Alumni Spotlight - Michael Kasten, MD

Michael Kasten was a “lifer” at LCA, where he attended for 15 years and graduated in 2004. He then attended the University of Kentucky from 2004-12 and earned Bachelor of Science and Medical Degrees. He did a surgery residency from 2012-17 in Columbus, Ohio and a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship in Indianapolis, Indiana from 2017-20. He briefly returned to Lexington from 2020-21 before joining Mercy Health Heart Institute in Cincinnati as a cardiothoracic surgeon. 

He met his wife Ashley at Christian Student Fellowship while attending UK. They have two children, Margot (6 years) and Ellis (2 years) and reside in Cincinnati. 

Michael said, “LCA is where I spent my entire formative years, from two years in preschool and then K-12. My entire collective consciousness until adulthood is from LCA.”

What did you love most about your time at LCA?  The environment and lifelong bonds from those who attended for a decade plus just like I did. And honestly pre 9/11 nostalgia - life was just pretty amazing all around. 

Tell us about one of your favorite memories at LCA: The excitement of all the campus changes and how amazing it was to get the Reynolds Road campus. To have our own building was so huge and futuristic.

From your own experiences, why do you believe it was important for you to attend LCA? Christian framework applied daily. Good size so that you know everyone but aren't lost in a sea of people.  

How did LCA prepare you for college and beyond? I had Ms. Vanderpool all four years for math. With an engineering/science undergrad in college, her math skills were instrumental. We were the first group to have AP classes as well. My time at LCA was the transition from a small, 30 person class without many class options to the larger format students enjoy now. This allows for a more diverse learning experience and advanced credit.