July 06, 2023  – After graduating from Pikeville High School in 2015, Cody Estep knew that he would become a dermatologist, eventually working alongside and for the people in the region where he grew up playing football. He wanted to be a leader, to serve the people of the mountains and to make a difference,

Estep is currently attending the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and will graduate this year with a focus in dermatology. He serves as the UK College of Medicine Ambassador, leading the Dermatology Interest Group as the president, and is the president of the Appalachian Medical Society.

“From the moment that I met Cody, I knew he was very special and would be a perfect fit for ARH. He came out of the gate talking about giving back to the community and helping mentor other Eastern Kentucky students in their journey to be doctors. Cody will be an excellent dermatologist and will leave a legacy here in more ways than one,” says Stephanie Damron, Director of Physician Relations and Recruitment. “Being able to sponsor Cody is just one of the ways that ARH is showing our commitment to the families of Central Appalachia. We are happily growing our own doctors.”

Estep, a 2019 Centre College graduate, will finish his residency with the University of Mississippi Medical Center in dermatology and then come home to the mountains and begin his practice at ARH in the fall of 2027.

Upon completion of his intern year, Estep will spend nine months of each year at UMMC Dermatology clinics located in and around Jackson, MS with typical rotations at our VA Medical Center, Grants Ferry, Face and Skin Center, and Skin Cancer Center clinic locations.

Rotations include but are not limited to, Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, patch testing, pediatrics, and general dermatology clinical experiences. Applicants will also spend three consecutive months each year one-on-one with Dr. Byrd at the UMMC rural satellite clinic in Louisville, MS.

According to The University of Mississippi Medical Center, offering a rural track for their residency program is for a particular purpose. Residents will be trained for the broad-spectrum approach they would use in practice and will experience how rewarding rural practice is. The program says, “Our ideal candidate is someone who is from a rural area and who has a strong desire to return to their home to practice rural dermatology.”

Estep actively recruits other students from Eastern Kentucky and recommends the dermatology field to other first and second-year medical students. He leads the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Initiative to partner with local schools in Eastern Kentucky to raise awareness on sunscreen and skin protection.

“When I was being recruited by hospital systems across the country, I kept coming back to Stephanie and ARH. It just feels like home. I know the culture of the people here, I felt like my family could grow here, and I wanted to serve the people that had supported me for so long. ARH has done an excellent job of staying in touch with me and making the recruitment process easy and a no-brainer for me,” says Estep.

Estep is newly married to Alexis and looks forward to his life back in Appalachia with his family, serving the dermatological needs of the region with ARH.