now as I have turned my dream into reality, I can confirm that their hopes, dreams, and goals are obtainable no matter the limitations, challenges, or barriers life may bring,” Orion shared. “I could see the safe space I was creating for them by becoming a constant, stable, and reoccurring figure in their life. I became an ally not contained without the four corners of a doctor’s office, but beyond in their classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias.”

While no longer substitute teaching, Orion remains committed to community engagement in her future medical practice. Her goal as a physician is to continue to go beyond the four corners of a doctor’s office, so that she can truly know her patient, not just the disease or disorder that they present with in her office. Human connection is at the core of her approach, supported by mentorship and encouragement she received along the way.

Orion will begin her categorical psychiatry training at Northwestern McGaw in Chicago, Illinois for residency. She hopes this training will enrich her skills and immerse her in opportunities, experiences, and exposures that will shape her into a compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatrist.

“When I uncovered my hope of becoming a doctor, I was quickly met with the reality that there were few physicians who looked like me and I didn’t know where to begin. I decided to become the very thing that I felt that I lacked,” Orion explained. “In embracing what was meant to be a stumbling block, I hope it allows me to remain humble because of where I started, to serve those in need, and to advocate for those who are often silenced or not heard.”

As the University of Louisville School of Medicine Class of 2025 celebrates commencement, change is imminent. With plans to add credentials to their titles, relocate for residencies, and transition from students to physicians, the graduating class is poised for great transformation. One thing that will never falter, though, are the legacies left behind by these intelligent changemakers.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your dedication and compassion will continue to impress us as we cheer you on from afar. Remember, ULSOM is always here to support you as you fulfill your dreams.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists play pivotal roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitations centers, private medical practices, schools, universities, early intervention programs, nursing facilities, research institutions, and corporate, industrial, or government environments. Despite their extensive reach, their vital contributions are often overlooked or misunderstood in the medical community.

SLPs and Audiologists specialize in addressing a wide spectrum of needs related to communication, hearing, balance, cognition, and swallowing across all age groups. SLPs support health and wellness by improving speech, language, voice, cognitive function, and safe swallowing. Meanwhile, Audiologists assess and manage hearing and balance disorders, provide hearing aids and protective strategies, and facilitate communication through hearing health. Their collaborative efforts significantly enhance patient safety, social engagement, and overall quality of life.

As they address essential functions that contribute to a patient’s overall health and safety, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists prove to be important partners in health care. Working collaboratively with medical teams, these experts are able to diagnose and manage conditions that can affect a patient’s ability to speak, hear, eat, or think clearly. Their work helps prevent complications, supports recovery, and promotes long-term wellbeing.

Both professions require rigorous academic preparation, including completion of graduate degrees, national certification, and state licensure. SLPs complete a master’s degree, which includes academic study, clinical training, and a clinical fellowship. Audiologists complete a clinical doctorate, Au.D., which includes academic study, clinical practicum, and a full-time externship. Both degrees are offered by the Department of Otolaryngology within the School of Medicine, which is introducing a new undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders starting Fall 2025.

“We are excited to introduce the Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders this fall,” shared Dr. Alan Smith, division chief and Communicative Disorders Program director. “Offered through the ULSOM Department of Otolaryngology, this program aims to streamline pathways into communicative disorders professions increasing the number of experts that are available to improve the quality of life for patients in a variety of settings.”

The degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology also pave the way for impactful research. ULSOM student Caitlin Greer is set to complete her Au.D. this month but has already been involved in life-changing research on the incorporation of wideband absorbance testing in newborn hearing screening. Her research has presented at regional, state, national, and international conferences, including the Academy of Audiology, American Auditory Society, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, Hearing Across the Lifespan, and Interacoustics conferences.

As we recognize National Speech-Language-Hearing Month this May, ULSOM is proud to offer degrees for our important partners in medicine, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Thank you to the experts in these fields for contributing to patient health, safety, and quality of life, and congratulations to this month’s graduates from the division of Communicative Disorders!

UofL Physicians – Neurosurgery, part of UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute, is the first in Kentucky to be accepted into the next phase of a multicenter FDA study evaluating an alternative treatment option for patients with brain aneurysms.

Brain aneurysms result from a weakened area in an artery of the brain that fills with blood and causes outward bulging or ballooning.

The Saccular Endovascular Aneurysm Lattice System Interventional Pivotal Trial (SEAL™ IT) focuses on the safety and effectiveness of the SEAL system, which can be used to treat patients with ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms in a range of sizes.

“I’m excited to be a part of groundbreaking aneurysm treatment research, and for the opportunity to bring patients in Louisville and the surrounding region a novel treatment option not yet widely available,” said Josh Abecassis, a neurosurgeon with Brain & Spine Institute and assistant professor in the UofL Department of Neurological Surgery. “The device is small enough that we can use a minimally invasive technique via an artery in the groin to deliver the device and disrupt the blood flow to the aneurysm, causing it to clot and heal, while decreasing the need for more invasive procedures like a craniotomy.”

Patients with brain aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until their aneurysm ruptures. A ruptured aneurysm is a form of stroke and a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in brain damage or death.

