EKU wants new medical program, UK unveils ‘state-of-the-art’ hospital unit, more higher ed. news

In the latest higher education bill filed in Kentucky’s General Assembly, Eastern Kentucky University would add a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree to its offerings.

Filed Tuesday by Rep. David Meade, R-Stanford, House Bill 407 would give EKU the ability to add “doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees required for professional practice and licensure in medicine.”

EKU “desires to answer the call for more quality healthcare providers and increased access to medical care in Kentucky,” and the osteopathic program would help accomplish that goal, according to a statement from the university.

“EKU is currently seeking a vendor to provide a feasibility study and recommendation to the university regarding this initiative,” the statement said. “Additionally, EKU is seeking a change to Kentucky law to allow the university to provide this type of medical degree. As the School of Opportunity, EKU believes it can establish an affordable, public osteopathic medicine program — that doesn’t currently exist in Kentucky — empowering graduates to significantly contribute to the health of the state’s residents.”

Osteopathic medicine “considers the whole person: body, mind and spirit,” and osteopathic physicians can practice in a variety of medical fields and specialties, according to the American Osteopathic Association. The number of osteopathic doctors has grown by more than 30% in the past five years, according to the AOA.

The same degree is offered in Kentucky at the University of Pikeville, a private university, along with several programs in Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.

Earlier this week, a bill was filed by Rep. Richard Heath, R-Mayfield, to add a doctorate-level veterinary program at Murray State University. The program at Murray State would be the first doctorate-level veterinarian degrees in Kentucky. Heath is also a co-sponsor of House Bill 407, and Meade is a co-sponsor of the Murray State bill.

Have something that should be considered for the next round-up? Contact higher education reporter Monica Kast at mkast@herald-leader.com.

UK opens new floors at Chandler Hospital

Earlier this week, UK HealthCare opened new intensive care units on the 12th floor of Pavilion A at the Albert B. Chandler Hospital.

The units, home to the medical and cardiovascular ICUs, are the final floor of the Pavilion A tower to be completed. Previously, patients in the medical and cardiovascular ICUs have been spread throughout multiple floors of the hospital. Patients will move onto the 12th floor next week.

“These new ICUs incorporate the best of all worlds: state-of-the-art technology that allows us to handle the most complex health issues, a functional and aesthetic approach to floor and room design, and of course, the compassionate care that our staff has always provided to critically ill and injured patients,” said Robert DiPaola, co-executive vice president for health affairs at UK.

The 12th floor has 64 ICU rooms, eight more than previously available at Chandler, along with a dedicated ICU pharmacy. All rooms can be doubled to handle additional patients.

“With each floor of Chandler Pavilion A, we have learned more and added more — in terms of technology, upgrades and staff support. This final floor represents, in many ways, the culmination of what we have learned in developing the facilities that Kentuckians need and deserve in the provision of care,” said Eric Monday, co-executive vice president for health affairs.

UK, Asbury announce nursing partnership

The University of Kentucky and Asbury University now have a dual enrollment agreement for students in the schools’ nursing programs, the schools announced in January. Students will now be able to complete a bachelor’s degree from Asbury, with the option to transfer to UK’s College of Nursing for a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) in under five years.

“The importance of training new nurses is a major national and state priority, and the program at the University of Kentucky prepares high performing nursing students who can promptly develop and utilize the latest and most advanced techniques and medical treatments for patients,” said Asbury University Provost Sherry Powers.

In 2021, Beshear declared a state of emergency related to Kentucky’s nursing shortage. At that time, it was estimated that Kentucky needed more than 16,000 additional nurses by 2024 in order to fill workforce holes left by nurses leaving the profession or retiring.

“We are proud to expand our BSN program to create well-rounded, highly qualified nurses in partnership with Asbury,” said UK College of Nursing Dean Rosalie Mainous. “This dual enrollment agreement will help more students follow their passion, combining the best both universities have to offer, so these students may serve their communities through the delivery of quality health care.”

The partnership went into effect on Jan. 1, and gives students coming to UK from Asbury preferred admission, with allotted spots for transferring students in both the traditional BSN and accelerated BSN programs.