Cohorts

2023-2024 Residents

Asna Patel

Asna Patel, PA-C, is a highly qualified healthcare professional who has meticulously crafted her educational and professional journey to excel in the field of medicine. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology, she laid the foundation for her academic pursuits. Her commitment to advancing her medical knowledge led her to attain a Master of Science in Medical Sciences, followed by a Master of Science in Physician... Read More


Brayden Imel

My name is Brayden Imel. I am originally from Barbourville, KY. I graduated from Hanover College with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology. I obtained my master’s in physician assistant studies at the University of the Cumberlands, Northern KY Campus. The University of Kentucky PA academic residency program was the perfect fit for me as a new Physician Assistant. This residency program has allowed me to... Read More


Justin Mabry

My name is Justin Mabry; I am from Mansfield, Ohio, but I have close ties to the eastern Kentucky area. I graduated from the University of Akron in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. After graduation, I worked as a respiratory therapist for 10 years before deciding to return to school to become a PA. I graduated from PA school in August of 2023 from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. During my... Read More


Keren Akakpo

My name is Keren Akakpo and I am excited to take on the General Surgery academic PA residency with UK and Baptist Health Lexington. I spent my childhood in Dayton, OH and graduated from a high school in Mansfield, OH. After completing my undergraduate degree in athletic training at the University of Akron, I embarked on a new chapter with my family to the bluegrass region, where I have called home for the past... Read More


Niem Khan

My name is Niem A. Khan, I am from Trinidad and Tobago and moved to Queens, NY at the age of 15. I have spent a decade of Honorable service, as a Hospital Corpsman and Respiratory therapist while serving in the United States Navy. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. I completed my Physician Assistant training and education at, The University of Florida and graduated with a... Read More


Tyler Cunningham

Tyler was born in Memphis (TN) and returned there to complete his MPAS at Christian Brothers University, but was raised in Bowling Green and calls Kentucky home. He completed his bachelor’s in biology at Brescia University (Owensboro, KY) and worked as a nursing assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic. During his PA education, Tyler completed a hospital medicine rotation at Baptist Health in Louisville, which first piqued his... Read More


 

Alumni

Ana Zapata, PA-C

My name is Ana Zapata, I am from Colombia and moved to Louisville, KY when I was 9 years old. I graduated from Hanover College with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. After graduating, I worked as a pediatric medical assistant (MA) where I learned more about the PA profession. During my time as a MA, I got the opportunity to meet many UKPA students who were completing their pediatric clinical rotations. I obtain great feedback from... Read More


Andrea Marchyn, PA-C

After residency, Andrea was employed with Baptist Health Lexington in General Surgery.

My name is Andrea Marchyn, and I am excited to take on the general surgery academic PA residency with UK and Baptist Health Lexington. I am originally from Portsmouth, Ohio, and attended Centre College in Danville, KY. Since high school, I knew the PA profession would be the perfect fit for me after shadowing a group of incredible... Read More


Aubrey Eubanks, PA-C

After residency, Aubrey accepted a position with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

My name is Aubrey Eubanks, and I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri (Go Chiefs!!). I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri where I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a Minor in Psychology. During this time, I worked as a pharmacy technician, went to EMT school, shadowed extensively in... Read More


Genna Petrey, PA-C

After residency, Genna was employed with UK Healthcare and accepted a position with the MICU at Good Samaritan Hospital.

My name is Genna Petrey, I am a newly graduated Physician Assistant seeking training and clinical experience in my specialty of choice through the University of Kentucky Critical Care PA Academic Residency. I am from Winchester, KY, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at... Read More


Hannah Goodrum, PA-C

My name is Hannah Goodrum and I am from Raleigh, North Carolina. I attended North Carolina State University where I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology. After obtaining clinical hours as a medical scribe, I attended Elon University where I received my Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. During my clinical rotations, I discovered a passion for the challenges and endless learning opportunities that... Read More


Jana Chadwell, PA-C

After residency, Jana was employed with UK Healthcare in Neurology.

Jana was born in Port Charlotte, Florida but spent her childhood in the rural areas of Russia with her missionary parents before coming back to the United States for high school and college. She graduated from the University of South Florida with her BA in Humanities and Cultural Studies in 2015. Because of her passion for medicine, Jana was accepted... Read More


Jordyn Underwood, PA-C

After residency, Jordyn accepted a position with Baptist Health Floyd in Indiana.

I am a Louisville, KY native and attended the University of Louisville for undergrad, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. I decided to stay in Louisville to obtain my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Sullivan University. During my clinical year, I noticed I enjoyed rotations that had a... Read More


Kelly McCormick, PA-C

After residency, Kelly was employed with UK Healthcare in Neurology.

Kelly McCormick immigrated with his family from Canada in his early teens, where he finished high school at Nelson County HS, in Bardstown, KY. He attended UK, obtained a BA in Marketing, and proceeded into the white-collar workforce. After a time as a sales professional and manager, he rekindled his love of learning and passion for medicine. He... Read More


Onieta Stewart, PA-C

After residency, Onieta was employed with St. Claire hospital and they created a position for her in pulmonary/critical care.

Onieta Stewart, PA-C, completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and countless hours of professional experience prior to completing her Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Kentucky. As a resident of central Kentucky, Onieta has dedicated her professional... Read More


Thomas Saylor, PA-C

I am originally from Shelbyville, KY. I attended Asbury University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. After working five years in finance, I switched career fields – becoming an EMT. I later expanded my scope of practice by becoming a Paramedic and even certified in critical care transports. I attended Sullivan University for my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. When not practicing medicine,... Read More


TJ Gray, PA-C

After residency, TJ accepted a position with the Medical Center of the Rockies for UC Health in Colorado.

