Each year, cancer claims more than 600,000 lives in the United States. These are not just numbers.They represent children, young parents, individuals in the prime of their careers and older adults who had planned for a long and healthy retirement. More than half of cancer diagnoses occur during working years.Nearly every family in America is affected by cancer.  

Cancer is far from rare. Statistically, one in two men and one in three women will face cancer in their lifetime. While these numbers are daunting, UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center is changing the narrative. The Brown Cancer Center uses cutting-edge treatment, innovative research, comprehensive education and outreach. Its goal is to transform cancer from a terminal diagnosis to a chronic disease. 

“Our mission is to help patients live well into their nineties and ensure quality of life,” said Jason Chesney, director and chief administrative officer of the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center. “We accomplish this through a combination of subspecialtiesand multidisciplinary cancer care programs. Our robust education programs train the next generation of cancer scientists and oncologists. Our translational laboratory and clinical research, along with comprehensive support services, supportpatients and families.” 

Building on this mission, the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, together with the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM), serves as a training ground for future health care leaders. High school, undergraduate and graduate students gain firsthand experience alongside ULSOM faculty and staff from the UofL Health – Brown Cancer. They tackle today’s challenges, and they also develop tomorrow’s solutions. 

This strong educational foundation supports the center’s globally recognized research and puts it at the forefront of discovery, especially in groundbreaking immunotherapies. This year, Chesney presented on the use of genetically engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for treating solid tumors. The study was recognized as one of the top five at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting.  

Amidst these achievements, it is essential to acknowledge Kentucky’s unique challenges. Historically, Kentucky has had the highest cancer death rate in the nation. But thanks to the pioneers of science at the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, we are entering a new frontier of medicine. With a goal of reducing Kentucky’s cancer death rate by 50% by 2035, the center is expanding access to high-quality care in rural Kentucky. The center is also increasing enrollment in clinical trials. It is building community-based comprehensive cancer screening outreach programs. Already, novel immunotherapy treatments are translating into measurable reductions in cancer-related deaths across the region.  

"As we work toward cutting Kentucky’s cancer death rate in half, we are proud to expand our reach to rural communities with the new Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine. “Opening in Bullitt County in summer 2026, this new UofL Health – Brown Cancer Centerwill bring high-quality care closer to home for rural Kentuckians, while also train the next generation of health professionals.The center will expand access to life-saving clinical trials.” 

Ultimately, cancer may remain common, but it is no longer without hope. Through innovation, education and a steadfast commitment to community, the UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center and the School of Medicine are ushering in a new era of cancer care.Cancer is not a death sentence. It is a disease that can be treated, managed and ultimately overcome.  

On Monday, October 6, Mary Fallat, professor in The Hiram C. Polk, Jr., Department of Surgerywill step up to the podium to deliver this year’s Scudder Oration on Trauma at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) meeting – an honor she describes as the greatest honor of her career.  

She will become only the second pediatric surgeon ever to give this address. The first was Alex Haller, who began his career at the School of Medicine in 1959 as a cardiac surgeon before returning to John Hopkins to lead pediatric surgery and fellowship training. “To follow in those footsteps is both humbling and inspiring,” Fallat said. 

Her focus is one that touches every surgeon, regardless of specialty: how we prepare, or fail to prepare, to care for injured children. Throughout her career, Fallat has worked to advance a vision of an integrated system of care for children. Today, she notes, significant gaps remain. Burn centers and trauma centers often operate in separate silos, and pediatric care and adult care do not always connect. In many communities, emergency departments see so few children that clinicians lack the training, supplies or confidence to treat them duringa crisis.  

“Children are 22% of the population,” she says. “They deserve to be included and cared for with the proper plans and resources in place to do so.” 

One promising effort she will highlight is the National Pediatric Readiness Program, which equips hospitals and EMS services with the tools, training and protocols needed to provide quality pediatric care. “It doesn’t take groundbreaking science,” she argues, “But it does take an intentional investment of time, training and the willingness to step up.”  

