February 20, 2020 Issue 99
Leadership and Legacy

Two weeks ago, I was honored to join more than 100 physicians and medical students for KMA’s Physicians’ Day at the Capitol. This annual event brings together doctors from every specialty and every corner of the Commonwealth to advocate for the issues that matter most to our practices and patients. As someone who spends a lot of time in Frankfort during the legislative session, it is a special thing to witness the halls of the Capitol Annex fill with white coats there to impact positive change. 

However, the highlight of this year’s Physicians’ Day was an event I wish did not have to happen. Sen. Ralph Alvarado, M.D. filed Senate Resolution 11, which honored the contributions and legacy of our late KMA President-Elect, Robert Couch, M.D., and it was presented on the Senate floor during Physicians’ Day. Dr. Couch was a tireless advocate and spent more time in Frankfort and Washington, D.C. on behalf of his colleagues and patients than most anyone I know. While donning Dr. Couch’s white coat, Sen. Alvarado recognized Dr. Couch’s wife and daughters as well as the dozens of physicians who watched from the Senate gallery as one of their own received the honorable recognition for his life of service. For those who would like to share in this moment, video from the proceedings is available here and the recognition of Dr. Couch begins at 21:25.

KMA Physicians Advocate for Patients, Medicine During 2020 Day at the Capitol
More than 100 physicians and medical students descended upon Frankfort on Feb. 6 for KMA’s annual Physicians’ Day at the Capitol. Attendees were welcomed by KMA President Brent Wright, M.D. and began the day with a legislative briefing from KMA Deputy Executive Vice President and Director of Advocacy Cory Meadows. Following legislator visits, physicians and legislators enjoyed a lunch buffet and continued important advocacy discussions.

A highlight of the day’s events was the reading of Senate Resolution 11, filed by Sen. Ralph Alvarado, M.D., which honored the contributions and advocacy of late KMA President-Elect Robert Couch, M.D., who passed away in November. Physicians were recognized in the Senate Gallery and Sen. Alvarado joined the majority of attendees in donning his white coat on the Senate floor during the reading. The reading of the resolution is available here and begins at 21:25.

A gallery of photos from Physicians’ Day at the Capitol is available here . 
2020 KMA Annual Meeting Theme Announced
Members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2020 KMA Annual Meeting, to be held Aug. 28-30 at the Louisville Marriott East. The event will also feature the popular “Meet the Mandates” program, where physicians can earn all of their mandated CME before the end of the three-year cycle.
 
The theme of this year’s meeting is “I AM KMA: More than Medicine,” which will celebrate the individual contributions and accomplishments of physicians as leaders in their communities, advocates for change, educators and more.
 
Registration and additional meeting details are forthcoming. For more information, contact Miranda Mosley, KMA Education Director, mosley@kyma.org
MSOL Grad Rachel Safeek Leads the Way for Local and Global Health

Rachel Safeek, a second-year medical school student at the University of Louisville, is combining her passion for public and global health with her love of medicine.

The daughter of immigrant parents, her father Yisreal is a former anesthesiologist originally from South America and her mother Gina is a former nurse from the Philippines. Fluent in Portuguese, Safeek has completed public health work in South America, and hopes to continue work abroad after graduating medical school.

MEMBER NEWS
Granacher Gives Hope to Patients Experiencing Resistant Depression

KMA member Robert Granacher, M.D., MBA , medical director at the Transformation Center at Saint Joseph East in Lexington, was featured in MD-Update magazine for his cutting-edge solutions for patients who have treatment resistant depression.
Wright Contributes to "Tax E-Cigarettes" Op-Ed

KMA President R. Brent Wright, M.D. , contributed to op-ed, “Tax e-cigarettes to protect Kentucky kids from the vaping industry,” which was picked up by several media outlets.
Don't know your user name and password? Click here .
9300 Shelbyville Road Suite 850
Louisville, Kentucky 40222
502.426.6200
Kentucky Health eNews  is sponsored by:
The exclusively endorsed medical malpractice insurer of the KMA