Lexington, KY – Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) proudly announces that Jessica Amburgey, Acute Care Chief Advanced Practice Provider, has been named a recipient of the 2025 University of Kentucky Physician Assistant Alumni Leadership in Healthcare Award. This distinguished honor recognizes outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to improving healthcare across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Amburgey, a native of Eastern Kentucky, has dedicated her career to advancing rural healthcare and empowering the next generation of clinicians. With deep ties to the region, her journey with ARH began even before her professional career officially started. Born in an ARH hospital and trained in ARH facilities during her education, Amburgey’s career has come full circle—culminating in her current leadership role overseeing acute care services across the ARH system.

Jessica Amburgey, 2025 UK PA Alumni Award Recipient

Since earning her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky in 2011, Amburgey has practiced Emergency Medicine and held multiple leadership positions within ARH. She earned her Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2022 and is currently enrolled in the Stanford Advanced Practice Provider Leadership course. She was also named the KAPA (Ky Academy of Physician Assistants) PA of the Year.

Amburgey described the award as both “surprising and honestly, humbling,” emphasizing the meaningful connection between her education and her commitment to the Appalachian region. “The University of Kentucky PA program shaped the foundation of my career, and to be recognized for serving the same Appalachian communities that raised me is truly special,” she said.

Reflecting on her career, Amburgey shared how the recognition serves as motivation for continued impact. “It reaffirms my purpose and reinforces why I chose this path. Living in a rural community shouldn’t mean compromising access to quality healthcare,” she said. “This recognition isn’t just personal—it reflects the work being done by so many across our region who are dedicated to caring for their neighbors and improving rural health.”

In her current role as Acute Care Chief Advanced Practice Provider, Amburgey leads initiatives that strengthen clinical excellence and expand access to care across ARH’s network of hospitals and emergency departments. Her leadership continues to shape the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Appalachia.

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