A local radio personality asked him to provide health education on air, and when listeners wanted to follow him, he had to create a platform on the spot. What began as a simple solution grew into a broader mission. Today, he regularly collaborates with media outlets, churches and health care organizations to deliver health information directly to the community.
He has a busy schedule outside the clinic, serving as Community Medical Director for Outreach at the Norton Healthcare Institute for Health Equity, Vice President for Community Connections, Professor at the University of Pikeville and publishing research on early Alzheimer’ s Disease.
He also leads initiatives like the“ Dirty 30 Workout Challenge,” a Facebook group designed to foster accountability and community around fitness.
“ It’ s proven that we work better in groups,” he said.“ This is motivation and encouragement to keep going.”
Whether it’ s through a clinic visit, a social media post or a community event, the goal is the same: meet people where they are and help them move forward.
During his limited free time, Dr. Patton enjoys working out, especially through martial arts like MMA, karate and jiujitsu. He enjoys audio books and watching anime, as well as outdoor activities such as bike riding, horseback riding, kayaking and ziplining. He also recently started his own real estate company.
At the center of Dr. Patton’ s life is his daughter, Nya-Milan, his“ Lovebug.” Now a high-achieving 17-year-old heading to Bellarmine on a full ride this fall, she’ s already carving out her own path, with dreams of becoming a veterinarian.“ She is amazing,” he said.“ Her emotional intelligence is through the roof.” Nya-Milan is a triathlete at her school, playing baseball, volleyball and wrestling. She recently placed third in the state with wrestling, setting new records for her team at Seneca.
Their bond is evident not just in words, but in tradition, like their annual father-daughter trips, including a recent journey to Africa for her 16th birthday. Those experiences, like so much of Dr. Patton’ s life, are intentional. They’ re about connection, growth and perspective.
Looking ahead, his goals remain rooted in service, with the desire to get more involved in the community while continuing to provide high-quality care to his patients. There are more books to write, more programs to build, more lives to impact. But at its core, his mission hasn’ t changed since he was a child helping his mother onto the sidewalk.
It’ s still about showing up. Still about healing. Still about making a difference: one person, one story, one moment at a time.
Kathryn Vance is the Communications Manager at the Greater Louisville Medical Society
May 2026 41