The need has never been greater. From global conflict and natural disasters to the everyday risks of childhood, emergencies continue to expose the vulnerabilities in our system. “Our prognosis for disaster preparedness is guarded at best,” she cautions.  

Still, Fallat remains optimistic. She envisions a future where adult and pediatric systems work together, where communication flows in both directions and where every hospital commits to a baseline of pediatric readiness. “Collaborationcan raise the standard of care for every child, no matter where they live,” she said.  

Her perspective is shaped by a personal memory. As a child during the Cuban Missile Crisis, she remembers air raid drills at school and emergency kits at home. Preparation was seen as essential then. Now, she asks, how are we preparing our children for the unexpected? 

Her message is intended for every surgeon in attendance: whether or not they operate on children, they have a stake in this issue. Every surgeon was once a child themselves, and most have children, grandchildren or loved ones whose lives could one day depend on the systems in place.  

“You can’t blame them until you train them,” she will remind her colleagues, echoing the words of James Styner, who founded Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) decades ago.  

As she prepares to deliver this historic address, we congratulate Mary Fallat on this remarkable honor. Her impact is certain to be felt well beyond the podium and carry forward her lifelong commitment to care for the nation’s children.  

Transforming healthcare takes leaders who understand both the bedside and the boardroom. Jason Smith, chief medical officer and interim chief executive officer for UofL Health and chief of the Division of General Surgery at the UofL School of Medicine, has been chosen for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Council of Deans Fellowship, an opportunity that will amplify his impact on patients, learners and communities alike. This national honor recognizes rising leaders in academic medicine and equips them with the mentorship, training and networks to prepare them for future deanships.  

The year-long fellowship is designed to be both immersive and practical. Smith will collaborate with the cohort of fellows to explorestrategies for addressing today’s most urgent healthcare challenges. His fellowship project will focus on aligning UofL Health and the School of Medicine’s shared priorities: expandingequitable access to care while improving outcomes for the patients and communities we serve.  

“As a trauma surgeon, I have seen firsthand the impact of limited access to care, from rural patients facing hours-long transport to families in underserved neighborhoods struggling with follow-up and rehabilitation,” shared Smith. “These experiences have shaped my conviction that academic medicine must not only save lives in the moment, but also build innovative systems that provide timely, equitable and high quality care throughout the continuum of recovery. Through the Council of Deans Fellowship, I will gain insight from leaders who have successfully implemented systemic change and apply those lessons here at UofL.” 

The project-based nature of the fellowship means that Smith will be working with actual School of Medicinepriorities throughout the program, translatinginformation into measurable outcomes like expanding access to care, growing leadership pipelines and advancing equity in patient outcomes. This is a huge first step in Smith’s goal of aligning the clinical, academic and community missions of UofL Health and the School of Medicine.  

Smith’s acceptance into the Council of Deans Fellowship echoes the School of Medicine’s admiration for his leadership. His dedication to lifelong learning and leadership allows him to provide secure, evidence-based treatment at the bedside for every single patient while also addressing issues such as health inequities, workforce development and swift innovation.  

Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine, praised Smith’s selection, noting his steady leadership during pivotal moments. “Having a leader such as Dr. Smith walking our hallways is not just impactful for our school and our partner institution, UofL Health, it is meaningfulfor every single patient and every single community we serve,” Bumpous said. “For years, he has guided us through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and other community crises. We know that under his leadership, our friends, families and neighbors will have access to equitable, high-quality care for generations to come.” 

Smith intends to leverage the fellowship to accelerate progress in reducing healthcare inequalities, improving access and fortifying community partnerships. By bringing home innovative models from across the country, he aims to ensure that every patient, regardless of where they live, has a fair chance at survival, recovery and long-term health. 

