6 minute read
Campus News
The Kentucky College of Optometry celebrated a major milestone as 59 students in the Class of 2027 received their white coats on April 5. The ceremony marked their transition from the classroom to clinical care and reaffirmed their commitment to serving patients and communities through the power of vision.
CLICK HERE to view photos from the KYCO White Coat ceremony
Meeting The Need
Since 2001, KYCOM and KYCO have graduated 2,365 healthcare professionals, with more than 680 now serving in the Appalachian region. These physicians and optometrists are improving access to essential healthcare in underserved and rural communities.
28 % of KYCOM’s 2,088 physicians serve the Appalachian region.
36 % of KYCO’s 280 optometrists serve the Appalachian region.
UPIKE will soon have three graduate health professions colleges, including KYCOM, KYCO and the Tanner College of Dental Medicine.
72% of KYCOM graduates entered primary care residency programs
KYCOM is ranked second among all D.O. granting medical schools for graduates entering primary care residencies.
75% of KYCO graduates accepted optometrist positions or opened their own practice.
KYCO is the only college of optometry in Kentucky and the most accessible in the Southeastern United States.
43% of KYCOM physicians and 52% of KYCO optometrists serve in medically underserved or health shortage areas.
30% of graduates from both colleges are serving in Kentucky.UPIKE will soon have three graduate health professions colleges, including KYCOM, KYCO and the Tanner College of Dental Medicine.
Enhancing Community Impact
The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine’s student-run BEAR Healthcare Clinic, located at 8015 Millard Hwy., has introduced several new services to further support the community. Among them is BEAR’s Cove, a free in-clinic resource center offering clothing, food, water, contraceptives and essential women’s products. The new Cubs Club offers a shadowing program for ninth through 12th graders that will culminate in an annual event each year. Pharmacy services now include specialized diabetes check-ups and ongoing care, while a new oral medicine department offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for various oral health concerns. Optometry services are also set to launch next year. In addition to these new offerings, the clinic continues to provide expert care for chronic pain through osteopathic manipulative medicine, along with comprehensive general check-ups that cover vital signs, blood sugar, blood pressure and sports physicals. A dedicated social work team connects individuals with local resources for housing, food and assistance with obtaining essential legal documents such as IDs and birth certificates. Seasonal vaccines are available through the clinic’s pharmacy, while behavioral health services support mental wellness through screenings, therapy and routine check-ins. Designated taxi pick-up locations and on-site childcare are available during clinic hours. Stay connected with the BEAR Healthcare Clinic on Facebook for updates and scheduling information.
Driving Agricultural Growth and Entrepreneurship
UPIKE’s Sachdeva Research and Entrepreneurship Incubator (REI) of Central Appalachia is positioned to become a cornerstone of growth for Eastern Kentucky by uniting research, innovation and entrepreneurship to support local businesses and advance the region’s agricultural industry. Named after Drs. Rakesh and Seema Sachdeva, REI aims to help promote the use of plants in developing pharmaceuticals, explore food as medicine and foster growth in the high-tech agriculture field.
The initiative will unfold in two phases. Phase one, set for completion by summer 2027, will establish core research and business incubation facilities, including a greenhouse, laboratory and spaces for mushroom research. Phase two will expand the center’s infrastructure, adding more greenhouse units, incubator capacity and research labs. REI will provide UPIKE faculty with a space for vital research and facilitate partnerships with industry experts and higher education institutions. This ambitious project has secured substantial funding from multiple sources, most recently receiving a $3.6 million grant from Kentucky’s GRANT Program. Additional support includes a $1.5 million award from the Appalachian Regional Commission and a $4.4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
“We envision REI as a vibrant campus where faculty, students, entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts collaborate on creative ideas to improve health, agriculture and business practices in our region,” said Director of REI Eric Werth, Ed.D. “The support we have received underscores the potential of this project to transform our region.”
Among the exciting projects underway, REI will house a food waste biodigester to convert waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, advancing sustainability and land restoration. In addition to research, REI will offer workshops and opportunities for community involvement, such as educational demonstrations on mushroom cultivation or healthy food preparation.
“As America moves toward greater care for natural resources and feeding a growing population, the Appalachian region, particularly Eastern Kentucky, can lead in agricultural breakthroughs,” said Werth. “We will develop new technologies, attract businesses and create a hub for industry. REI will provide students with mentorship and entrepreneurial opportunities while fostering collaborative research and regional growth, creating jobs and driving innovation.”
$2.35 Million Gift Advances Dental Education in Eastern Kentucky
The Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Kentucky, made a transformative investment in the future of oral health in Eastern Kentucky with a $2.35 million gift to UPIKE’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine. This historic donation, the largest in the foundation’s history, will fully fund a new pediatric dental clinic and establish a scholarship for students committed to addressing the region’s critical need for dental care.
The clinic will serve as the cornerstone of the college’s clinical education program, giving students invaluable hands-on training while expanding access to care for children throughout Appalachia. The college is on track to open in 2026. It will be the third dental school in Kentucky and the first ever located in Eastern Kentucky.
“This gift represents who we are and what we stand for,” said Brian Hart, vice president and chief revenue officer of Delta Dental of Kentucky. “Pediatric dental care is one of the greatest unmet needs in Eastern Kentucky. By supporting this clinic we’re helping remove barriers to care and creating opportunities for future dentists to stay and serve in places that have gone without consistent care for too long.”
President Burton J. Webb noted that Delta Dental’s contribution is not only an investment in education but in the region’s long-term economic health.
“These scholarships will help us grow the dental workforce right here at home,” said Webb. “When students have the chance to study and train in their own communities, they’re far more likely to stay, open practices and serve our region. That’s the kind of impact that transforms a place.”
