The 2024 annual Happy Heart Day was held on February 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, Danville, Kentucky. The event consisted of an array of speakers promoting heart health, including Ephraim’s very own cardiologists, patients sharing personal testimonies, fitness and dietary experts, and motivational guests. As part of our commitment to community health, we introduced a special feature free of charge: the Health Hall – where the community was welcome to explore sponsor booths and get a complimentary health screening, no ticket required. All proceeds of the event will go towards supporting the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation.
As a part of Happy Heart Day and National Heart Health Month, we offer AED grants. More information and a link to apply can be found at the Foundation Grants page.
2024 Speakers
Dr. Ogunbayo, or Dr. O, earned his medical degree at Obafeni Awolowo University in Nigeria. He completed his residency at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, NY, where he served as chief resident of internal medicine and founded the EKG Club. He completed a fellowship in general and interventional cardiology at UK HealthCare’s Gill Heart & Vascular Institute.
Dr. O is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He is an active member of the American College of Cardiology, Association of Black Cardiologists, the American Heart Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Ogunbayo has a wide range of experience as a general and interventional cardiologist, with special focus on clinical research, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support, thrombolytic therapy for acute pulmonary embolism, and peripheral vascular disease. He is well known for effective communication and successful, compassionate care of his patients.
In his free time, Dr. O enjoys watching sports, volunteering, spending time with his family, and traveling. He also loves to inspire others and seizes every opportunity he gets to encourage people to be better versions of themselves with the hashtag “begreaterthanaverage”.
Dr. O will join us at Happy Heart Day to lead a breakout session on cardiology and preventative care. He will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Dr. Tran attended Ho Chi Minh City School of Medicine in 1992 in Vietnam, experienced extensive training in Vietnam, and was recognized as one of the outstanding pioneers of laparoscopic and minimally-invasive surgery in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. He completed a fellowship at the University of Louisville (2005) and specialized in interventional endoscopy and pancreatobiliary surgery. He completed residency training at the University of Kentucky (2008), a residency at the University of Florida (2009) and another residency at Marshall University (2012). Dr. Tran has a special interest in pancreatobiliary surgeries, bariatric surgery, advanced endoscopy, gastrointestinal tract cancer surgery and general surgery.
Dr. Tran will join us at Happy Heart Day to lead a breakout session on Obesity & Weight Management and the effects it has on your heart. He will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Dr. Zia is board-certified in internal medicine and board-eligible in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism. She went to medical school in Pakistan. She completed her internal medicine residency training at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Mercy in 2020 and then stayed at University of Pittsburgh for her fellowship in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism.
In the field of endocrinology, her main areas of interest include diabetes, thyroid, osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure and disorders of the pituitary and adrenal glands.
Dr. Zia lives in Nicholasville with her husband, Ahmed, and their child. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, reading and playing board games.
Dr. Zia will join us at Happy Heart Day to lead a breakout session discussing diabetes, blood pressure, weight, and metabolism; and the effects those have on your heart. She will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Dr. Turpen is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 2002 and her medical degree from the University of Louisville in 2007. She completed her residency in 2010 and sleep medicine fellowship in 2011, both at the University of Florida.
Dr. Turpen lives in Danville with her husband, Ryan Turpen, M.D., who is a local urologist. They have three girls, Rhodes, Parker and Rollins. During her free time, she enjoys cycling, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Turpen will lead a breakout session on the importance of Sleep and how it relates to your heart. She will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Jennifer Daniel is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse working for Ephraim McDowell Health with almost a decade’s experience working in Primary and Urgent Care and Specialty Sleep Medicine. Jennifer received Bachelor’s degrees from Centre College and University of Florida and a Master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. In addition to her work in Sleep Medicine, Jennifer is an Advanced Practice representative to the EMH Governance Council and a member of the EMH Quality Board. She also serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the Ephraim McDowell Healthcare Foundation.
Jennifer and her husband Roger have lived in Danville for seventeen years and have three grown sons. In her free time she enjoys riding horses and spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer will join Dr. Turpen for their breakout session on the importance of Sleep and how it relates to your heart.
Teresa is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in the treatment of psychiatric/mental health illnesses. She has expertise in the care of outpatient mental health needs across the lifespan, with a special interest in the treatment of children and adolescents. She is qualified and experienced in treating illnesses including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Teresa strives to provide her patients with the best care possible and experience positive outcomes for all their mental health needs.
Teresa lives in Springfield with her husband, Terry, and two dogs. They have four sons, Alex, Nick, Matthew and Cody, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren from ages 2 months to 13 years. During her free time, she enjoys singing and playing the piano at church, baking, working outdoors and spending time with her family.
Teresa will join us at Happy Heart Day to lead a breakout session mental health and the effects it has on your heart. She will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Dr Holley graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and a residency in thoracic surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He then completed his fellowship in thoracic surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Dr. Holley will lead an breakout session on the importance of Lung Screenings. Lung cancer is often called the silent threat because it can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain or unexplained weight loss appear, the disease may have progressed to an advanced and less treatable stage. This is where screening plays a crucial role.He will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Meet Chef Estela Rama, a culinary virtuoso hailing from Morelos, Mexico. With over 20 years of experience, her journey began at the age of 8 learning the art of cooking from her grandmother. As the executive Chef at Bayou Bluegrass Catering, she brings a passion for culinary excellence and exceptional leadership.
Embarking on her professional culinary journey at the age of 27, Chef Estela commenced her career at Idle Hour Country Club in Lexington. She has honed her skills in diverse culinary environments, spanning quick-service establishments to upscale fine dining and catering. Estela has demonstrated proficiency in an array of cuisines, baking and garmache.
A fervent advocate for creativity in the kitchen, Estela revels in the opportunity to craft inventive recipes and experiment with novel ingredients, consistently seeking to expand her culinary horizons. Tonight she invites you to enjoy a robust salad entrée crafted with heart healthy ingredients.
Larry Weathers is the CEO of Weathers Agency, a global brand, design, and consulting agency. He has vast business and marketing experience from several successful years in the corporate arena. From corporate boardrooms to personal branding, his expertise has helped Fortune 500 companies and mid-sized businesses develop successful brand identities, niche positions and marketing strategies.
Larry is a Danville native and graduate of Danville High School’s class of 1993, where he excelled in scholastic achievement. He relocated to Danville from the Atlanta area in May 2022. Today, Larry serves on the Board of Directors for the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation.
On October 23, 2022, he experienced a massive heart attack. He attributes his life today to the grace of God and the rapid response, efficient systems, competency, and stellar care of the entire medical staff at Ephraim McDowell Hospital.
Larry will be our event moderator and lead our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Beth Alvey graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Care Administration. She then went to complete her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2015, and her Master’s of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioner with Campbellsville University in 2023. She has worked in several areas within the Ephraim McDowell Health organization and will soon be the Nurse Practitioner at Ephraim McDowell Bariatric Center with Dr. Tin Tran. Beth has a passion for helping patients with obesity and weight management, as she has experienced the burden of obesity firsthand.
Beth and her husband Blake have lived in Harrodsburg for over 15 years. They have two daughters, Haydon Grace and Sadie Michelle. They also have a dog and four chickens. They spend a lot of time in the gym playing basketball, as her husband is the head coach for the Burgin Middle School girls basketball team and the assistant coach for the high school girls basketball team.
Photos from the 2024 Happy Heart Luncheon
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