It’s hard for me to believe my time as your KMA President is quickly drawing to a close, though I must admit, my wife is counting the days. As the hot summer months speed by, I am reminded of the dedication and resilience demonstrated by our members over the past year. The KMA continues to be a beacon of leadership and excellence in healthcare, and I’m proud of all we have accomplished together this year.
With just about a month to go, I want to encourage your registration and participation in our upcoming KMA Annual Meeting. Scheduled for August 23-25, this year’s event promises to be an exciting one for our Association. The Annual Meeting is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for us to come together, share insights, and shape the future of healthcare in Kentucky.
The theme for this year’s meeting, “Voices and Visions: Influencing the Future of Kentucky Healthcare,” reflects our collective goal of advancing the medical profession and improving patient care. We have an exciting lineup of speakers, education, and networking opportunities that will provide valuable insights and foster professional growth. Your participation enriches the dialogue and helps us address the pressing issues facing physicians today.
One of the most significant aspects of the Annual Meeting is the KMA House of Delegates. This is where members have the opportunity to influence KMA policies and advocate for changes. Decisions made by the house set KMA policy and help us in our advocacy efforts with all of our stakeholders. If you have an issue which you would like the House to discuss, please consider writing a resolution. Resolutions to be considered at this year’s Annual Meeting are due no later than the end of the day, July 24, and can be submitted via email to AnnualMeeting@kyma.org.
The KMA Annual Meeting is also excited to welcome Health Force Kentucky, a collaboration involving nine colleges and universities along with school districts in sixteen Kentucky counties, who are working to create greater accessibility and the highest levels of instruction and training for careers in health care. Their initiative features hands-on training through simulation labs and classroom curriculum, with a mobile lab that provides that training for more rural communities. Health Force Kentucky will share information about this important work and explore the impact they hope to have in the near future.
Members will also hear from Alex Ding, M.D., who will explore the ways systems are using AI now and what can be expected in the future.
Attendees will also have the chance to hear from patients and families who have been impacted by gene therapy as well as physicians who are on the forefront of providing such innovation in patient care.
Beyond the formal sessions, the Annual Meeting is also a time to reconnect with colleagues, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. In this ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, these connections are more important than ever. They provide a network of support, collaboration, and inspiration that helps us all further our professional lives.
One of these lasting relationships was forged for me, not only at the Annual Meeting, but at many other meetings in between, including some of the first KMA functions I ever attended. Dr. Bill Monnig was perhaps my first role model in organized medicine. He ran what was at the time the Medical Business Advocacy committee, where KMA met with various insurers to discuss initiatives and issues, some of which we are still discussing today. Dr. Monnig thought that the best way to advocate for patients was to advocate for physicians, and he was a relentless advocate for both for as long as I knew him. As my activities in KMA increased, Dr. Monnig was a constant presence as an elder statesman, offering valuable advice, and making our advocacy more effective. When I served on the Board, his agreement was almost like a stamp of approval on our initiatives. His no nonsense, direct manner helped us to clarify our ideas and made them stronger, and his intensity helped give us the initiative to carry them through. Bill, you are missed.
As we prepare for the Annual Meeting, I want to express my thanks for all that you do for our profession and our patients. Your membership in the KMA alone communicates your desire to improve the lives of those you care for. Thank you for all that you do, and I look forward to seeing you at the 2024 KMA Annual Meeting.