Join us in congratulating Dr. Jason Smith for his continued excellence in service leadership and his recent acceptanceto the 2025-2026 Council of Deans Fellowship. His leadership is not just inspiring; it is transformative, and reflects our values of excellence, service and innovation at the School of Medicine.  

The Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a collaborative network of centers including the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, the University of Kentucky Medical Center and eight regional centers, works to improve the recruitment, distribution and retention of health care professionals in medically underserved communities across Kentucky.   

With dedicated preceptors guiding students in AHECs across Kentucky, the future of medicine is in exceptional hands. Two such preceptors, Michael Collins and Heath Cates, both gratis faculty at the UofL School of Medicine, are drawing from traditional approaches to deliver high-quality care in rural areas, while also preparing next generation of physicians to think differently about how care is delivered.  

For Collins in Bowling Green, that means reviving home-based care.Once a common practice, home visits have declined as modern medicine shifted to office settings.Homebound patients require extensive preparation and incur large transportation costs for regular office visits, leading many to give up on going to their primary care appointments altogether.  

“I remember a patient on a stretcher with multiple contractures and bedsores who I saw for 15 minutes and then was responsible for based on what little I could assess in that brief time,” Collins recalled. “In the home, I can evaluate both the patient’s and the caregiver’s needs by direct observation and provide support in a non-threatening environment. I hope I can inspire some students to think outside the exam room and do true family practice that not only begins in the nursery but continues in the nursing home or the patient's own home.” 

While Collins focuses on home visits, Cates works with a different kind of patient. As a pediatrician, Cates advocates for families who must often travel hours to see subspecialists and ensures that his patients receive his care when hospitalized, something fewer community physicians do today. Importantly, he brings students along with him for hospital-based care, exposing them to experience they might not otherwise have in training.  

“Seeing this type of care can be very valuable for our students,” shared Cates. “It can open them up to considering similar practices in the future, which would help meeta great need in many rural communities across Kentucky. I’ve had so many students tell me about loving their rotation in this more rural region and express how happy they were to have this experience.” 

Dr. Cates connection to AHEC runs deep. As an undergraduate student at Murray State University, his early AHEC experience played a role in his medical school application. Now as a practicing physician, he embraces the opportunity to serve as a mentor, imparting the same knowledge unto clinical students like he once received, too.  

“Our AHEC preceptors are driving forces in our goalas an institution to expandaccess to care and reduce provider shortages in rural areas,” said JeffreyBumpous, dean of the School of Medicine. “Through preceptors like Dr. Michael Collins and Dr. Heath Cates, we are preparing physicians who are both eager and equipped to serve rural communities. That progress is somethingwe are proud to support.” 

By blending the wisdom of traditional medicine with the demands of modern practice, Drs. Collins and Cates embody the heart of the UofL School of Medicine: to serve. Their work not only transforms the lives of patients but also plants the seeds of stronger, more resilient communities.  

From the classroom to the clinic, Jessica Kline, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, has always been drawn to roles that connect people and create opportunities for growth. Her career path began with Teach for America, where she taught middle school science in Houston, Texas. Those two years revealed the deep connection between education and health – showing her how challenges at home and in the community could directly impact a student’s ability to learn. Inspired by this experience, she pursued medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM), where she found her calling in academic medicine. 

Throughout medical school and residency, Kline consistently sought out leadership and teaching opportunities. She knew the team-based structure of academic medicine was right for her, and she joined ULSOM faculty as soon as she finished training. Since then, she has built a reputation as both a dedicated educator and an engaged leader. 

This year, Kline begins her newest leadership role, the vice chair of the ULSOM’s Faculty Forum. After three years representing the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, she was nominated to serve as the vice chair for 2025-2026, a responsibility she describes as both an honor and an opportunity to serve.  

“One of the best parts of serving on the Faculty Forum is hearing the perspectives of colleagues whose day-to-day work is very different from mine, but equally critical to the mission of the School of Medicine,” shared Kline. “I find it incredibly reassuring to know that all major changes that come from the School of Medicine administration have been made in consideration of all viewpoints, and I am proud to lead that charge.” 

