2015 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dr. Kayce Morton

Some people grow up and forget where they came from, but thatís not Dr. Kayce Morton. Morton was born in the Ozarks and made her way back after school as soon as possible.

"My goal is simply to make this area the best place not only for my kids, but [also] for all the kids in this community," says Morton, who currently works as the pediatric chairwoman and pediatric hospitalist at CoxHealth.

Practicing medicine for the past six years, Morton took on a big role in the pediatric sedation program at CoxHealth during her first couple of years.

"I have worked with administration and our staff to have a dedicated pediatric sedation program that has a set schedule and gets kids in for necessary studies within two to three weeks," she says. "It has become a program that helps kids in a 150-mile radius every week."

The program is part of Morton's biggest goal and her proudest accomplishment - patient care.

"I am honored to get to play a part in these familiesí lives," she says. "Knowing I did all I could to make it as easy for them as possible is humbling and special all at the same time."

Through being active in her church at Wesley United Methodist, to this year becoming part of the Mayorís Commission for Children and working with the American Diabetes Association, Morton also is influential in the lives of her peers.

"Through my church, I participate in a program for York Elementary called Cents of Pride," she says. "This is one of the areas I feel I have direct access to influencing the success of someone.

"Most of these kids donít have food at home, and our church provides a store for them that supplies snack packs, winter wear and, of course, toys."

In addition to working with kids in the community, Morton also is involved in the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves on their communication board. She was able to visit Washington, D.C., and participate in a legislative conference that helps pediatricians and medical staff to advocate for patients.

“In April, I lobbied against changes to the school lunch program and met with our local government,” she says. “This was a part of medicine I was never exposed to, and it was exciting to help not only in our community, but [also] nationally.”

Morton’s work and dedication in the medical field and her community are all part of the job, she says.

“I set high standards for myself and feel compelled to be involved in my work and my community as much as time will allow while juggling the life of not only a physician but more importantly as a mother, a wife and friend,” she says.[[In-content Ad]]