News Summary
Anna Cox, a former logistics broker from Kentucky, shares her inspiring journey from a stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis to pursuing a medical career. Her experience during treatment ignited a passion for medicine, leading her to enroll in medical school and focus on patient-centered care. Now in remission, she aims to serve rural populations and inspires others to remain positive in the face of adversity.
Lexington, Kentucky – Anna Cox, a former logistics broker, is on a remarkable journey from patient to future physician, following her battle with stage 4 lymphoma. Having graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2017 with a degree in mathematical economics, Cox faced a life-altering medical crisis just a few years later. At the age of 23, she was admitted to the UK Albert B. Chandler Emergency Department due to severe abdominal pain. Until this point, she had not experienced any significant health issues and did not have a primary care doctor.
Upon her arrival, Cox received prompt and specialized medical attention from various teams, including those focused on infectious diseases, internal medicine, gastroenterology, and surgery. After three days in the hospital, she was discharged but required several follow-up appointments within the week. Thirteen days after her release, the diagnosis came: she had stage 4 diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is known for its aggressiveness.
Following her diagnosis, Cox was referred to the UK Markey Cancer Center, where she commenced extensive treatment, undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy over a span of six months. Throughout her treatment period, she was grateful for the holistic and compassionate approach of the medical professionals at Markey and appreciated the responsiveness of her doctors and the kindness of the nursing staff, especially during her late-night queries.
Cox’s experiences during her illness ignited a passion for medicine, prompting her to seek a career that would allow her to help others confronting similar adversities. To further her goals, she completed additional coursework in sciences and joined the research lab of Jessi Blackburn, Ph.D., focusing on pediatric leukemia research. This experience positioned her well for her next step.
Three years after her diagnosis, Cox embarked on her medical degree at the UK College of Medicine’s Bowling Green campus, where she appreciated the emphasis on patient-centered care. While studying, she developed a keen interest in oncology and patients undergoing evaluations for possible malignancies, reflecting on her personal journey and the challenges she overcame.
During her clinical rotations, she had a profound moment while treating a young adult who experienced a condition similar to her own previous diagnosis. This connection reinforced the significance of her experiences and the path she had chosen in the medical field.
Nearly seven years post-diagnosis, Anna Cox successfully matched into the Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency program at UK HealthCare during the 2025 Match Day, marking a major milestone in her medical career. Since December 2018, she has been in remission, and she now looks forward to returning to Lexington to serve the local community.
Cox is committed to making a difference and aims to focus on serving rural populations in south central Kentucky, alongside her husband, as they plan to settle in the area long-term. Throughout her journey, she encourages others facing difficulties to find positivity in challenging times and pursue their passions, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Anna Cox’s story is one of hope and inspiration, illustrating how personal health challenges can lead to a transformative career aimed at improving the lives of others. Her dedication to overcoming obstacles has shaped her approach to medicine, making her a compassionate advocate for patients and a role model for those following similar paths.
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- WBKO: Undergrad Patient to Physician Journey
- Wikipedia: Patient-centered care
- BG Daily News: Medical School Graduates Celebrate Match Day
- Google Search: Match Day medical schools
- WNKY: Medical Center at Bowling Green Named Straight A Hospital
- Google Scholar: Hospital safety ratings
- Lane Report: Med Center at Bowling Green Deploys Surgical Robot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robotic Surgery
- WBKO: Medical Center Bowling Green Receives Grade
- Google News: Bowling Green medical center grades
