Steve Davis, MD

Dr. Steve Davis was born in Pikeville and spent most of his earlier years there. He completed undergraduate studies at Morehead State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He received his MD from the University of Kentucky and completed internship and residency in pediatrics at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital.

Currently, his duties include medical oversight of over 100 public health programs, managing a department budget of approximately $480M, leadership teamwork with the executive and legislative branch of state and federal government, state health officers, and all community partners in the public and private health care system. The position requires independent medical judgment for development of clinical standards and overall public health policy.

Prior to his appointment in state government, Dr. Davis was a practicing pediatrician first in Glasgow, Kentucky and then he later established a large pediatric medical practice in Pikeville which provided comprehensive pediatric care to approximately 16,000 children. He recruited five pediatricians and established evening and outreach clinics to improve access to care. He worked with Pikeville Methodist Hospital helping to establish a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Pediatric Transitional Care Unit for critically ill children. He also served as a teaching preceptor for several colleges and universities.

During his public health career, Dr. Davis has led public health efforts that have resulted in legislation to establish early childhood development programs that include Birth Defects Prevention, Home Visiting Program for improved pregnancy outcomes (HANDS), Healthy Start in Child Care, Immunizations for Underinsured Children, Early Childhood Mental Health, and Oral Health for Children. In 2005, Dr. Davis led a group effort that developed legislation to Expand Newborn Metabolic Screening that passed into law in 2005, resulting in improving the health and lives of children across the state. In 2006, Dr. Davis was instrumental in developing six Diabetes Centers of Excellence across the state. These sites provide education in the management and treatment of diabetes, resulting in better outcomes for Kentucky’s diabetic population.

Dr. Davis provides leadership to the medical profession by service on numerous Boards and Committees including the Kentucky Medical Association, Kentucky Pediatric Society, Kentucky Public Health Association, and the State AGOG Advisory Council among others. Dr. Davis is a frequent presenter to legislative committees, universities, task forces, conferences, and schools on issues related to Public Health Policy, the health status of Kentuckians, and health program implementation. In 2006, Dr. Davis was elected as a member of the Kentucky Institute of Medicine.

In 1998, Dr. Davis received the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2003 he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at Morehead State University. In March of 2011, he received the Kentucky Public Health Association E. “AL” Austin Jr. Career Achievement Award.