“As an academic health care system affiliated with the University of Louisville, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest innovative treatments, including those offered through clinical trials,” said Joshua Beardsley, system vice president of neurosciences and spine. “I’m proud of our providers for helping to pioneer the next generation of aneurysm care.”

About SEAL™ IT

SEAL™ IT is a prospective, U.S. and international single-arm, multicenter, interventional study. The clinical trial seeks to establish the safety and effectiveness of the system in treating patients with wide neck unruptured or ruptured intracranial aneurysms that are less than or equal to 19 millimeters in widest diameter. Data such as imaging and patient presentation will be collected from participants immediately after their procedure in addition to three, six and 12 months after their procedure. Participants will receive follow-ups annually for five years.

Members of the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s (ULSOM) Pre-Hospital and Disaster Medicine Interest Group recently participated in a unique tactical medicine training led by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), gaining hands-on experience in life-saving techniques used during high-risk emergency situations.

Throughout the immersive training, students were introduced to the complex and rapid decision-making required of law enforcement officers during unpredictable and potentially dangerous incidents. Without standardized triage guidelines for such scenarios, police officers must evaluate each situation individually to determine when and how to deliver emergency care. These interventions from police officers are life-saving measures while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS), contributing to the improvement of patient outcomes.

Students had the opportunity to refresh their Stop the Bleed skills, including proper self-application of various tourniquets. Additional training also included wound packing on lifelike models with simulated injuries and blood, application of chest seals for sucking chest wounds, and a simulated scenario with a mannequin with multiple penetrating injuries to assess and stabilize.

“This training helped me become a better colleague and team member by deepening my understanding of the critical role our police officers have in patient care,” shared Bryn Vance, third-year medical student and program director for the Pre-Hospital and Disaster Medicine Interest Group. “I also have a better understanding of the limitations of what can be done in a pre-hospital setting due to scene safety, as well as the level of training of those providing care on scene."

At the conclusion of the tactical medicine experience, students were tasked with a simulated scenario in which they had to walk into a dark room with flashing lights and loud music. Within five minutes, each pair of students were required to assess and stabilize any injuries with a small medical kit, using whatever light source available and their hands to sweep the patient for any injuries or bleeding. While the medical skills are practiced in the classroom, the task is much more difficult when placed in a highly stimulating and challenging environment.

“The Pre-Hospital and Disaster Medicine Interest Group was a student lead initiative that was restarted as a response to the tragic 2023 shooting at the Old National Bank,” explained Dr. Aaron Kuzel, faculty advisor and assistant professor of emergency medicine. “We wanted to help students feel prepared to respond if they were ever involved in a mass casualty incident. We also brought back the Disaster Medicine Certificate, and the LMPD tactical medicine training was the final requirement, meaning the first group of students will be receiving the certification.”

In recognition of National Trauma Awareness Month, the School of Medicine recognizes the importance of physicians who understand what it takes to provide care in the most challenging emergency situations. The training with LMPD reinforces ULSOM’s goal of training well-prepared physicians across all specialties.

Congratulations to the students who completed their Disaster Medicine Certificate!

More than 500,000 Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s Disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), not including those who have yet to receive a diagnosis. Despite the disease’s prevalence, no cure currently exists, and a growing shortage of neurologists greatly impacts those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

The Parkinson’s Disease Buddy Program, a program held in conjunction with the National Parkinson's Institute, is working to not only address both issues, but to also contribute to the learning of first-year medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM). Students who opt to participate are paired with a “buddy” – a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s – and meet with them monthly throughout the academic year.  These meetings take place alongside the students’ intensive studies, providing a powerful learning opportunity to humanize the conditions they’re learning about in the classroom.

“Meeting with people who have Parkinson’s Disease over the course of a year helps students to see the challenges that the buddies are facing in their disease, the challenges they face with accessing medical care, and the way that we come to a resolution for those challenges,” shared Dr. Victoria Holiday, assistant professor of neurology, who oversees ULSOM’s participation in the Parkinson’s Disease Buddy Program.

Over the course of the year, students develop skills in empathy, communication, and bias management as they witness firsthand the complexities of living with chronic disease. While chronic disease can be scary, many of these patients still work, drive, and exercise daily, proving that living a normal life is possible. This paints a real picture of chronic disease management and shows first-year students that just because there is no cure for a certain condition, does not mean that the outlook is bleak. 

As eye-opening as the program is to first-year medical students who choose to participate, they are not the only ones who enjoy the program. The buddies love sharing their journeys with the students. They understand that by meeting with future physicians, they are contributing to the science that will improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Additionally, having scheduled activities and a variety of social interactions helps the buddies to contribute to their condition in a positive way, both physically and cognitively. Buddies also report gaining skills of self-efficacy and social behavior through their participation in this program.

As first-year students complete the program and continue on through their medical training, each of them chooses a different path. While many have chosen neurology and many have gone into other specialties, each of them is able to use the valuable skills they learned in this program, starting with meeting patients where they are, without any preconceived notions that could stem from a diagnosis.

Research demonstrates that students find the program impactful and would recommend it to their peers. As ULSOM continues its outreach in the community and works to train compassionate physicians who understand the complexities of living with chronic diseases, the Parkinson’s Disease Buddy Program stands out as a model of how experiential learning can transform future physicians and improve the lives of those living with chronic disease.