With nearly50 members, the Faculty Forum is one of the School of Medicine’s main venues for shared governance. Each department is represented, with additional members from larger departments, along with medical students, graduate students and residents. Forum representatives serve three-year terms and are only able to serve two consecutive terms, ensuring that a wide range of voices and experiences guide decision-making across the school.  

Kline’s commitment to inclusive leadership stretches back to her time as a medical student, where she was actively involved in student government, curriculum development and the school’s LCME accreditation process. Those early experiences, she said, shaped her appreciation for how ULSOM values community input at every level.  

“During my four years of medical school, I was impressed by how receptive the School of Medicine administration was to student input,” Kline reflected. “As a faculty member, I continue to feel supported by my department, graduate medical education and School of Medicine leadership. It is easy to work hard for an institution that pours just as much back into its academic community.” 

Her leadership and service have not gone unnoticed. “Dr. Kline’s service to the School of Medicine is truly admirable, and we are proud to have her as the 2025-2026 vice chair for the Faculty Forum,” said Michelle Stevenson, vice dean for Faculty Affairs and Advancement. “From her time as a medical student to her current role as a faculty leader, she has consistently given back to our community. Her leadership is an inspiration to all of us, and we are stronger because of her.” 

As September marks Women in Medicine Month, Dr. Kline’s story is a powerful example of the many ways women physicians shape the future of academic medicine through teaching, service and leadership that uplifts their colleagues and communities alike. Her commitment reminds us that leadership in medicine is rooted in service. We thank her, and all our faculty, for dedicating their time and talents to strengthening our school and the communities we serve.  

In medicine, true leadership is measured not only by knowledge or skill, but by commitment to serve. This philosophy drives our mission at the UofL School of Medicine and few leaders embody it more fully than Murali Ankem, vice dean of graduate medical education. 

 
Since he first began his medical training in India, Ankem has been continuously inspired by the opportunity to serve people at their most vulnerable moments. When he was a young physician in hospitals with limited resources, he quickly learned the importance of community-centered care, where compassion and accessibility mattered as much as clinical skill. That lesson continues to guide him today, shaping his approach to academic medicine and community-engaged care. 

“Service is at the core of my professional identity,” Ankem shared. “Through patient care, resident education and organizational leadership, I am reminded daily that everything we do must be rooted in improving lives.”  

With every decision, Ankem leads by example, showing trainees and colleagues that leadership extends beyond the operating room or classroom. He models the idea that physicians holdboth the privilege and responsibility of shaping the communities they serve. His service includes participating in professional societies, advocating for educational policy and volunteering histime for broader institutional needs, Ankem’s leadership shows that physicians can drive change at every level.  

“What excites me the most is the growing recognition that medicine cannot be siloed within hospitals and clinics,” shared Ankem. “Partnerships between universities and communities, physicians and policymakers and health systems and patients are shifting medicine towards community-engaged care. Together, we can address not only disease, but also the social determinants of health, creating a more equitable and impactful health care system. I am energized to be part of shaping that transformation.” 

Ankem serves the School of Medicinein multiple capacities, including as professor and chair of the department of Urology, vice dean ofgraduate medical education, and as the ACGME Designated Institutional Official, where he oversees the training of nearly 800 residents and fellows across the health system. Beyond the university, he provides care as a staff urologist at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center and serves nationally throughroles such as a Chair-Elect on the AMA Academic Physician Section Governing Council, on the Finance Committee of the Endourologic Society and on committees of the Southeastern Section of the AUA.  

Across each role,Ankemis dedicated to mentoring, collaboration and improving care. His leadership strengthens connections between academic medicine and communitypractitioners, directly improving patient care in Kentucky. His dedication to patients, trainees and the wider community continue to inspire those around him. 

