PD Member of the Month

Kelly Kempe, MD

Program Director, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, Oklahoma

What is your personal background in vascular surgery education (how long have you worked in the vascular field, why did you choose vascular surgery, etc.)?

I’ve spent the past decade training vascular surgery fellows and general surgery residents. After moving to Oklahoma in 2019, I became Associate Program Director of our fellowship that same year, and was named Program Director in 2020. I chose vascular surgery because I’m drawn to the complexity and precision of the field—it allows us to perform intricate operations throughout the body.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? as a vascular surgery Program Director? What is the most challenging part of your job?

Today, I choose vascular because it is a profound privilege to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families. Even on the most difficult days, a brief encounter with a patient can lift my spirits. What makes this work even more meaningful is the opportunity to share these human moments with our trainees.

The most challenging aspect of my role is navigating the politics of medicine. Yet, even this becomes a valuable teaching moment—an essential part of preparing the next generation for the realities of our profession.

What are your personal goals within the vascular field?

Since moving to Oklahoma, I’ve been committed to reducing amputation rates and improving vascular health across our state. I believe that training the next generation of skilled vascular surgeons is essential to achieving this goal.

If you had a blank check to change medical education in America, what would you do first?

Exposing trainees early to the wonders and messiness of medicine will allow trainees to understand real-world solutions and challenges; this in turn may lead to innovative solutions and improved health equity.

From your perspective, what qualities make a successful vascular surgery applicant?

Positive qualities that lead to a successful application in vascular surgery are vast, but may include determination, empathy, and a growth mindset.

What is a "fun fact" about yourself that you would like others to know?

I was a fine art major in photography with a minor in English literature.