FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 25, 2026
CONTACT: Emily Schott KMA Director of Communications
502-341-1926
schott@kyma.org
Lexington Physician Christine Ko, M.D., Installed as KMA President
LOUISVILLE, KY—Christine Ko, M.D., a Lexington internal medicine physician, was installed as the 176th President of the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) over the weekend during the organization’s Annual Meeting.
KMA members also elected Ishmael Stevens, M.D., an Ashland pediatrician, as President-Elect. Members also elected Christopher Jones, M.D., of Louisville as Vice-President, Aneeta Bhatia, M.D., of Louisville as Secretary, and Marisa Belcastro, M.D., of Lexington as Treasurer.
Dr. Ko previously served as Treasurer of the KMA and is a graduate of the Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute (KPLI). She graduated from Emory University Medical School and is employed by Baptist Health. Dr. Ko also previously served as President of the Lexington Medical Society (LMS). Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for physician leadership, organized medicine, and ensuring physicians have the resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
During her installation address, Dr. Ko introduced her presidential initiative, “Your KMA,” a year-long effort focused on strengthening the Association’s commitment to supporting physicians at every stage of their careers. The initiative is centered around the message “Physicians Caring for Kentucky. KMA Caring for YOU.” Throughout the coming year, Your KMA will highlight resources and programs that support physicians through five pillars: Caring for Your Health, Caring for Your Voice, Caring for Your Growth, Caring for Your Future, and Caring for Each Other.
Dr. Ko also reflected on the profound impact the Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute has had on her own leadership journey, encouraging other physicians to take advantage of the program.
“KPLI taught me that leadership is learned. It is practiced. It is strengthened through relationships, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow,” she said. “That experience changed the trajectory of my professional life, and it is one of the reasons I stand before you today.”
In her remarks, Dr. Ko also recognized the accomplishments of outgoing KMA President Jiapeng Huang, M.D., Ph.D., and the success of the Small STEPS, Big Impact public health campaign, which culminated during the Annual Meeting.
“Through the Small STEPS, Big Impact campaign, you helped KMA reach millions of Kentuckians with trusted, physician-led health information while reminding our members that even the smallest actions can create meaningful change,” she said. “That campaign earned national recognition, but perhaps more importantly, it has made a real difference for patients across Kentucky.”
The theme of the 2026 Annual Meeting, “Kentucky Physicians: At the Heart of Impact,” celebrated the many ways Kentucky physicians improve the health of their patients and communities through clinical excellence, advocacy, leadership, education, and service.
The meeting featured sessions on physician wellness, leadership, and continuing medical education, including KMA’s “Meet the Mandates” sessions, which provide all of the mandated CME physicians are required to complete prior to the end of the three-year cycle.
KMA also presented awards to four individuals during the President’s Celebration Reception, held on Aug. 22.
KMA Board of Trustees Chair Stephen Toadvine, M.D., received the Distinguished Service Award, the Association’s highest honor. Orthopedic sports medicine physician, Philip Hurley, M.D., of Owensboro, was the recipient of the Community Service Award, and Jennifer Koch, M.D., of Louisville, was given the Educational Achievement Award. The Debra K. Best Outstanding Layperson Award was received by KMA Executive Vice President Pat Padgett, who is retiring in November following nearly thirty years of service to the Association. Short videos honoring each 2026 KMA Awards of Excellence recipient are available on KMA’s YouTube channel here.
Ten physicians were recognized for completing KMA’s award-winning Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute (KPLI). Participants completed a series of learning events that aim to cultivate physician leaders across the state. Members of the 2026 class are Rebecca Chatham, M.D., Danville, Alexander Hou, M.D., Edgewood, John Frandina, M.D., Lexington, Manikya Kuriti, M.D., Louisville, Stephanie McGee, M.D., Louisville, Rejith Paily, M.D., Louisville, Melonie Proctor, D.O., Union, Ishmael Stevens, M.D., Ashland, Tina Simpson, M.D., Louisville, and Allison Yoder, M.D., Louisville.
###