‘It’s surreal’: Johnson County native reflects as she’s set to graduate medical school

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2025) — “It’s surreal that I am finally graduating for the last time.”

Susanna Goggans has spent eight years at the University of Kentucky.

She’s about to finish four years in the UK College of Medicine and earn her medical degree after completing a four-year Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. In all that time, she’s had quite the journey.

“While I am looking forward to finally taking the next step in my career journey, the thought of leaving UK and Lexington leaves me with a sense of sadness,” said Goggans.

The Johnson County native recalls moving into her dorm freshman year and all the excitement she couldn’t wait to experience.

After her freshman year, her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thanks to early detection and treatment, her mother is now in remission. This experience, along with growing up in Eastern Kentucky — an area with high cancer rates — inspired Goggans to pursue a career in oncology.

At UK, she joined the Markey Cancer Center’s Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) program, which gave her hands-on experience. Although she initially found the idea of research intimidating, the program helped her discover a passion for science and cancer research.

“I came into college pre-med, but had little experience with medicine, let alone oncology,” she said.

Goggans discovered the thrill of being at the edge of science and the sense of fulfillment in contributing to the knowledge that could one day influence cancer care. To her surprise, she loved research and decided to continue that work as a medical student.

“Susanna exemplifies the mission of the ACTION program — through her participation in research, education and community engagement, she has continuously taken steps to prepare for a career in which she can help lower the cancer burden in Appalachian Kentucky. Susanna is an outstanding role model for current and future ACTION students,” said Nathan Vanderford, Ph.D., ACTION director, a Markey researcher and associate professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology.

Throughout her medical journey, the reminder of her mom’s successful treatment was proof of the difference research can make, and her motivation to continue research.

Following her graduation from medical school, Goggans will start an internal medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in July.

When asked about her biggest accomplishments, Goggans noted the overall accomplishment of pushing herself to be involved while balancing her coursework.

“When I first came to UK, I was a shy 18-year-old girl, and the thought of medical school seemed overwhelming,” she said.

Now, Goggans will be a medical school graduate who has overcome obstacles and worked incredibly hard to get to the next step in her career, with so much more to achieve.

Although leaving and starting her next chapter will be hard, Goggans said the best advice she can leave behind for the next round of students is to enjoy the experience of being in Central Kentucky.

“UK and Lexington have a unique culture that you will not find anywhere else,” she said. “While you are here, go to that football or basketball game, go to Keeneland, and truly embrace it all.”