“My advice is simple: let service guide your decisions, not just achievement,” he said.“Excellence in medicine will come with time and training, but a true career of impact is built on relationships, humility and community commitment.” 

Please join us in thanking Dr. Ankem for his ongoing commitment to supporting both learners and communities while strengthening the future of medicine.  

Explore how leaders like Dr. Ankem are training the next generation of physicians through ourgraduate medical education programs. 

As we reiterate the need for primary care physicians across the state, we focuson the fact that 107 out of 120 counties in Kentucky are Health Professions Shortage Areas (HPSA). While many associate this shortage with rural communities, urban areas like Louisville face the same challenge. Families living just minutes from major hospitals often lack access to consistent, nearby primary care. 

To address this critical need, the University of Louisville School of Medicine(ULSOM) launched the Distinction Track inUrban Primary Care , now entering its second year. The track prepares students to become competent, compassionate primary care physicians who understand both the challenges and strengths of the communities they care for. By pairing rigorous medical education with community-based learning, the track ensures students graduate with the tools to improve health equity in urban environments. 

Led by Jennifer Porter, associate professor in the department of pediatrics, and Clayton Smith, associate professor of internal medicine, the curriculum highlights how social and environmental factors, such as food insecurity, transportation barriers and exposure to pollution, directly shape health outcomes. Students don’t just learn these concepts in the classroom; they step into the community to experience them firsthand. In one exercise, students navigate Louisville’s public transportation system to simulate traveling to a clinic appointment. The experience builds empathy for patients who face delays or missed visits due to factors outside their control, reinforcing the importance of designing care that meets patients where they are. 

“Primary care can be challenging due to the number of issues patients may have that cannot be remedied by a prescription,” shared Jennifer Porter. “The track encourages long-term commitment to primary care through learning how vital it is to understand the challenges patients face and the resources that are available to help them. By teaching our students how to help the whole patient, they are empowered to see primary care not as overwhelming, but as essential and deeply rewarding.” 

Students also connect with local community partners to learn about the plethora of resources available for patients around Louisville. These collaborations not only deepen student understanding but also reassure community organizations that the next generation of physicians is invested in improving health beyond the clinic walls. 

“Our responsibility as a medical school extends outside the classroom and into the neighborhoods around us,” said Kelli Bullard Dunn, vice dean of community engagement. “This track shows our students that medicine is not just about diagnosing and treating; it’sabout listening, partnering and finding solutions together with the community. That’s how lasting impact is made.” 

As the Distinction Track in Urban Primary Care grows, it reflects ULSOM’s broader commitment to training physicians for all environments, from rural counties to urban neighborhoods. The program strengthens the medical school’s mission to advance student success in undergraduate medical education while improving health outcomes for Kentuckians.  

Because everyone deserves access to quality care, wherever they live. 

As Kentucky’s only free-standing children’s hospital and only level I pediatric trauma center, Norton Children’s Hospital serves as the primary pediatric teaching facility for the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM). This unique partnership provides a rich learning experience for future pediatricians while delivering nationally recognized care to children and families across the region.  

At the heart of this collaboration is ULSOM’s Department of Pediatrics, home to a number of unique and impressive programs, including a comprehensive Hematology and Oncology Fellowship. Basedwithin Norton Children’s Hospital, fellows gain hands-on experience managing complex cases under faculty supervision. They serve as primary care providers in the outpatient clinic, learning to follow oncology patients through every stage of care. Beyond clinical training, fellows may pursue independent research or earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Investigation Sciences from the School of Public Health & Information Sciences (SPHIS), creating a deeper specialization in pediatric cancer research and care.  

This dual role of physicians as educators, researchers and clinicians ensures patients benefit directly from the latest discoveries. “When physicians teach and investigate as part of their daily practice, innovation moves from the lab to the bedside more quickly, giving children access to the best possible care,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine.  

