Ken Kennedy, M.D.

Ken Kennedy, M.D.

Ken Kennedy grew up in Winnsboro, SC and is the second of three children born to James and Karen Kennedy. He knew early on that he wanted to work within the medical professions. However, his route into medicine was circuitous. He attended the University of South Carolina-Aiken where he received his Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and subsequently was employed at Aiken Regional Medical Centers as a staff nurse. Ken worked well within the organization and ultimately filled the position of Interim Director of Cardiovascular Nursing prior to his matriculation into medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, SC. While at MUSC he began to develop and realize his passion for the underserved populations in Charleston, but also more broadly in medicine. Ultimately, Ken chose Emergency Medicine as a specialty area for this reason. During residency Ken served as Chief Resident at Duke University Hospital within the Division of Emergency Medicine where he remained involved in advancing efforts for the underserved populations in the areas of advocacy, education, and service. Following residency, Ken decided to stay at Duke where he serves a faculty member in the Division of Emergency Medicine. He now serves as a Co-chair and community service representative in the division’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee. Ken continues to stay committed to his service of others, and uses his platform as a physician to fulfill the needs of the community.

How did your teachers and mentors help you?

"As I have gone throughout my professional career, I have been blessed with several mentors that have helped me to construct my career and to provide guidance. These mentors span different careers, age ranges, and ethnicities. Each of them providing something that improves me a personally and professionally. I am now able to offer these same insights to the individuals that I mentor. Whether that is within medicine or some other career. I now have the opportunity to encourage others to achieve their dreams. I expect my mentees to chase after the goals that seem difficult, and to trust in their own abilities."