#TeamKentucky

Amid the coronavirus pandemic that swept through Kentucky, a spotlight shone on the giving spirit and attitude of service that makes up the very fabric of the University of Pikeville.

Kentucky Department of Public Health Commissioner, Steven J. Stack, M.D., MBA, FACEP, issued a call to medical students across the Commonwealth to help relieve the strained healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the emergency.

Three brave students from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) rose to challenges set before them and put their training to use, doing the most good during a time of crisis.

Third-year medical students Amanda Meier, Heather McGuire and Meredith Doughty were sent to the River’s Bend Retirement Community in Lyon County to assist staff members who had been working around the clock to care for medically fragile patients. At least 10 people tested positive for COVID-19 at this facility.

These future doctors came away with a greater appreciation for nurses, a deeper understanding of teamwork and a reignited dedication to medicine.

Despite being required to remain in quarantine for two weeks after their commitment ended, all three ladies have assured Dr. Stack they were ready to serve again.

“I am deeply grateful to KYCOM students Heather, Amanda and Meredith, who were the very first medical students to respond to Kentucky’s call to action during the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Dr. Stack. “They were welcomed by the local community as angels upon arrival, and as local heroes when they left. Their kindness, compassion and selflessness in helping the River’s Bend

Retirement Community inspires me and is a testament to the power every one of us has to help others. I have never been prouder of Team Kentucky!”

The trio credits KYCOM for preparing them with the skills necessary to face the crisis head-on, and they are exceedingly proud to represent UPIKE.

“KYCOM prepared me to care for patients and to have the ability to adapt to any situation. I feel like our time at UPIKE really allowed us to grow as physicians. I am very proud that our institution stepped up and answered the call,” said McGuire.

“It’s so nice when your institution supports everything you went into medicine for, and I’m proud to show that Eastern Kentucky is putting out truly incredible future doctors. I know I’m in medicine for the right reasons and KYCOM prepared me for the job ahead,” said Meier.

“It’s an honor to represent Team Kentucky during this pandemic,” said Doughty. “I’m proud to come from a group of people who are dedicated to service, answered the call and are willing to go wherever they are needed.”

UPIKE’s nursing department, along with KYCOM, donated their PPE to local healthcare facilities. With the Pike County Health Department stressing frequent handwashing practices, UPIKE showering facilities were left open to the public for the use of the city’s homeless population.

In recent weeks, other KYCOM students including Brady Brooks, Tierra Folsom, Paige Hampton, Katie Johnson, Kathryn Knutson, Holly Nauert, Chrystie Nguyen, Madison Tackett, Peter Weglarz and Fletcher Young answered the call to serve on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. UPIKE commends them all for their service.