In addition to the clinical partnership, ULSOM and Norton Children’s research is integrated under Norton Children’s Research Institute, which unites clinical and laboratory studies, resources and staff to maximize the success of pediatric investigators. Within this structure, ULSOM faculty in the division of pediatric hematology and oncology play a leading role in the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. 

Norton Children’s Cancer Institute is part of both the Beat Childhood Cancer research consortium, a group of more than 40 universities and children’s hospitals that offer a worldwide network of childhood cancer clinical trials andalso is a long-standing member of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world’s largest group of hospitals devoted to treating children with cancer. These affiliations give patients access to proven treatment regimens and cutting-edge clinical trials close to home.   

The impact of this work is evident. Thanks to Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, we are seeing groundbreaking advancements in pediatric cancer treatment. The late Dr. William T. Tse was well-known for his CAR T-cell research program, a groundbreaking advancement that revolutionized how we fight childhood cancers. His work continues today under the direction of Michael Ferguson,chief of the division of pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation, and Jun Cai, associate professor of pediatrics in the pediatric research institute. Additionally, Ye Tan, associate professor of pediatrics and Carol B. McFerran Endowed Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Research is working to prevent common chemotherapy drugs from causing heart damage in pediatric cancer survivors, and Lauren R. Hayes, assistant professor of pediatrics, is working to manage pain during treatment. Together, these efforts are expanding possibilities for childhood cancer treatment and survivorship. 

“The legacies of the School of Medicine and Norton Children’s Hospital are each impressive, but together,they form an unparalleled coalition of physician-scientists redefining pediatric cancer care,” said Bumpous.  

As we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the powerof this partnership is evident. By uniting comprehensive training, innovative research and nationally recognized clinical care,UofL’s Department of Pediatrics and Norton Children’s Hospital are shaping the future of pediatric oncology and bringing hope to children and families for generations to come. 

As a medical student, Jeffrey Bumpous, was focused on becoming a skilled physician. Today, as executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Louisville and dean of the School of Medicine, his perspective has broadened to the full “lifespan” and “ecosystem” of physicians—recognizing their roles not only as clinicians, but also as scientists, educators, advocates and leaders in their communities. 

“Society expects us to help, and we must deliver,” he said. 

That charge is at the heart of academic medicine nationwide, which prioritizes expanding the health care workforce, developing innovative treatments and improving access and outcomes for historically underserved communities. At the UofL School of Medicine, these priorities are guiding efforts to train the next generation of physicians and physician-scientists, while also meeting urgent health care needs across Kentucky. 

The school has expanded programs such as the MD/PhD, MD/MBA and MD/MPH, equipping graduates with the skills to advance discovery and address clinical, organizational and public health challenges. These efforts are gaining national attention: U.S. News & World Report recently recognized UofL for excellence in Primary Care, Rural Health and Physician Shortage Areas. The school’s residency match rate also exceeds the national average, with 44% of graduates entering primary care and 36% choosing to stay in Kentucky—impacting care where it is most needed. 

Bumpous calls this moment a “renaissance in medicine,” as solutions increasingly require collaboration across disciplines like engineering, social sciences and the arts. This holistic approach is evident in ULSOM initiatives addressing public health challenges and advancing personalized treatments for chronic diseases and cancer. Patients treated in teaching hospitals consistently achieve better outcomes, underscoring the value of academic medicine in improving health. 

The School of Medicine’s impact also extends beyond health care. Every dollar invested in UofL generates $1.62 in economic return, with a recent $24.5 million NIH grant adding more than $25 million to Kentucky’s economy. Altogether, the School of Medicine contributes $777 million annually—an impact equivalent to hosting the Kentucky Derby twice each year. 

“This is the work of academic medicine,” Bumpous said. “And it is a mission we are proud to lead at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.” 

Visit our website to view the full Dean’s Message and watch the 2025 Dean’s Address to learn more about the successes and priorities at the UofL School of Medicine. 

