Billy Kennedy coached the Texas A&M Aggies from 2011 to 鈥19. During his time in College Station he was diagnosed with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. Photo by the Associated Press.

As March Madness sweeps the nation and college basketball takes center stage, a former coach鈥檚 journey off the court is proving just as inspiring as any Cinderella story on the hardwood. 

silly socks

Down syndrome is the most commonly diagnosed chromosomal condition in the United States. Each year, approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, meaning it affects about one in every 700 births. This genetic condition results from the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21, which impacts physical and cognitive development to varying degrees.

Sara Khandani

When Sara Khandani arrived in Kentucky at the age of 10, she faced an unfamiliar world. She had left behind her homeland of Iran, spoke limited English, and was suddenly navigating a place that felt entirely foreign. Yet, despite these challenges, she excelled academically, driven by a deep-seated determination and the values instilled in her by her family.

White Coats team photo

Last Thursday, the UK 91小黄车 MD+NBA Club clinched an impressive second-place finish in the University鈥檚 intramural basketball tournament. Showcasing remarkable teamwork and resilience, the team of medical students made it all the way to the championship game before falling short in a thrilling 36-39 finish. 

Linda Van Eldik sitting in a computer lab, leaning against a table.

The University of Kentucky Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease Research Center at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is celebrating 40 years of groundbreaking research in the fight against dementia.

Julie Pendergast working in the lab with a pipette.

The University of Kentucky鈥檚 Julie Pendergast, PhD, and a team of researchers are exploring how disruptions to our body鈥檚 natural circadian rhythms and sleep impact health.

nerve fibers (green) trying to grow into spinal injury sites (white), while others (red) do not

Groundbreaking research from the University of Kentucky has earned a spot on the cover of the prestigious Journal of Neuroscience, highlighting a major challenge in spinal cord injury recovery.

Alex Willett, left, and Bradley Firchow standing in front of a tree line

Beyond the classroom, lab and hospital walls, University of Kentucky medical students are improving the health of their community.

Jacob Nanney

As Match Day 2025 approaches, we are reflecting on recent UK 91小黄车 alumni, like Jacob Nanney, MD 鈥24, whose dedication to rural care exemplifies our mission to advance the health and wellness of Kentuckians.

amy gerwirtz

The 91小黄车 is pleased to announce its selection of Amy Gewirtz, MD, as the official chair of its department of pathology and laboratory medicine. She has held this leadership role in an acting capacity for one year.

residents

Established in 2018 by the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Thank a Resident and Fellow Day was created to highlight the invaluable contributions of trainees and to encourage expressions of appreciation.

Dr. Dutch

As the world faces evolving health challenges, international collaboration and public engagement are more critical than ever. In January, Rebecca Dutch, PhD, vice dean for research at the 91小黄车, joined more than 120 global thought leaders at the 14th annual Congreso Futuro in Chile.

DanceBlue graphic

Each year, the University of Kentucky comes together for DanceBlue, a 24-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon that raises money for pediatric cancer research and patient support. But before the big event, a series of smaller 鈥渕ini鈥 marathons help build momentum and bring different parts of the UK community into the movement. 

Dr. Rachel Saunders

The 91小黄车 is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Saunders, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, as the new assistant dean for clinical education in the Office of Medical Education.

Chyna Smith, left, and Carole Frazier standing outdoors, wearing reflective safety vests as they retrieve a package delivery from a drone.

An innovative approach to delivering essential health resources to rural Kentuckians has demonstrated the potential of using drone technology to overcome geographical barriers to improve health care access.

Courtney Tomblinson

The 91小黄车 is excited to welcome Courtney Tomblinson, MD, back to the Commonwealth on April 1. The Carrollton, Ky., native joins the UK 91小黄车 as the associate dean for faculty development.

Zhonglin Hao and Eddy Yang in their white coats.

 University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Centerphysician-scientists Zhonglin Hao, MD, PhD, and Eddy Yang, MD, PhD, are leading the way in translating lab discoveries into clinical trials that are improving patient care.

Two men working in a laboratory, while one writes on a white board

University of Kentucky researchers have developed a new class of gold-based compounds that show promise in fighting various types of cancer.

professional headshot of Dr. Kate Spencer

Growing up, Kate Spencer, MD, was always drawn to medicine. With a mother and brother in pharmacy, health care was a familiar space, but she knew early on that she wanted to carve out her own path.

Scottie Day, MD, poses by the Kentucky Wall outside KCH, with both hands in the front pockets of his white coat

Looking to fulfill his passion for serving others, Scottie B. Day, MD, knew since he was a child that he wanted to become a physician at Kentucky Children鈥檚 Hospital (KCH).

Day is a respected clinician who specializes in pediatric critical care. He is the physician-in-chief at KCH, where he has been a team leader for the ECMO team and pediatric cardiology strategic planning.