In Lexington, Ian McClure has been appointed as the new vice president of innovation for UK HealthCare, expanding his already extensive responsibilities at the University of Kentucky. McClure is currently the associate vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, as well as the executive director at UK Innovate. His new role was announced recently, aiming to enhance innovation in the health care sector, which is facing increasing demands for advanced care due to a projected shortage of health professionals.
UK HealthCare’s co-executive vice president for health affairs, Eric Monday, emphasized that McClure is a national leader in innovation and will drive efforts to connect research discoveries with practical applications in patient care. The organization anticipates needing at least 5,000 more health professionals within the next few years, making McClure’s role critical in fostering partnerships and technological advancements that support this influx.
Since joining UK in 2016, McClure has advanced from leading the Office of Technology Commercialization to establishing UK Innovate and now overseeing initiatives to boost health care innovation. His past experience includes roles in the private sector, where he honed his expertise in intellectual property strategy and technology transfer. At UK HealthCare, he aims to position the organization as a leading partner in health care innovation, facilitating improved access to care statewide.
As part of UK Innovate, McClure oversees initiatives like Launch Blue, an accelerator for Kentucky-based startups, and the Kentucky Innovator Challenge, illustrating his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the region. His multifaceted role underscores the University of Kentucky’s dedication to addressing the complex challenges facing health care through collaborative and innovative solutions.
