"Mini-Med School" Brings Legislators from all parts of Kentucky to UK

On Monday, I had my first Halloween scare at UK --- state legislators wearing "white coats" and taking classes at the UK College of Medicine! 20 state legislators, the Mayor of Lexington, and the Secretary of the Cabinet for Health & Family Services attended UK's first-ever "Mini-Medical School." And I want to tell my readers - it was one of the best legislative events I have ever witnessed. Major appreciation goes to the UK College of Medicine, physicians and staff who all worked hard to make this event successful.  Of course, I was having major flashbacks to my days in Frankfort as some of these legislators previously "operated" on me during their committee hearings.

As it always happens, what was rewarding about the day was watching our elected officials begin to understand what a special place the UK College of Medicine has become. Dr. Jay Perman, dean of the College of Medicine, had his "class" spell bound.  The UK students who presented were just as impressive. Logan Davies in the class of 2011 and Rachel Saunders in the class of 2012 gave a great overview of the UK Jumpin' Jaguars program (http://bit.ly/2OTeo9). A priceless moment occurred at the end of the day when the "class" of state legislators and other officials graduated - and then they were handed an invoice for their medical school costs. What an awesome way to increase the awareness in Frankfort of what it really means to take on a professional, medical education.

The legislators made several stops during their day as you can see in the pictures below. The class discussed diabetes with Dr. Lisa Tannock, metabolism with Dr. Sam Turco, gross anatomy with Garry Ginn, and histology with Dr. Brian MacPherson. Of course, all of our research rock stars in diabetes and obesity helped the class understand how important research is to UK and the patients we serve.  As a result they now realize how research ties into both our clinical mission as well as our academic mission. There isn't enough room on my blog to tell all of the stories from the day; but to you all, I want you to know a seasoned legislator told me it was the best event he had ever been to in his 13 years as a public servant. Wow!

Dr. Jay Perman, dean of the UK College of Medicine, opens up the "mini-medical school" to state legislators and other public officials.

From right to left, Rep. Susan Westrom of Lexington, Rep. Tanya Pullin of Greenup County, Rep. Arnold Simpson of Covington, UK fourth-year student Charlotte Walter, AAMC representative Sallyann Bergh, Rep. John Will Stacy of West Liberty, Rep. Carl Rollins of Midway, and Rep. Sannie Overly of Paris.

Rep. Bob DeWeese, a Louisville physician, shows his fellow legislators how to perform a lab test.

UK resident, Dr. Andy Vann, shows his “class” a patient simulator used by students for training. During this session of the Learning Center Tour, Dr. Julia Martin, assistant professor of Emergency Medicine, also described how medical students can give the patient simulators medications (and they also speak!)

Dean Perman leads the class to their next lecture.

UK President Lee Todd, Dean Jay Perman, Dr. Mike Karpf, and Provost Kumble Subbaswamy join the entire 2009 "Mini-Medical School" class.