UK medical student turns passion into purpose

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2025) — University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus students are making a meaningful impact on the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities through their work with Angels’ Castle, a nonprofit organization that provides educational, recreational, and residential services for this underserved population. 

For Louis Ryes, a fourth-year medical student, his passion for working with this patient population stems from a deeply personal experience. His younger brother, Marco, who has autism spectrum disorder and vocal apraxia, inspired Louis to pursue a career in medicine. Witnessing the unique challenges Marco faced in finding acceptance, friendships and opportunities, Louis realized the significant role physicians can play in improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

“Unfortunately, there are not many resources for this population once they age out of high school, and many parents are terrified of what will happen to their loved ones with intellectual disabilities once they can no longer care for them,” Ryes said. Angels’ Castle addresses this gap by creating a safe and supportive community, with plans to expand to a campus that will serve 80 individuals.

Ryes, who officially serves as treasurer of Angels’ Castle, wears many hats in the organization. From organizing fundraisers to shaping its social media and outreach strategy, he ensures that the nonprofit’s operations align with its mission. His experience working with the organization also lends itself to his future goal of specializing in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology. 

“Angels’ Castle will play a significant role in creating a more standardized approach to the medical care of this population, especially during their transition into adulthood,” he said. “This is a cause I want to dedicate the rest of my life to.”

For first-year student David Szczykutowicz, volunteering with Angels’ Castle offers a unique opportunity to explore his interests in medicine while making a tangible difference. As a volunteer coordinator, Szczykutowicz connects UK medical students with Angels’ Castle initiatives, such as clean-up days and fundraisers, including the fourth annual salsa dancing fundraiser. This event not only raised funds for the organization but also introduced participants to Colombian culture through food, music and dance. 

For Szczykutowicz, the opportunity to explore this work and engage with the community aligns with his broader goal of discovering where he can make the most meaningful impact in medicine.

“I encourage other medical students to get involved because, at the very minimum, they get service hours and a chance to network with physicians. But at best, they might find that working with people with intellectual disabilities is what they want to do as a physician,” he said.

As Angels’ Castle grows, the organization plans to offer training opportunities for medical professionals, including medical students and residents, to enhance their understanding of this patient population. UK College of Medicine students, faculty and staff interested in supporting Angels’ Castle can learn more by visiting the organization’s website or following its social media accounts (@angels_castle_oh).