The theme of the retreat is health — not healthcare — in Kentucky. That wider subject choice is intentional, with UK leaders hoping to listen and learn more about how the school can play a positive role across the state, including in areas that may not fall under the umbrella of traditional healthcare and in regions labeled healthcare deserts.
UK President Eli Capilouto says the school already has a variety of avenues in place to help.
"We also know that, through our extension offices, which are in all 120 counties — that is a mechanism working working closely with our health enterprise, our researchers here, that we can extend and enhance care in every county and community in Kentucky," he said.
The retreat kicked off with a panel of state legislators discussing topics ranging from retaining physicians, particularly in rural areas, to addressing longstanding problems like poverty, to the risks and rewards AI may bring.
Capilouto stopped short of hinting at what changes might comes out of the retreat, but he said partnerships are bound to play a big role.
"When you have challenges this significant and broad, no one alone can do this. So I think our board, as they've indicated before, wants us to cultivate those opportunities that extend partnerships. We can make the greatest difference that way," the president said.
The board will spend Thursday hearing from regional health experts and from leaders within its own colleges.