With a doctor for a father and a nurse for a mother, it wasn’t hard for Dr. Lauren Ridderikhoff to see the impact they made in people’s lives and want to follow in their footsteps.
Ridderikhoff, the daughter of Becky and the late Porter Ramsey, grew up in Frankfort attending school until the eighth grade at Capital Day School. She graduated from Lexington Catholic High School in 2007. During high school, she played basketball and was an avid high jumper on the track and field team.
After high school, she attended the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated in 2011 with a major in biology and a minor in neuroscience.
“I had a passion for neuroscience specifically, and this led me to assist with addiction research at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Neuroscience Institute,” Ridderikhoff said.
Ridderikhoff graduated from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2016 and completed her residency in family medicine at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset in June 2019. She started with Capital Medical Group, which her father helped form, in July 2019.
Ridderikhoff has been married to her husband David for 4 years. She has two stepchildren, Cameryn, 13, and Bailey, 19.
FRANK.: What was your path that led you back to Frankfort?
Ridderikhoff: My entire family lives in and around Frankfort and we are all very close, so I have always wanted to come back home, not only to be close to my family, but also serve the community that has supported me for so many years. My husband and children had also planted roots here prior to me pursuing my career in medicine, so it was only natural for me to return to join my family.
FRANK.: Why did you decide to enter the medical field?
Ridderikhoff: My father was a family physician and my mother is a nurse, so I have been surrounded by the healthcare field my entire life. Seeing the impact that my parents had on their patients is what led to my passion for medicine. I love having the ability to not only help improve my patients’ health and quality of life, but also form lasting relationships with them. We truly become like family.
FRANK.: What do you like about practicing in Frankfort and why was it important for you to return to your hometown?
Ridderikhoff: This community has loved and supported my dreams and passions from the start, so I felt it was my duty to come back to my hometown and serve the exact people who helped me get to where I am today. I enjoy being able to have a conversation with my patients not only in the office, but in the grocery store or in a restaurant. I also love seeing so many faces that I’ve grown up with over the years and being able to now help their families and loved ones.
FRANK.: What do you like about raising a family in Frankfort?
Ridderikhoff: Frankfort is such a unique town. I love the small town atmosphere wedged in between two larger cities. There is a big sense of community here and the residents of Frankfort are so passionate about the growth and success of our community. I love that our children are able to experience this and be a part of the positive changes taking place.
FRANK.: When you’re not working, what do you like to do? Any hobbies?
Ridderikhoff: We spend a large majority of our time at sporting events for our kids, but I also enjoy interior decorating, crafting, playing with our three dogs and UK basketball!
FRANK.: What kind of advice do you have for young people considering entering the medical field?
Ridderikhoff: My biggest piece of advice for those considering the medical field is ensure that you are doing it for yourself and no one else. The years and cost of the education required along with many hours spent away from your family are grueling, but all of the sacrifices are worth it in the end.
