KICKING OFF PA WEEK: UKPA to Honor Healthcare Leaders at 50th Anniversary Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Physician Assistant Studies Program (UKPA) will honor four distinguished individuals for their contributions to healthcare and support of the PA profession during the program’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 25 at the Signature Club of Lansdowne.

Jessica Amburgey, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C, EM-CAQ, will receive the Leadership in Healthcare Award for her exceptional leadership in healthcare systems and advocacy. Amburgey serves as the chief advanced practice provider at Appalachian Regional Healthcare and the system emergency medicine lead PA.

“That’s awesome! See y’all there,” Amburgey said.

Three individuals will be recognized with the Honorary PA Award, which is given to non-PA professionals who have shown exceptional support for the UKPA program and the physician assistant profession.

Sue Russell, student services coordinator at the Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), was selected for her ongoing support and engagement with PA students and the UKPA program.

“Oh, my goodness, this is such a surprise,” Russell said. “I am incredibly grateful and deeply honored to work with this program, and all of you as the team. Thank you so much for this award and opportunity.”

Bradley Youkilis, MD, an OB-GYN at Baptist Health, will also be recognized with the Honorary PA Award. He also expressed appreciation for the honor.

“Thank you for this nomination and honor,” he said.

Dr. Sibu P. Saha, professor of surgery in the UK College of Medicine and Bioengineering, and the UKPA program’s medical director and chief of Transition to Practice and Advanced Training Programs, will also receive the Honorary PA Award.

The UKPA Gala will bring together alumni, students, faculty and healthcare leaders to celebrate five decades of excellence in PA education and service. It will also wrap up the month of October, which is now annually known for PA Week, which is held this year from Oct. 6-12.

More than 50 percent of all currently practicing PAs in the state graduated from the UKPA Program, which is ranked in the top 10 percent nationally.

Since welcoming its first class in 1974, the UKPA Program has been a pioneer in training competent, compassionate and mission-driven healthcare providers. As one of the earliest PA programs in the nation, the University has graduated more than 1,900 physician assistants, many of whom serve in rural communities, academic medicine, research and leadership roles across Kentucky and beyond.

For more information about the event or the UKPA program, visit https://www.uky.edu/chs/physician-assistant-studies