LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Abbie Latimer, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C, is giving a TEDxUKY talk on April 19, 2026. Latimer’s talk will focus on how recognizing and responding to emotion that accompanies the discomfort of having hard conversations can ultimately lower distress and encourage connection.
Dedicated to sharing ideas worth spreading, TEDxUKY talks have reached over 309,000 views on YouTube, inspiring listeners across the world. The theme of the 2026 event is “The Ripple Effect.” Over 90 applicants applied across the University of Kentucky and only six were accepted.
Latimer, an assistant professor with the CoSW, studies serious illness communication with older adults, including individuals with heart failure and who are unhoused. Her 15 years of palliative and hospice experience span across the spectrum of healthcare—nursing homes, home settings, hospitals, and clinics.
“Through this work, I’ve witnessed both the profound humanity and the moral distress that arise when systems fall short of compassion and suffer from inadequate organizational support,” Latimer shared. “My perspective bridges research and real-world care, grounded in the belief that how we show up for people in their most vulnerable moments defines who we are and our healthcare practice.”
In 2025, Latimer co-led Care2Count, partnering with leaders at UK HealthCare to expand annual Kentucky K-Count efforts, providing hospitals and researchers with crucial information to improve healthcare for individuals with housing needs or who are at risk of homelessness.
Latimer was also recently published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure Intersections, examining the role of psychosocial factors in determining eligibility for ventricular assist devices (VADs). Despite their importance, these factors are inconsistently defined and applied, raising concerns about bias and inequity. In the publication, Latimer and her team outline practical steps to standardize evaluation, strengthen the evidence base, and promote more equitable decision-making.
For those interested in attending Latimer’s TEDx talk, the event is open to the public and begins at 2pm ET in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom. For more information and to see the full list of speakers, please visit the TEDxUKY website. Tickets can be purchased here.