Next month, KMA will welcome members back to its first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019. A lot has certainly happened in the last three years, and the world undoubtedly looks different. While COVID-19 remains a threat, we must utilize the best practices and resources at our disposal to mitigate its spread while returning to some semblance of normalcy.
I’ve been proud to be part of the KMA as we helped lead the way out of the pandemic. Through our many resources, communications, advocacy, education and public health efforts, we’ve ensured our members and patients have the most up-to-date and important information necessary to navigate this “new normal.” And next month, I am looking forward to seeing many of you face-to-face for the first time in three years.
This year’s meeting will provide the usual excellent educational offerings, elections, and policy discussions through the House of Delegates, but will also host the new and exciting “President’s Celebration: A Time to Reflect and Reconnect” on August 27. The event will highlight the ‘silver linings’ to the pandemic and showcase how we spent our days and alleviated stress while living through this unprecedented time. KMA is asking members to send in their “COVID candid” photos from the last few years for an interactive display that will tell the story of the hobbies or activities physicians engaged in during quarantines and isolation.
Perhaps you started a garden, took up knitting, became an impromptu homeschool teacher, adopted a pet, or renovated your kitchen. KMA is asking for members to share those moments through photos. You can text your picture(s) to 502-387-1118 or email them to crouch@kyma.org. Please include your name and a brief description of the activity depicted. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 1.
In addition to this event, I’m excited to hear from our keynote speaker for the meeting, Dr. Gurpreet Dhaliwal. Dr. Dhaliwal speaks to health professionals who can continually adapt to changes and best practices in health care related to quality and safety, interpersonal communication and teamwork, and consumer and health information technology. He provides insights and lessons that apply to the frontline clinician, clinical leaders, and clinical and non-clinical executives. Dr. Dhaliwal uses a combination of stories, studies, videos, and his own growth (which he notes is “still a work in progress”) to help transform the habits and mindsets of the modern practitioner and leader.
After nearly three years of navigating the stress and challenges of a global pandemic, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn, connect and share with my colleagues around the state. I hope you’ll register today for the 2022 KMA Annual Meeting. Thank you for being a KMA member. I hope to see you in Louisville next month.
