Special redbud tree honors Dr. Shadowen

Published May 6, 2021

Pictured above: Connie Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, ceremonially adds a shovelful of dirt to the planting of the tree.

On May 3, Med Center Health dedicated a special redbud tree donated by arborist David Draper in memory of the contributions of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen. This unique flame thrower redbud tree is thought to be the only one of its kind in Kentucky. Beside the tree is a plaque in her memory. The event was attended by the Shadowen family and many friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Shadowen. The memorial is in the center of Med Center Health’s campus at High Street and Second Avenue.

Melinda Joyce, Vice President of Corporate Support Services, spoke about Dr. Shadowen during the ceremony. “This tree, to me, serves as a reminder of what all she taught us,” she said. “I really want those that pass the tree either for work at Med Center Health or to come to Med Center Health for care to know that we are following her principles of science, evidence-based practice, and doing what is right for the patient.” When speaking about Dr. Shadowen’s commitment to fighting COVID, Joyce added, “She would be proud of 78,000 corporate-wide doses of COVID vaccine being administered, but she would still not be satisfied with that. She would say that we still need to get all the people vaccinated so we can truly end this world disease.”

Read more about the ceremony in an article published by the Daily News at bgdailynews.com.

An education and research fund has been established in memory of Dr. Shadowen. To learn more or make a donation, visit MCHealth.Foundation.