'He kept me going'

By Kayla Bell
CHS Contributor

By Ellee Sidebottom
CHS Contributor

Due to the efforts of one College of Health Sciences class, underrepresented and disadvantaged minorities in Lexington were able to receive masks during the height of the pandemic.

By Isabel Phillips
CHS contributor

by Isabel Phillips
CHS contributor

Jaylen Robinson knew the transition to college could be a challenge — even in normal times. But with COVID-19 restrictions in place, it could be even more difficult to find a sense of home and make new friends in a new environment.

Research has shown African-American women have disproportionately higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors compared to their white counterparts. Low-income African American women are at an even higher risk for poor CVD outcomes because of social and economic barriers that make it difficult to attain a heart-healthy lifestyle. 

In today’s competitive health care landscape, it’s more important than ever for health sciences students to receive a dynamic education steeped in clinical knowledge and hands-on experiences. That’s why our Bachelor of Science in Human Health Sciences is one of our fastest-growing degree programs. An HHS degree provides you with a comprehensive look at health care practices, a solid foundation in basic science, and robust opportunities to engage in real-world clinical experiences.

Madison Ford, a senior human health sciences (HHS) major and student ambassador, is planning to use the valuable lessons she has learned in the College of Health Sciences as she works towards her dream of becoming a physician assistant (PA). 

Kyoko Hamagata, a junior human health sciences major and student ambassador, is planning to use her College of Health Sciences education to help underserved Kentucky populations. 

Hamagata moved to Lexington during her freshman year of high school and has loved living in Kentucky since then. She wants to give back to a community that has given her so much, and hopes to do this by moving to Pikeville to practice health care.

LaToya Walker is comfortable with making the unfamiliar, familiar. The human health sciences senior and student ambassador has been exposed to many different cultures throughout her life, and she hopes to blend these experiences by becoming a physician assistant and pursuing medical missions. She’s also passionate about ensuring all students in the College of Health Sciences have a voice in their educational journey.  

Parisa ShamaeiZadeh, a human health sciences senior and UK College of Health Sciences student ambassador, has seen firsthand how cultural differences can shape health care outcomes. Now, she wants to study how the intersection of cultural/community health with individual health can impact a variety of populations facing adverse circumstances.