Caring for others has been the hallmark of Dr. Daniel Mongiardo’s career in both the private and public sectors.
His dedication as a physician and surgeon in Eastern Kentucky is well-known, as is his record as a Kentucky State Senator in the areas of health care, family services, and challenging the status quo.
Born on July 4, 1960, in Hazard, Dr. Mongiardo grew up the eldest of three surviving children of Jimmy and Katherine Mongiardo. An older brother, Dominick, died as an infant due to limited medical care access in Eastern Kentucky. That heartbreaking event, along with others in Perry County – where families too frequently struggled with health issues – became the catalyst for Mongiardo’s chosen profession.
After graduating from Hazard High School, Transylvania University, and the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Dr. Mongiardo completed his surgical residency at the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center. The prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Canada, selected him for residency training in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). From there, he returned to Hazard to deliver specialized medical and surgical treatment to local residents, as well as any others who sought his expertise.
"Dr. Dan" was a founder of the Rotary Free Clinic, a non-profit organization combining the efforts of Community Ministries, local physicians, and the Perry County Rotary Club. Free health care became available to those most in need, including the uninsured – the working poor. He remains a board member of that clinic.
At the Appalachian Regional Medical Center, Dr. Mongiardo has served as vice-chief of surgery, chief of surgery, vice-chief of staff, and chief of staff and continues to serve patients as the only ear, nose, and throat surgeon for a large area of Southeastern Kentucky.
These experiences helped him recognize the importance of becoming a leader in addressing concerns that face all Kentuckians. To do so, he campaigned for the Senate, was elected in 2000, and represented Bell, Harlan, Leslie, and Perry Counties. As a senator, he emerged as a strong advocate of bold and innovative health care proposals and challenged entrenched special interests and out-dated methods.
From May until November 2003, Mongiardo served as vice-chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party. In that position he traveled across the Commonwealth listening, discussing, and analyzing citizen needs. The next year he challenged incumbent U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, garnering more than 850,000 votes in a hair-width loss to his heavily financed opponent. This show of support translated into the largest number of ballots cast for any Democratic candidate in Kentucky’s history.
Dr. Mongiardo has stepped forward again to serve as Lieutenant Governor for his friend and running mate, Governor Steve Beshear.
Dr. Mongiardo has proven that he will work tirelessly to convince others that the only way to create a more efficient and responsive government is to listen to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
He looks forward to four years of bold leadership and progress for Kentucky.