Uncertainty seems to be the name of the game these days.
COVID-19 numbers rising – elections – financial markets going up and down. Months of unknowns can make anyone stressed and weary, and as physicians, we certainly aren’t immune to those feelings, although sometimes it can be harder for us to acknowledge. As our KFMC President Shawn Jones, M.D. mentioned in his recent Herald-Leader interview regarding physician burnout, “We always are so good at putting other people first and the mission first, if you will, that we neglect self-care.”
That’s why in this time of uncertainty I am so thankful for the KMA. Through the “Be Well. Stay Well” campaign, KMA is planning offerings throughout the year that will support the physical, mental and financial health of physicians during an undoubtedly trying period. One of those offerings I am particularly excited about is coming up this week. KMA and the Lexington Medical Society are partnering to present The White Coat Investor, James Dahle, M.D. for a special webinar “Financial Pearls for Physicians,” Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. ET. Dr. Dahle believes that increasing the financial security of physicians enables them to be better partners, parents and doctors, along with reducing burnout, decreasing suicide risk, and improving patient care. Registration is still available and can be accessed here.
Our physician-oriented initiatives come on the heels of KMA’s statewide public initiative aimed at patients to help them stay healthy. The “Raise Your Guard, KY” campaign touched nearly 1.5 million people around the state, including those in rural areas, and even included outreach to our ever-growing Hispanic population. KMA and its member physicians have been lauded for this and other recent public health work that shines a light on both the need for such initiatives, as well as the desire of the medical profession to provide it.
KMA also provides the protections we need by advocating on our behalf in Frankfort. With the legislative session just a few weeks away, I feel confident that the interests of our profession and the health of our patients are in good hands with KMA. I would encourage you, if you haven’t already, to sign up for KMA’s Legislative Text Alert service to ensure you stay connected with what’s going on in the General Assembly this year, particularly given that so much can change quickly due to COVID-19. Simply text “KMA” to 50457.
With so much uncertainty in our world, I take great comfort in knowing that our statewide professional organization is looking out for the best interests of physicians and patients. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in mind, I am as thankful as ever for your membership and the opportunity to serve as your President. Together, we are able to do so much to provide stability and support during this time of unease and uncertainty.
