February 22, 2018 Issue 51

Letting Doctors Be Doctors

It’s no secret that the landscape of healthcare, and particularly the practice of medicine, has changed.

While many improvements have been made in the treatment of disease and injury, the business of caring for patients is now unfortunately influenced greatly by outside parties, particularly policymakers and insurance companies. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to hear that their interests extend somewhat outside of providing quality care for patients. 

KMA is also working beyond the legislative session with a new initiative called  AIM for Better Care: Administrative Improvements in Medicine . AIM is a long-term project that will work toward solutions to lessen administrative burdens that are ultimately detrimental to the health of Kentuckians. It will focus specifically on administrative issues currently impacting treatment for conditions plaguing our residents: smoking, drug abuse, diabetes, obesity and flu/pneumonia. 

KMA Physicians' Day at the Capitol a Success
KMA would like to thank all the members who traveled to Frankfort Feb. 7 for Physicians’ Day at the Capitol.

Despite less than ideal weather, KMA physicians turned out in large numbers and were a powerful presence on the Hill.

Attendees were able to support two KMA priority bills in person as they were heard in committees, and many were able to meet individually with their legislators, which is invaluable in securing support for pro-medicine policies. 

Anita Shanker Leads By Example and Seeks to Develop
Rapport with Colleagues  
When Anita Shanker heard the words “outreach” and “leadership” she knew she wanted to be involved in the KMA Medical Student Outreach and Leadership Program (MSOL).

“It’s important to be aware of the current economic climate and how to negotiate the job market once I graduate. It was really meaningful and beneficial to learn about these things early on,” Shanker said. 

KFMC Grant Brings Lab Testing In House for Family Community Clinic
Former KMA President Fred Williams, M.D., heard about a clinic in Louisville that offers free health care to Louisville metro area residents who don’t have medical insurance.

“Family Community Clinic is a precious resource for the uninsured working poor in the Louisville area,” he said. “It is staffed primarily by volunteers, many of whom are also KMA members.”

Doctor Williams, a KMA Community Connector, sponsored a Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care grant application which provided $2,500 for FCC to provide point of care laboratory tests. See page 10.

MEMBER NEWS
Ballard's Clinic Offers Patients Relief from Chronic Disease

KMA member Deborah Ballard, M.D., was featured in MD-Update for opening Holiwell Health, an integrative medicine practice in Louisville.
Caloia Named Medical Director for Department of Public Health and Wellness

KMA member Lori Caloia, M.D., was named medical director for the Department of Public Health and Wellness.
KMA IN THE NEWS
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