In the heart of every community hospital, you will find patients and employees who take great pride in their hospital. But at UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, that’s not all you’ll find. At the community hospital located in Southwest Louisville, there is a cohort of residents who take just as much pride in their hospital as those who have grown up living in the community—and the residency programs are now expanding, bringing even more excitement to the hospital.  

The hospital alreadyhosts awiderange of residency programs. From the Family Medicine Residency program in an adjacent medical plaza to the 24/7 inpatient rotations through the hospitalist program, the hospital has long been providing a unique and fulfilling residency option for residents. Currently, residents are training in areas including General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Urogynecology, Urology, Podiatry, Orthopedics, Neurology, Cardiology and more. While UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital may be a community hospital, it’s rich with specialists who are committed to academic medicine and to preparing the next generation of physicians.  

That commitment is set to deepen. Melisa Adkins, CEO of UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, shared that the hospital is preparing to expand residency opportunities through UofL Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Medical Detox and Medical Behavioral Health units. She also hopes to have a robust resident pipeline in the Center for Women’s Health through the UofL Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.  

“Partnering with the School of Medicine and being part of an academic health system provides the communities we serve with research-driven, evidence-based care, which in turn provides better outcomes for our patients,” Adkins explained. “We are always excited to show the community how the School of Medicinehas integrated academic-based care into the communities we serve.” 

As more and more residents join the hospital, the culture and environment shift to reflect continuous learning and excitement for the future of medicine. As the physicians and residents work together, teamwork and an interdisciplinary approach come to the forefront of patient care, creating a happier and healthier patient population. There is no secret that the residents bring a new energy to the campus at UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, and they have no plans of slowing down.  

"We believe the best training happens when residents are fully immersed in the communities they will one day serve,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “That’s why our partnership with UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is so meaningful. There, residents bring energy, curiosity and dedication that blend seamlessly with the expertise of experienced physicians. This collaboration ensures our patients benefit today, while also supporting the future of medicine.” 

With a prime location in Southwest Louisville, the hospital provides trainees and physicians alike with the best of both worlds: an urban hospital setting with the close-knit feel of a community environment.That balance not only enhances the resident experience but also helps retain future physicians to the region. 

“Mary & Elizabeth Hospital will play a pivotal role in retaining physicians in our area.We are poised for growth and offer a vast array of opportunities for manyspecialties,” Adkins shared. “Patients want care close to home, and I believe we provide that for them in a friendly, academic-based community environment right in Louisville. Our residents, who will eventually be out on their own as practicing physicians, love this settingjust as much as our patients.” 

The University of Louisville School of Medicine is proud to partner with UofL Health and UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital to create innovative, academically driven training environments. Whether in the heart of downtown Louisville or in Southwest Louisville, our residentsreceive exceptional training from compassionate physicians and hospital leaders dedicated to shaping the future of medicine. 

Even when the future of medicine feels far away, ULSOM’s Heartwheels! program knows that the future starts today.  

Children are natural explorers, fascinated by the world around them and theircuriosity is what allows themto be exposed to so much of the world, whether that be a fuzzy caterpillar munching on a leaf or a bright yellow backhoe digging up interesting rocks down their street. Yet, opportunities to engage with healthcare beyond routine check-ups are limited.  

Heartwheels! bridges this gap by making healthcare more accessible, engaging and hands-on. Through interactive activities like manipulating water-filled tubing to simulate cardiovascular dynamics, participants of all ages grasp complex concepts in a fun, memorable way.  

“The more hands-on, colorful, and silly we can make the activities, the better,” shared Dr. Steven Koenig, co-director of Heartwheels! “If it is fun and memorable for us, then it is sure to be fun and memorable for the children that we work with.” 

As Heartwheels! exposes people of all ages, backgrounds and groups to healthcare and medicine, they are able to envision themselves as a future physician, nurse or researcher, empowered by their experiences in health care simulations. While many people, both young and old, never have the opportunity to roleplay working in health care, Heartwheels! provides that opportunity and inspires the next generation of caretakers.  

