News Summary
Anna Cox, a University of Kentucky graduate, transformed her battle with stage 4 cancer into a commitment to medicine. After successful treatment, she is now pursuing a career to help others while serving rural communities in Kentucky.
Lexington, KY – Anna Cox, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, has transformed her life from being a patient battling stage 4 cancer to a dedicated medical professional. After enduring a severe health crisis at the young age of 23, Cox’s experience has motivated her to pursue a career in medicine, particularly aimed at helping others facing similar challenges.
Cox graduated with a degree in mathematical economics in 2017 and initially worked as a logistics broker before her life took a dramatic turn. Her journey began when she was rushed to the UK Albert B. Chandler Emergency Department due to intense abdominal pain—a health scare with no previous history of serious illness and without a primary care doctor. Upon her arrival, Cox received swift care from various medical teams, including infectious disease, internal medicine, gastroenterology, and surgery. After a three-day hospital stay, she was discharged but soon received devastating news.
Thirteen days following her discharge, Cox was diagnosed with stage 4 diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a swift-moving kind of blood cancer. The diagnosis led her to the UK Markey Cancer Center for treatment, where she underwent an intensive regimen of six chemotherapy rounds over six months. The compassionate support she encountered from the medical personnel at Markey not only played a crucial role in her recovery but also ignited her passion for medicine.
Inspired by the care she received, Cox made the decision to return to academia. She completed additional science coursework and collaborated with UK cancer researcher Jessi Blackburn, Ph.D., concentrating on pediatric leukemia research. This hands-on experience strengthened her resolve to enter the medical field.
Three years after her life-altering diagnosis, Cox began her medical education at the UK College of Medicine’s Bowling Green campus. During her time in medical school, she developed a deep connection with oncology patients, often recalling her emotional experiences and treatment journey. A pivotal moment during her clinical rotations occurred when she treated a young adult exhibiting symptoms reminiscent of her own past health issues.
After nearly seven years of navigating through her cancer journey, Cox celebrated a significant milestone on Match Day, a crucial event in medical education where students learn their residency placements. She successfully matched into the Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency program at UK HealthCare, reflecting both her academic achievements and personal determination.
Since December 2018, Cox has remained in remission and is eager to give back to the community that supported her through her struggles. She intends to practice in Kentucky, specifically serving rural populations who may not have access to comprehensive healthcare services. Along with her husband and their daughter Charlee, born in December, Cox plans to relocate back to Lexington.
Cox’s journey from a cancer patient to a future physician is not merely a tale of personal triumph; it serves as an encouraging reminder for patients undergoing tough medical challenges. She aims to inspire others to remain hopeful and to actively pursue their passions, thereby enriching lives through her commitment to healthcare.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Undergrad patient-physician student’s journey comes full circle at UK
- Wikipedia: Medical education
- BG Daily News: Medical school graduates celebrate Match Day in Bowling Green
- Google Search: medical education residency match day
- WNKY: The Medical Center at Bowling Green named a straight ‘A’ hospital for safety standard
- Google Scholar: cancer care and patient journey
- Lane Report: Med Center at Bowling Green deploys next-generation surgical robot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: oncology
- WBKO: Medical Center Bowling Green receives grade by watchdog group
- Google News: patient care Bowling Green
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