KMA honored four esteemed individuals during its Awards of Excellence program as part of the 2026 Annual Meeting.
The award winners were recognized during the Presidents’ Celebration Reception, held the evening of Saturday, August 23 at the Louisville Marriott East. Winners were featured in short videos during the ceremony highlighting their accomplishments.
The KMA Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Stephen Toadvine, M.D., of Cynthiana. Dr. Toadvine has dedicated his career to advancing patient care, physician leadership, and community health through service in both clinical medicine and healthcare administration. After practicing the full scope of family medicine, he held numerous executive leadership positions, including Chief Medical Officer, President of Baptist Health Medical Group, and Chief Executive Officer of Harrison Memorial Hospital, before returning to direct patient care. A longtime leader within the KMA, Dr. Toadvine has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees and in several other leadership roles, helping shape the Association’s strategic direction and advocacy efforts while mentoring future physician leaders through the Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute. His commitment to service extends beyond medicine through extensive volunteer leadership, board service, teaching, church involvement, and international medical missions, exemplifying the dedication, leadership, and community impact recognized by the KMA Distinguished Service Award.
View Dr. Toadvine’s award video here.
The KMA Community Service Award was presented to Philip Hurley, M.D., of Owensboro. Dr. Hurley is being recognized for his extraordinary commitment to improving the health and well-being of his community through decades of service, leadership, and mentorship. As a respected orthopedic surgeon and longtime advocate for sports medicine, he has dedicated countless hours to caring for student-athletes, advancing physician education, and strengthening community partnerships. His unwavering commitment to service, both inside and outside the exam room, has left a lasting impact on generations of patients, athletes, and fellow physicians, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
View Dr. Hurley’s award video here.
The KMA Educational Achievement Award was given to Jennifer Koch, M.D., of Louisville. Dr. Koch was recognized for her extraordinary dedication to medical education and her lasting impact on generations of physicians. Throughout her career at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, she has distinguished herself as an exceptional educator, mentor, and innovator, shaping curricula, developing faculty, and creating learning environments where students, residents, and colleagues can thrive. Her passion for teaching, commitment to excellence, and influence on medical education both in Kentucky and nationally make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of this honor.
View Dr. Koch’s award video here.
KMA Executive Vice President Pat Padgett was awarded the 2026 KMA Debra K. Best Outstanding Layperson Award. As Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Medical Association, Pat has provided visionary leadership, steadfast advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to advancing organized medicine, helping shape the Association into the strong and respected voice it is today. Through his dedication, integrity, and tireless support of Kentucky’s physicians, he has made an enduring impact on healthcare across the Commonwealth, exemplifying the spirit and purpose of the award. Pat will retire from after nearly three decades of service to KMA in November.
View Pat Padgett’s award video here.
