Annually, the University of Kentucky admits the next generation of communication science disorder practitioners, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistant, physical therapists, public health practitioners, as well as an array of other health care providers. Throughout their academic programs, our health professions students are challenged to develop the critical thinking skills, knowledge, and clinical competency necessary to care for their patients. Their patients may be individuals, their families, communities, and populations throughout the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world. UK students directly benefit from the richness of learning in an academic health center where there are learning opportunities across the disciplines to provide team based patient-centered care. However, these on-campus experiences are not sufficient to prepare fully competent health care professionals; it is essential that all students have the opportunity to learn alongside providers in the community.
Without a doubt, the University of Kentucky Health Professions Colleges benefit greatly from the unwavering commitment of our Voluntary Faculty. The role they play is crucial and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for their willingness to share their time and expertise. As part of our own education, we directly benefited from community-based faculty and we remember how important these experiences were in shaping our knowledge, skill, values and professional identities.
We will continue to build upon our efforts to meet the needs of the community-based faculty and look forward to a future of ongoing collaboration. We thank them for their leadership in shaping future generations of health care professionals.