My name is TJ Gray, and I am in the cardiac surgery tract at the UK academic PA residency program at Baptist Louisville. I am an Iowa native and completed my undergraduate degree at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon IA. I decided to continue my education in medicine and enrolled at the University of South Florida in... Read More


Waliah Muhammad, PA-C

After residency, Waliah accepted a hospital medicine position at Georgetown Community Hospital in Kentucky.

Waliah Muhammad graduated summa cum laude from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a B.S in Forensic Toxicology and a minor in analytical chemistry. Her science and clinical background include scientific research, specifically using instrumentation such as LCMS, GCMS, molecular spectroscopy, and... Read More


Brooke Todd, PA-C

After residency, Brooke was employed with Baptist Health Lexington in General Surgery.

My name is Brooke Todd and I am excited to take on the general surgery academic PA residency with UK and Baptist Health Lexington. I grew up in Lexington then attended Morehead State University for undergrad where I played college basketball. I have always enjoyed staying active and living a healthy lifestyle. I decided to continue my... Read More


Danielle Crum, PA-C

After residency, Danielle was employed with Baptist Health Louisville in General Surgery.

I was born and raised in Louisville, KY. I attended Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry. I attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN for my Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.  Recently, during my... Read More


Deborah Barnett, PA-C

After residency, Deborah was employed with St. Elizabeth Healthcare in General Surgery.

I am originally from Illinois and recently graduated with my MSPAS from Elon University in North Carolina. I am excited to be entering the field of surgical medicine as a PA academic resident at UK. I find surgery to be a fascinating area of practice. It allows us as providers to take care of patients in especially vulnerable times... Read More


Kendra Hughes, PA-C

My name is Kendra Hughes and I currently live in Covington, Kentucky but I am originally from Pendleton County. I attended the University of Kentucky earning my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2018. I recently graduated from the University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program in December 2020. In my free time I like spending time with friends and family, as well as training my new puppy, Gus! I have had a strong interest in surgery... Read More


Linzi Watson

"My name is Linzi Watson, and I grew up in Salyersville, Kentucky. I attended Morehead State University for undergrad and recently graduated from the UKPA program. I became a CNA in high school and quickly knew that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. I knew that becoming a Physician Assistant was the best choice for me. Throughout PA school, I wasn’t sure which specialty I’d like most, and I honestly didn’t see myself working in... Read More


Madeline Moore

My name is Madeline Moore, and I am from Morgantown, KY. Before becoming a physician assistant, I attended the University of Kentucky where I was part of the College of Health Sciences. I am excited to return to the College of Health Sciences as a physician assistant resident to continue my academic journey and fulfill my dream of working in critical care. Working in critical care has always been a goal of mine. I enjoy the challenge of... Read More


Megan Craft, PA-C

After residency, Megan was employed with UK Healthcare in Neurology for one year and then transitioned to St. Claire Hospital.

Megan earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences. She has chosen to focus her interests in the field of Neurology. Megan is passionate about connecting with her patients and providing them with the best possible care.


Sallie Randall, PA-C

Sallie Randall is originally from Georgia where she attended the University of Georgia for her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She studied at South University in Richmond, Virginia and earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She is a NCCPA board certified Physician Assistant dedicated to providing patient-centered, compassionate care. She is an avid lifelong learner eager to take on new... Read More


Shae Cenkus, PA-C

My name is Shae Cenkus and I was born and raised in St. Clairsville, OH. I obtained my undergraduate degree in biology from Ohio University and attended PA school at The University of Charleston in Charleston, WV. The PA academic residency is what brought me to Lexington, and I am so grateful for the amount of support I've already received. I will be focusing on Acute Care Surgery and Trauma during my residency, settings that I find both... Read More


Wayne Caldararo, PA-C

Undergraduate and Master's in PA Studies from the University of Kentucky.

Master's Project: Perceived Readiness Towards Telemedicine in an Internal Medicine Population: Assessing Barriers Towards Care for All


Kristyn Bossle

What is your educational background, where are you from, and how did you end up at UK?

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and went to undergrad at Illinois State University. At Illinois State I obtained my Bachelor's in biology and completed all the pre-requisites required for PA school. When I began applying for PA school I looked all over the country as I was ready to leave Illinois and explore a new place. UK... Read More


Kathleen Kolles

What is your educational background, where are you from, and how did you end up at UK?

I am from Georgetown, KY. I’m a Wildcat through and through and have always wanted to pursue my education at UK.  For as long as I can remember, I have felt a strong calling to the medical field and to the concept of healing. The enduring, intricate machine that is the human body has never ceased to amaze me. My undergraduate studies were at the... Read More


Dalton Gifford

After residency, Dalton was employed with UK Healthcare in Critical Care.

What is your educational background, where are you from, and how did you end up at UK?

My name is Dalton Gifford and I am from Grayson, KY. From a young age I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Following graduation from high school, I attended Morehead State University and completed a bachelor's in biomedical sciences. I... Read More


Kacy Clinkenbeard

What is your educational background, where are you from, and how did you end up at UK?

I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in Human Health Science and then received my MPAS at UK as well. I am from Louisville so I was pretty familiar with UK and found that it was the best fit for me in achieving my educational and professional goals. 

Why did you choose to participate... Read More


Tyler Pape

What is your educational background, where are you from, and how did you end up at UK?

I was born and raised in Lexington, KY. I've always enjoyed living here and never really saw myself going anywhere else for school. For my undergraduate degree, I went to UK and majored in Human Health Sciences. Following graduation, and two attempts, I was accepted to the UKPA program and graduated this July.

Why did you choose to... Read More


Watch the virtual celebration for our inaugural Academic Residency cohort.