The University of Kentucky College of Medicine, founded in 1956, is a public medical school embedded within UK HealthCare — the only academic medical center in Kentucky — and is situated in Lexington at the edge of Appalachian Kentucky. The school has a well-established mission to address the profound health disparities of Appalachian and rural Kentucky communities, which suffer among the highest rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and opioid overdose in the nation. UK Med trains a high proportion of physicians who remain in Kentucky for practice.
What makes it different
UK College of Medicine has a distinctive mission focused on improving health outcomes in Appalachian Kentucky, one of the most medically underserved regions in the US. The school is closely affiliated with UK HealthCare — Kentucky's only academic medical center — and the Markey Cancer Center, an NCI-designated cancer center. Beyond the Lexington campus, UK COM operates full four-year regional campuses in Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky, plus the Morehead-based Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP) for students committed to rural Kentucky medicine.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Years 1–2 are campus-based with integrated basic and clinical science; early patient contact introduced in Year 1 through the longitudinal Patient, Physician, and Society course. Year 3–4 clinical rotations at UK HealthCare (University of Kentucky Hospital, Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky Children's Hospital, and VA Medical Center Lexington).
Research strengths
University of Kentucky College of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Cancer disparities in Appalachia, Cardiovascular disease, Opioid addiction and treatment, Rural health, Neuroscience.
Interview
University of Kentucky College of Medicine (MD) interviews via Traditional one-on-one and panel interviews with faculty and students at the Lexington campus. UK College of Medicine interview days are held in Lexington and typically include two to three one-on-one or small panel interviews with faculty, clinicians, and current students, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Interviewers have reviewed the full application beforehand and often focus on Appalachian and rural health awareness, personal motivation, and clinical exposure. The day includes a financial aid session, a tour of UK HealthCare facilities, and informal student interactions. UK's focus on Appalachian health disparities means interviewers frequently probe commitment to serving medically underserved populations in eastern Kentucky.
Intake
Approximately 207 students per year across four campuses (Lexington ~130, Bowling Green 30, Northern Kentucky 35, Morehead/RPLP ~12).
At a glance
Founded in 1956, based in Lexington, KY. Programmes offered: Oncology, Appalachian and Rural Health, Cardiovascular Medicine, Internal Medicine, Primary Care.
