We caught up with Dr. Ken Iverson of UK Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery for this week's edition of Making the Rounds. As a pediatric otolaryngologist, Dr. Iverson helps improve children's hearing and breathing and is an expert in cochlear implantation and airway surgery. In our interview, Dr. Iverson tells us his story – from why medicine is a family affair to what inspires him outside of the operating room.
How did you become interested in medicine?
My dad is actually a physician. He's a family medicine physician, so I saw kind of what medicine was like since a young child. My dad just really enjoyed what he does.
I have one brother. We would always be getting injured – surfing, skateboarding accidents. We ended up sewing each other up a lot. My brother actually is a general surgeon as well now. It's just kind of a family thing.
Why did you decide to go into pediatrics?
I have three kids, and I’ve always loved working with kids. I just think seeing a child suffer something, and you’re able to help them, treat them, and they immediately get better – it’s just something that I like to see.
I like to see parents see their children get better. I like to see children hear better, breathe better, sleep better. It’s a rewarding thing for me.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to cook. I’ve been asked before what my favorite food is, and that’s like asking who my favorite child is. I like to cook and eat a lot of different types of food. My family enjoys eating it – for the most part.
If you weren't a doctor, what do you think you would do?
I’d be a rockstar. I enjoy music as well. I play guitar and piano and other instruments. If I could do that all the time, I would.
Watch our interview to learn more about Dr. Ken Iverson and why he is so passionate about pediatric otolaryngology.
