By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

When Stacey Middleton, the Intervention Instructor at Bryan Station High School, first met with students and staff from the University of Kentucky during COVID, she never expected the success that would follow. 

But the plans and meetings, the wait and work have all paid off.

On Thursday, Nov. 2, the Diversity Healthcare Program celebrated its third cohort — 26 high schoolers interested in healthcare and helping others.

There is a "critical need" for healthcare workers who understand the needs of patients with diverse backgrounds, said Randa Remer, PhD, LPC and DHP Program Director. "You are shining examples of hard work, dedication and ambition."

The partnership with The Academies of Bryan Station High School includes the UK College of Health Sciences, College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Public Health, Department of Neuroscience and UK HealthCare. More than a year of planning spearheaded by a dedicated group of UK College of Health Sciences Student Ambassadors, administrators and Bryan Station team members launched the program that provides Bryan Station students with support, mentorships and opportunities related to college and career enrichment experiences in the medical field.

On Thursday, the students were honored in the Bryan Station Auditorium before retiring to the cafeteria where they were provided dinner. 

John Blaine, Director of the Center for Graduate and Professional Diversity Initiatives, served as host, while Trenika Mitchell, PharmD, BCPS and associate professor and Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the College of Pharmacy was the keynote speaker. 

Angela Angulo Rugerio, a student at Bryan Station High, has participated in the DHP program for three years. She also spoke at the event, and described how she has served as an interpreter between healthcare officials and her family since she was a little girl. Now she wants to become a healthcare worker. 

"I want to help people like (my family)," she said.

"All of these students are at the heart of the vision of healthcare," Remer said. 

See our PHOTO GALLERY here.