The program also exposes young participants to things that might otherwise be scary or difficult to understand in a relaxed and fun way. Many events include a real heart that kids can see and touch to learn more about it. While at first, most kids are apprehensive, they become comfortable with the topic the more they learn about it. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky, it is important that people of all ages are comfortable talking about heart disease and understand what it means to keep your heart healthy.  

“It brings us great joy to have repeat participants at our events who can come back and tell us what they learned last time,” shared Dr. Gretel Monreal, co-director of Heartwheels! “This gives us hope that our participants are leaving our events and sharing what they learned with the world. The more advocates for STEM education we can create today the more physicians, researchers and health professionals we will have tomorrow.” 

Heartwheels! continues to be a fan favorite. Parents, teachers and the participants themselves are excited about the collaborative partnerships Heartwheels! has with local schools and educators. As we work towards inspiring the next generation of health professionals, we are proud of faculty members Drs. Gretel Monreal and Steven Koenig for spearheading this initiative and being a driving force of STEM education in our community.  

Heartwheels! is a mobile STEM outreach program that can visit your school, event or location. For inquiries, reach out to Drs. Gretel Monreal and/or Steven Koenig. 

Many students dream of becoming a doctor. But Sarah Belcher is taking it a step further, by pursuing both an MD and a PhD through the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s physician-scientist training program.  

Just months after completing her undergraduate degree at UofL, Belcher joined the latest cohort of MD/PhD students, a path that will prepare her to combine clinical care with high-impact research. She will graduate with both degrees and a career uniquely positioned to make a difference in patient care and population health.  

Belcher was a Grawemeyer Scholar in her undergraduate years, a distinction that offered her hands-on research that revealed to her the power of contributing to something greater than yourself. This experience revealed how scientific inquiry could reach beyond the walls of a clinic and shape health outcomes on a broader scale.  

In addition to being a Grawemeyer Scholar, Belcher was also a GEMS student, meaning she was selected for Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School while she was still in high school. Through GEMS, Belcher became part of the School of Medicine community long before her first day of class. She credits the program for making the School of Medicine feel like home and for connecting her with mentors who encouraged her to pursue the MD/PhD track. 

That encouragement continued last summer during theMD/PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)and further solidified Belcher’s decision. Thanks to her experience with the GEMS and SURF programs, Belcher feels confident as she enters this new rigorous journey. The GEMS program introduced her to the medical school early on, meaning she already feels comfortable in the environment and understands what resources are available to her as a student. The SURF program helped her to prepare for the MD/PhD program and showed her what to expect from such a meticulous program.  

“Being part of the University of Louisville has been one of my greatest blessings,” Sarah Belcher reflected. “The support I received through the School of Medicine as a GEMS student made me feel at home in a new city. Having that same support available through both the medical school and the MD/PhD program is invaluable and made me want to continue my educational journey here.” 

Originally from Eastern Kentucky, Belcher plans to focus on the intersection of poverty and cardiovascular health. She hopes to make a real difference when it comes to population health for her area and others that are underserved. She feels confident that her position as a physician-scientist will allow her to break down barriers that exist in health care.  

The University of Louisville School of Medicine MD/PhD program includes two years of pre-clinical medical training, followed by graduate training in research and two years of medical rotations for clinical training.  

The School of Medicine offers a variety of dual degree programs to meet diverse career goals, including MD/MBA and MD/MA options. From high school outreach to advanced research training, we are committed to supporting future leaders in medicine and science at every stage. 

As Belchercontinues her work with ULSOM faculty and forms new relationships with her class of physicians and scientists, we are proud to share her story. The University of Louisville School of Medicine isn’t just for medical students. With programs for high schoolers, undergraduate students, medical students, residents, fellows and more, we are proud to be leaders in medical education for all.