Angela Kim, MD, MS is a PGY-4, third-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. She obtained her Masters in Biomedical Sciences and attended medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL. Dr. Kim completed her intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I wanted to train with a group of people who were both hardworking and fun to work with, and being a self driven learner I wanted the balance of building autonomy and taking ownership of patients—all of which this program genuinely reflects. I also enjoy exploring different geography/cultures, so unsurprisingly—originally from the PNW/West coast to living in Chicago—I chose Kentucky. 
What do you like about the Residency Program? In my experience thus far our teachers have been unselfish and put a lot of time investing into the growth of knowledge and character in their trainees. Lexington is also a beautiful place with a welcoming community, and I think I’m starting to enjoy bourbon more. 🙂
What are your hobbies and interests? Food/travel, Muay Thai, lifting, hiking, salmon fishing, PlayStation, wine with friends
Eric Peterson, MD is a PGY-4, third-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA. Dr. Peterson completed his intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I was very impressed by the variety of clinical pathology, the strength of the surgical training as well as the close-knit feel of the department. UK was also one of the few programs with a well established integrated internship with a defined role for an intern. This early exposure to ophthalmology was phenomenal and helped to shallow a very steep learning curve.
What do you like about the Residency Program? Having spent over a year with the program has confirmed all the reasons I was initially intrigued by the program. The program faculty and staff are very supportive. Lexington is a thriving community with many adventures within and close by.
What are your hobbies and interests? I like to hike, fish, play sports, swim, etc. My wife and I love music- including bluegrass (we have found some sweet free concerts in Lexington).
Nicole West, MD is a PGY-4, third-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. She attended medical school at Sanford School of Medicine of University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD. Dr. West completed her intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I chose UK ophthalmology because it is a friendly and inviting atmosphere both at UK and the community of Lexington. Another reason I chose UK was the early surgical exposure offered through the VA and that all specialties are represented here!
What do you like about the Residency Program? I like the UK program because I felt accepted and part of the ophthalmology family starting from my interview and throughout my medicine intern year. I also love how much all of the attendings are easily accessible and engaged in helping residents for the future.
What are your hobbies and interests? In Lexington I enjoy attending Keeneland racetrack, bourbon tasting and hiking. My other hobbies include reading, watching football, skiing(water or snow), and calligraphy!
John Wilkinson, MD is a PGY-4, third-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at the East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN. Dr. Wilkinson completed his intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
John Bader, MD is a PGY-3, second-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, NE. Dr. Bader completed his intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I saw how the program provided a diverse and thorough training experience that would prepare me to be a skilled ophthalmologist when in practice. During my away rotation, I encountered a positive culture of learning that I could see myself contributing to as a resident. I also enjoyed interacting with the residents and faculty who welcomed me and allowed me to experience their lectures, clinics, and surgeries. 
What do you like about the Residency Program? I appreciate the comprehensive structure of the program and the clinical experience with many different ophthalmic pathologies. The attendings and residents have been supportive and fun to work with while I gained ophthalmology exposure during my intern year. My family and I have enjoyed Lexington as a small city with a lot to offer including the trifecta of bourbon, basketball, and horses.
What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy exploring state and national parks, jogging, biking, and college athletics.
Tania Padilla-Conde, MD is a PGY-3, second-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. She attended medical school at the University of South Dakota College of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Padilla-Conde completed her intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Kaitlin Smith, MD is a PGY-3, second-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. She attended medical school at the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO. Dr. Smith completed her intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? 1. The new global ophthalmology program and opportunities 2. The way that Dr. Moore, our program director, made the program feel very inviting 3. The early surgical experience and surgical numbers. 4. Lexington is a great size with everything you could want, access to awesome outdoor activities nearby (Red River Gorge, Mammoth Cave National Park, etc), and small enough that the traffic is not miserable. 5. Many more, but I won’t ramble. 
What do you like about the Residency Program? In the 3 months I spent on ophthalmology during my intern year I always felt incredibly supported. The residents and faculty have really reasonable expectations and made sure to teach so that I would feel more comfortable starting out as a PGY-2. Although I will always be nervous about taking call on my own the way that I have been prepared in my first year and the relationships I have formed with my upper levels makes me feel much more confident.
What are your hobbies and interests? My husband and I love dogs and the outdoors. We have two dogs: Rowdy (3 months) and Nacho (6 years) who we enjoy taking on walks and hiking. We love camping, paddle boarding, boating (see surfing photo), etc. If you are looking for suggestions let me know. Oh and it just so happens we love Bourbon so moving to the Bourbon capital of the world wasn’t too difficult of a decision.
