Interview with Nathan L. Vanderford, October 15, 2019

Interview Summary

Dr. Nathan L. Vanderford is an Assistant Professor in the department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology at the University of Kentucky, Assistant Director for Research at the Markey Cancer Center, Director of Administration for the Center of Cancer and Metabolism and the Director of the Appalachian Center Training in Oncology Program. In this interview, Dr. Vanderford discusses his childhood in the Appalachian region of Tennessee and explains what it was like growing up in a blue collar family. He explains why he decided to attend the University of Kentucky and his desire to move to a larger city as a young adult. He explains how his passion for chemistry and biology led him to major in biotechnology. He also describes why he chose to stay at the University of Kentucky for both graduate school and his professional career. He describes how he began researching cancer in 2009 when he returned to the University of Kentucky. He explains the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program (ACTION), the disproportionate rates of cancer incidence and morality in both Kentucky and the Appalachian region, and the many healthcare barriers that exist in Kentucky. He discusses the prevalence of lung cancer in Kentucky and ways he believes we could minimize the high rates, such as increasing the taxes on cigarettes. Dr. Vanderford explains his personal experience with lung cancer. He explains current efforts made at the Markey Cancer Center to minimize cancer in Kentucky and describes how he thinks the field of oncology will change in the future.

Interview Keyword

Cancer treatment Healthcare disparities Cancer research Public health Cancer in Kentucky Appalachian Career Training and Oncology (ACTION)

Interview LC Subject

Cancer Cancer--Research Medical care--Kentucky Oncology Education, Higher--Kentucky Universities and colleges--Research University of Kentucky Universities and colleges Universities and colleges--Faculty

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.