CONGRATULATIONS KYCOM “Few institutions have had as much positive impact on Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia as the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM). The vision for this effort has been implemented with great success by the many faculty and staff who have been a part of these two decades. While we celebrate the success of KYCOM we recommit ourselves to its mission and resolve that the years in the future will add to the accomplishments of the past.”
“I want to wish heartfelt congratulations to the UPIKE-KYCOM for the 20 years of excellence in medical education. Since the school opened its doors, you have committed yourself to providing quality health care in rural Kentucky, and your work has resulted in healthier communities. I am proud of the many accomplishments of your students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and I look forward to your future successes.” U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell
Paul E. Patton Chancellor, University of Pikeville Governor of Kentucky (1995-2003)
Mrs. Marilynn (Steve) Payson
“‘I can’t means I don’t want to.’ Our children heard that often as they grew up. That same conviction led to a small group of individuals having a vision for a medical school in Eastern Kentucky.
“Since its inception 20 years ago, the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has grown remarkably and had a tremendously positive impact. KYCOM serves a vital role by training exceptional doctors to serve our community, the region, or other parts of the country. KYCOM shines brightly in our community because of its standing as a top-ranked school in rural medicine. Likewise, KYCOM is a major economic driver for our city. The City of Pikeville congratulates KYCOM and we look forward to more years of your growth, accomplishments and doctors.”
We had been out of town. When we returned home we listened to a message on our answering machine from an attorney in Paintsville, Ky. John, in his usual humorous fashion stated, ‘I didn’t do it. I have never been to Kentucky.’
Returning that phone call led to a series of whirlwind events and our move from a large urban city to small-town America where my husband used his knowledge and passion to assist in the realization of that dream. More than 20 years ago, individuals with a vision, a phone call, and a man who accepted the challenge led us to this anniversary. Congratulations to those who have graduated, and those who are yet to graduate and provide exemplary health care to patients across the nation.” Mrs. JoAnn (John) Strosnider
“We once only dreamed of having a medical school in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Not only did the visionary leaders of UPIKE bring that dream to fruition two decades ago, but KYCOM is now one of the nation’s flagship institutions for osteopathic medicine in rural America. Thanks to KYCOM, our best and brightest students can earn a professional doctoral degree and practice medicine right here at home, improving health care in their hometowns. Graduates of KYCOM are transforming rural medicine across the country, improving the quality of life for countless patients and families.” U.S. Representative Hal Rogers
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UPIKE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017
“More than 20 years ago, when my late husband, Steve Payson, said let’s go help John (Strosnider) build an osteopathic college in Pikeville Ky., I knew this was going to be an enormous undertaking, but I had no idea of the real magnitude of the initiative. Congratulations to PCSOM/ KYCOM for delivering the finest doctors to serve in Appalachia while changing the model of cultivating doctors and evolving into a major economic driver for the region. I hope the next 20 years are just as exciting and rewarding!”
Donovan Blackburn, Former Pikeville City Manager “I am exceedingly proud of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine’s progress and the work that’s been accomplished. Most people don’t realize the impact on the economy. We’ve also had two good leaders in Dr. Strosnider and Dr. Buser. They’ve done an outstanding job.” Burlin Coleman, University of Pikeville Trustee Emeritus