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University of Pikeville hosts PEPP Program

August 03, 2011 10:00 AM

PIKEVILLE, KY

Forty-three Kentucky high school students from 24 counties across the region recently completed the annual Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) at the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (UP-KYCOM). This two-week residential program provides high school students with an opportunity to learn about the medical profession. More than 650 students have participated in the university’s program since its inception in 1999.

This year, students spent two weeks on campus learning anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology of the 10 major human organ systems through presentations provided by UP-KYCOM faculty and second-year medical students. PEPP students participated in gross anatomy and functional anatomy labs and engaged in clinical observations at Pikeville Medical Center.

The PEPP program is designed to provide a better understanding of rural medicine, what it takes to get into a medical education program, and the dedication needed to succeed in the medical profession. It also helps to build confidence and self-esteem and provides students with the encouragement to seek challenging course work as they prepare for higher education.

“I am delighted that 43 Kentucky high school senior and junior students successfully completed our PEPP Program this year,” said Linda Dunatov, associate dean for student affairs at UP-KYCOM. “The UP-KYCOM PEPP Program offers Kentucky high school students a unique opportunity to learn about osteopathic medicine as a possible career. This year’s group stood out as avid learners who show future promise of becoming excellent medical professionals.”

The University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine was established in 1997 with a mission to provide an osteopathic medical education that emphasizes primary care, encourages research, promotes lifelong scholarly activity, and produces graduates who are committed to serving the health care needs of communities in Eastern Kentucky and other Appalachian regions.

Participants in the program include:Adair County: Kyle Mann; Boone County: Lori Lovell; Boyd County: Jessica Farrell, Morgan McCoy and BreAnna Williams; Breathitt County: Alfonso Mendoza and Kelsey Minix; Perry County: Lindsey Yates; Campbell County: Julia Steffen and Erin Walch; Carter County: Autumn Clevenger and Alex Johnson; Floyd County: Kimberly Little; Grayson County: Mary Daley, Derek Keller, Jalynn Saltsman; Greenup County: Emily Tussey; Hart County: Kaycee Gibson and Kayla Pruitt; Johnson County: Breanna Goble and Tyler Mollette; Knott County: Tessa Amburgey, Brittany Back, Erica Haddix, Benjamin Huff, Kennedy King and Brandi Simpson; Lawrence County: Allyson Wheeler; Letcher County: Rebecca Banks, Kristen Hall and Samantha Mullins; Logan County: Marissa Lyons; Mercer County: Daniel Peach; Perry County: Brittany Eversole and Kaitlyn Perry; Pike County: Paul Bevins, Lara Osborne, Madison Tackett and Katie Thacker; Pulaski County: Kathryn Eubank; Simpson County: Jeet Parekh; Spencer County: Courtney Cox; and Whitley County: Emily Rose.

-UPIKE-