Kentucky doctor in forefront of battle against COVID-19 dies of the virus
A prominent Kentucky infectious disease specialist died Friday night after a four-month battle with COVID-19.
A release from Med Center Health in Bowling Green said Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, with the not-for-profit health system that includes hospitals in five south-central Kentucky communities, first announced she tested positive for the virus on May 13.
At the time, she was leading Med Center Health’s work in National Institute of Health trials of patients’ treatment for the virus.
On May 29, Shadowen was listed in critical condition and was transferred to UK Healthcare in Lexington. She was there until mid-June and then returned to Bowling Green.
Shortly after returning home, she surprised the Bowling Green-Warren County Coronavirus Taskforce when she joined the group in a conference call. She said, “It’s a great day to be alive,” and urged everyone to wear face masks.
She previously had said she believed she had contracted the virus not at the hospital but after an elderly family member received care at home from an infected caregiver.
Connie Smith, president and chief executive officer of Med Center Health, said, “We are grieving the loss of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen. There are really no words to describe the pain felt by her family, physician colleagues and Med Center Health team mates.
“Dr. Shadowen will forever be remembered as a nationally recognized expert who provided the very best care for our patients and community. She was a dear friend to many.”
Shadowen joined the medical staff at The Medical Center at Bowling Green in 1989.
On Saturday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky has reported 1,057 deaths from the virus and 56,415 cases.
He posted on his Facebook page: “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, a front-line hero who worked tirelessly to protect the lives of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues.
“Please, follow Dr. Shadowen’s advice —wear a mask in her honor.”
This story was originally published September 12, 2020 at 11:25 AM.
