UK St. Claire Welcomes 12 New Physicians

MOREHEAD, Ky.– This summer, UK St. Claire has onboarded several fresh faces to their medical lineup, with a few more ready to join the staff in coming weeks. Twelve new providers will expand the rural Kentucky health system’s existing medical services and, in some cases, bring new specialties including infectious disease and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

“Our mission has always been to close gaps in care and ensure our neighbors in Northeastern Kentucky can see the right provider when they need to—without the long wait,” said Donald Lloyd II, UK St. Claire president and CEO. “By welcoming these additional physicians, we’re expanding our capacity to meet more of our community’s needs right here at home, reducing delays in treatment and eliminating the need for long-distance travel. This growth means better access, better outcomes and advanced care delivered where it matters most—close to the people we serve.”

Meet the physicians:

Jesse M. Vance, M.D., Pharm.D., is the Medical Director of Infectious Disease at UK St. Claire. He holds Pharm,D., and MBA degrees, with fellowship and residency training from Mayo Clinic and Duke University Hospital. His expertise includes antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, pharmacology of antimicrobial agents and global/tropical infectious diseases. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Vance is looking forward to settling in Morehead with his family when he joins UK St. Claire in September.

Tyler Dittman, D.O., is an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine specialist and former Chief Resident Physician at Charleston Area Medical Center and Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. With a strong foundation in biology from Wright State University and extensive clinical training, the graduate of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has developed a passion for treating the whole person—mind, body and spirit—using advanced osteopathic techniques to help patients restore motion, function and balance. Dr. Dittman is located at Family Medicine in Downtown Morehead starting this month.

Amber Brooks, D.O., joined UK St. Claire’s Emergency Department this month. An Emergency Medicine Physician with professional licensure in Kentucky and board eligibility in Emergency Medicine, her certifications include ACLS, ATLS, PALS and a Medications for Addiction Treatment X-Waiver. Dr. Brooks completed her residency at the University of Kentucky and holds a D.O. from Lincoln Memorial University, as well as a Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University. Her experience spans medical directorship, emergency medicine attending physician roles and various research and leadership positions.

Sara Colombo, M.D., joined UK St. Claire as a Family Medicine Hospitalist this month. A graduate of The Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Toledo along with several certifications including ACLS, PALS and NIHSS. She completed her family medicine residency at The Ohio State University earlier this summer. Dr. Colombo brings enhanced primary care training and various awards, community service and work experiences to her role.

Caroline Conroy, M.D., is a pediatrician specializing in family-centered care, holding certifications as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). A UK College of Medicine graduate, she completed her pediatric residency at Medical University of South Carolina, where she became a prominent advocate for child health and even campaigned for children's health policies at the state level. A proud member of several medical organizations, she will be located at UK St. Claire Pediatrics starting this month.

Susan Beth Frommeyer, M.D., is an OB/GYN physician with licenses in multiple states including Kentucky. Board Certified by The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2008, she started with UK St. Claire in July. Her education includes a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Louisville, a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Kentucky University, and executive certificates in Leadership & Management from the University of Notre Dame and Stanford Center for Health Education.

Briana N. Ishmael, D.O., is a Family Medicine Hospitalist who joined UK St. Claire in July. She graduated from the University of Pikeville‘s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and recently completed her Rural Family Medicine Residency at the University of Kentucky. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Morehead State University. Certified in COMLEX Levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as various American Heart Association life support proficiencies, Dr. Ishmael has professional affiliations with the American Osteopathic Association and the American Academy of Osteopathy. Her experience includes community service speaking with high school students interested in health care and providing osteopathic manipulative treatment at a student-led clinic.

Haden Lawton, D.M.D., is a highly skilled general dentist specializing in advanced surgical and restorative procedures, including third molar extractions, implant placement and digital dentistry. He provides comprehensive dental solutions, combining expertise in endodontics, periodontics and implantology. Dr. Lawton completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Keesler Air Force Base and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University. He joined UK St. Claire’s dentistry team earlier this month.

Kelli Mathew, D.O., is a board-certified pulmonary and critical care physician from Eastern Kentucky dedicated to providing high-quality care to underserved communities. A proud graduate of the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Mathew completed both her medical education and an osteopathic fellowship there before pursuing advanced training in pulmonary and critical care medicine at UK. An experienced physician who came to UK St. Claire in June, Dr. Mathew’s special interests include critical care medicine, diagnostic/interventional pulmonology and early lung cancer detection.

Jacob Sifers, D.O., started at UK St. Claire this month as a Family Medicine Hospitalist after recently completing the Community and Family Residency Program at the University of Kentucky. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alice Lloyd College. He brings with him an extensive research background with several publications. He has held leadership roles, including Resident Representative for Acute Medicine Service Line at UK St. Claire, Secretary of KYCOM Sports Medicine Club and president of Allied Health Club and has numerous certifications.

Holly Ann Toy, D.O., is no stranger to UK St. Claire, as she just completed her Family Medicine Residency here. Slated to join the Family Medicine staff at the Downtown Morehead location in October, she looks forward to focusing on whole-person care and integrating osteopathic manipulative treatment. She earned her D.O. from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at University of Pikeville and a Bachelor of Science from Morehead State University. Beyond medicine, Dr. Toy founded Rhythm & Grace Dance Place and promotes mental health through dance and yoga. Passionate about serving others, she volunteers and enjoys an active lifestyle, believing in treating the mind, body and spirit for healthier lives.

John Wilson, M.D., joined UK St. Claire as an anesthesiologist in July. He received his M.D. from the University of Texas as well as a Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M. He completed his anesthesia residency at the University of Michigan and has held various staff physician and leadership roles in anesthesia since 2014, including his most recent role as director of Orthopedics at University of Louisville’s Mary and Elizabeth Hospital.

UK St. Claire includes a growing medical staff of more than 125 physicians and nearly 70 advanced practice professionals representing more than 30 medical specialties. It consists of the hospital, seven primary care locations located within five counties, a multi-specialty medical pavilion, two urgent care centers, a pediatrics clinic, as well as a retail pharmacy, counseling center, medical equipment and supply store, and an outpatient center. Additionally, UK St. Claire provides home health and hospice services in eight counties. UK St. Claire is dedicated to continuing its vision to provide clinical and service excellence in a personalized manner, build a leading medical community that provides a seamless system of care and education, and enhance the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve by promoting physical, spiritual, social and emotional well-being.