Cody Williams, DO is a PGY-3, second-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, KY. Dr. Williams completed his intern year with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do an away rotation here as a 4th year medical student. The camaraderie between residents, fellows, and attendings was most impressive. I could sense the family-like atmosphere and I felt training in this challenging, yet supportive environment was the perfect combination for my growth. Also, being from Kentucky and a lifelong UK fan, it was nice to remain close to home.
What do you like about the Residency Program? Outstanding leadership and character trickles down from our program chair and director, Dr. Pearson and Dr. Moore. This is echoed throughout our program as faculty are incredibly unselfish and go above and beyond to incorporate you and maximize your learning opportunities.
What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy playing golf and basketball, tailgating, watching sports, as well as any other activity outside. I like food/cooking, bourbon tasting, and travel. My wife and I have a miniature goldendoodle puppy, so we love going for walks around the neighborhood/dog parks.
Peter Blosser is a PGY-2, first-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I chose UK because I wanted to train somewhere that felt like home. Nowhere else that I interviewed did I feel more welcomed than by the residents and faculty here at Kentucky. That combined with the quality of the facilities and training made it an easy choice.
What do you like about the Residency Program? I love that we are able to hit the door immediately and start with procedures. I also love the diversity of subspecialties we are exposed to, the training feels really well rounded. Finally, i love that everybody truly is supportive of one another and we have a great bond as residents.
What are your hobbies and interests? I am a big sports fan, mainly college football and baseball. I love reading fiction and cooking as well. My favorite weekend getaway is a long hike or backpacking trip. Nowadays, most of my free time is spent with my dog Reuben.
Shane Marsili is a PGY-2, first-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine..
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? Out of all of my interviews, UK stood out as the most genuine. The program itself has ample opportunities to develop clinical experience, and every effort is made to assist residents in pursuing their interests. The multiple fellowships UK has provides experience with conditions you would not otherwise see at programs without fellowships as the patients are transferred elsewhere. There are options for rural exposure as well, which is a particular interest of mine. Finally, UK was my top choice for my family as KY is a wonderful place, Lexington is a beautiful city, and we feel quite at home here even being from out West.
What do you like about the Residency Program? The attendings have been very approachable, and my co-residents are always willing to lend a hand. The early procedural and surgical exposure really keeps it all in perspective during those long call days/nights! There is a great mix of patients between city/rural. The program is also very family-friendly, which was an enormously important aspect for us.
What are your hobbies and interests? I spend nearly all of my time with my wife, five children, and our three Border Collies. Lexington is great if you want a more rural lifestyle; you can find homes within driving distance outside of the city relatively easily.
We enjoy gardening, feeding our chickens, tending the berry patch, and just generally spending time outdoors (and bourbon, of course).
Garrett Oberst is a PGY-2, first-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I chose the University of Kentucky for residency because it felt like home to me. The faculty are excellent clinical instructors that are willing to take extra time to teach you during the day, and the residency fosters a collaborative environment between residents. We also benefit from a broad surgical and clinical experience as we see patients from all over the Eastern part of Kentucky.
What do you like about the Residency Program? My favorite part about the residency program is the camaraderie among residents. As a new PGY2, the PGY3s and 4s have gone above and beyond in making sure that I have what I need to succeed. After a year where we were often physically separated and many of our interactions were on zoom, it’s been great to all get together during lectures and outside of work again.
What are your hobbies and interests? My number 1 interest is my dog, Cricket. My wife is pretty cool too. I try to keep this quiet for the most part, but I grew up (and still am) a Louisville sports fan and follow Butler basketball as well. My wife and I love trying new restaurants and breweries and enjoy traveling whenever we have the chance.
Paras Vora is a PGY-2, first-year Ophthalmology resident at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY. He attended medical school at the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Residency Program? I knew that I wanted to practice near home, thus UK was an obvious choice for me. Lexington is a gem among cities in Kentucky, with all the amenities and attractions of a large city with a small-town feel. It is extremely easy to take a short drive outside of the city during the weekend with friends to travel to other nearby cities and/or take in the nature surrounding Lexington. UK offers exceptional training across a variety of clinical sites, allowing one to see a wide range of ophthalmic pathology. Last but not least, are the people. Our faculty regularly take time out of their already busy schedules to ensure the success of our residents.
What do you like about the Residency Program? I feel like all of my co-residents are already close friends that I can rely on. The program is agile in making changes that support residents above all, starting with our interns. There are a wealth of research opportunities, and faculty are more than happy to support you in all endeavors. I am especially proud of our program’s Global Ophthalmology Track, with faculty who have connections to multiple international sites. Ultimately, I feel that my time is valued even in the busy clinical and surgical volume of this program, such that I feel confident that I can achieve my goals in residency.
What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy spending time with my wife and dog, playing tennis with co-residents, and exploring all that Lexington and its surrounding areas have to offer (with my camera always close by). Most people don’t know this, but I also develop a mobile game on the side!
University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology 