Kenan M. Penaskovic, MD

Dr. Kenan Penaskovic is a board-certified psychiatrist at UK HealthCare. He also serves as the chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Before joining UK, he held several leadership roles at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, including interim chair of Psychiatry, vice chair of Clinical Affairs, assistant dean for Student Affairs and professor of Psychiatry. Throughout his career, Dr. Penaskovic has combined clinical excellence with a commitment to expanding access to high-quality mental healthcare, leading innovative programs in telepsychiatry, virtual behavioral health services and inpatient psychiatric operations. His work has helped improve access to care for rural and underserved populations while advancing the integration of technology into psychiatric practice.

A nationally recognized educator and mentor, Dr. Penaskovic has received numerous teaching and humanism awards, including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, Devneil Vaidya Junior Faculty Teaching Award and Keynote Speaker at Graduation, as well as multiple faculty teaching honors selected by medical students and residents. His scholarly contributions span psychiatric education, physician wellness, health equity, telepsychiatry and healthcare innovation, with publications and presentations at national forums. Known for his dedication to student success, faculty development and compassionate leadership, Dr. Penaskovic is committed to advancing academic psychiatry through excellence in patient care, education, research and service.

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