Union’s Hannah Baker named FutureDoc by SoAHEC

Union’s Hannah Baker named FutureDoc

Rachel Dorroh • February 12, 2024

Last week, the Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (SoAHEC) announced that Union College junior Hannah Baker is one of nine students selected for the FutureDocs Pre-med Prep Program. Over a period of five months, Baker and the other students will meet at Rockcastle Regional and Respiratory Care Center in Mt. Vernon, as well as over Zoom, and receive resources and support to help them prepare for the medical school application process.

“I believe this program will be, and already has been, very beneficial in my personal journey of pursuing medicine,” Baker says.

A graduate of Corbin High School, Baker is a biology major set to graduate in December of 2024. In addition to her academics, she serves as a tutor, peer mentor, and president of the science club. Recently, she completed a Ledford Scholars research project with a competitive grant she received from the Appalachian College Association (ACA).

Baker says she has always wanted to become a doctor but the process to get there “can be very overwhelming and stressful.” She says FutureDocs “aims to helps students better understand it all.”

SoAHEC’s FutureDocs targets students from Berea College, Centre College, Eastern Kentucky University, Union College, and University of the Cumberlands. Selected students receive help strengthening their medical school applications, which includes interview practice, guidance on crafting personal statements, and study support for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

During the five months, the cohort visits all the medical schools in Kentucky, as well as Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Tennessee. This gives the students opportunities to interact with physicians and current medical students. As Baker says, this helps them to “learn more about each school and what life as a medical student will look like.”

SoAHEC offers a variety of educational programs for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students, including the Summer Health Career Camp held annually at Union College. The aim of SoAHEC’s various offerings is to connect local students with health career opportunities. Ultimately, this helps to grow the workforce of health care professionals in the region, which improves access to health care in SoAHEC’s 15-county service area.

The fee for the FutureDocs program is $400. This includes a Princeton Review MCAT self-study course, which offers students a savings of roughly $1,200.

To learn more about FutureDocs and SoAHEC’s other opportunities for undergraduate students, see Post-Secondary Health Careers – Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (soahec.org) or contact Sherry Spragens at (606) 256-0950 or sspragens@soahec.org.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.

Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025

After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • May 27, 2025

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.

Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025

Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick to retire after 31 years at Union

By David Saylor • May 21, 2025

As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.

photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex

UCU Coaches Rally for Summer Service and Giving

By Maisie Nelson • May 19, 2025

Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.

UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

By Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.

Union partners with LMU & UK to expand pre-professional program

By Rachel Dorroh • May 6, 2025

The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.