Distinguished Alumna Award

Dr. Rachel Saunders Carr ’08 is an accomplished physician and educator in obstetrics and gynecology, and she serves as an associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Born in Lexington, Ky., and raised in Birmingham, Ala., Dr. Carr returned to Kentucky to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, cum laude, from Berea College.
Carr obtained her medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Since 2016, Carr has held various academic positions at the University of Kentucky, including assistant and associate professor roles, where she focuses on medical student education and the management of pregnancy for first-time moms.
A passionate advocate for medical student education, Carr has developed and led numerous teaching activities, including lectures on reproductive health and clinical practices for both medical students and residents. She is actively involved in mentoring students throughout their medical training, guiding them through residency applications and providing invaluable clinical insights.

Carr is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and holds a fellowship in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also is a recognized leader in the field and has received several awards for excellence in teaching, including the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award and the Humanism in Teaching Award. In addition to clinical and educational responsibilities, Carr is engaged in research related to women’s health, with a particular focus on improving patient outcomes for those with abnormal pap smears. Her commitment to