As I prepare to close out my term as President of the Kentucky Medical Association, I find myself reflecting on what a privilege it has been to serve you, our physician community, over the past year. This role has provided me with a front-row seat to the dedication, innovation, and care that defines Kentucky physicians, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me to represent you.
One of my great joys of this year has been leading and witnessing the impact of our Small STEPS, Big Impact public health campaign. This initiative encouraged Kentuckians to take small, manageable steps toward better health through receiving screenings, eliminating tobacco use, promoting exercise and nutrition, seeing your physician, and reducing stress.
To me, this campaign was more than just a message…it was a mission. Through television, social media, and web and print advertisements, we reached thousands of Kentuckians. Physicians across the state embraced the concept, attending our virtual CME events and using campaign messaging to guide meaningful conversations with their patients. The results have been inspiring, and I know the messages have taken root in ways that will continue to grow well beyond this year. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I believe this campaign will remain a cornerstone of KMA’s public health outreach for years to come.
Of course, our work as an association does not end with one campaign or one presidency. The KMA will continue to remain steadfast in its mission to advocate for physicians, advance the practice of medicine, and improve the health of all Kentuckians. A great example of this commitment is coming up this week during KMA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, which will be held Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23, at the Louisville Marriott East. I’d encourage you to attend some outstanding CME offerings, including our keynote speaker, Jordan Grumet, M.D., also known as “Doc G.” He is the author of The Purpose Code, which focuses on how taking small steps towards purpose can make a huge impact. In addition, Doc G is the host of the award-winning Earn & Invest podcast, focusing on financial independence and personal wellness.
Whether you are a long-time attendee or considering joining us for the first time, I encourage you to register (there’s still time!) and be part of the conversation that shapes our profession’s future.
These are changing and challenging times for our profession. At the national, state and even the local level, we are questioned on some of the most basic tools and proven processes we use to treat our patients. We are also blocked by insurers who see us as “cost-drivers,” and insist that we use the cheapest, not necessarily the most effective treatment options. This is also a time when policy leaders and patients are exploring how our society can live healthier lives. We should embrace the opportunity to engage with them and speak with a clear, united voice. These conversations—whether in the public arena or directly with patients—should emphasize the value of exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits, and moderation in the choices that undermine our well-being. The Kentucky Medical Association is, and will remain, the steadfast voice of medicine in these discussions.
That’s what our STEPS campaign and the public health initiatives of my predecessors were all about. KMA cannot be that voice without your support. Your membership matters now more than ever, and I so appreciate the support you have given me and this organization this past year. I always had you in mind every time I spoke to policy leaders, the public or the media. As professionals, you make a difference. And as a group, we can make a profound difference during these challenging times.
Serving as KMA President has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I am continually inspired by the dedication and compassion of Kentucky physicians, and I leave this office confident that the future of medicine in our state is in capable and committed hands, particularly with our President-Elect, Dr. Jiapeng Huang. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Annual Meeting as we continue to tackle this important work—together—one step at a time.