November 9, 2021 Issue 127 |
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Thankfulness Through the Challenges |
While it’s certainly been yet another unpredictable and challenging year, as KMA President I have found much to be thankful for as we wrap up 2021 and look towards 2022.
Despite COVID-19 remaining part of our lives, the beginning of this year brought with it the widespread availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Acceptance of the vaccine continues to increase. Surveys have shown that physicians are the most trusted source for information about these vaccines. Thanks to KMA’s Take It From Me campaign, the medical profession has been able to reach out to millions of Kentuckians with a PSA series, social media and streaming service ads, and targeted messages in specific areas of the state that encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine. With the news that the vaccine is now available for children ages 5-11, KMA leadership recently decided to expand our campaign to reach out to parents and families about getting our children vaccinated as well. Take a look at our current videos, available on KMA’s YouTube channel, and share them with your patients and community. We as physicians are trusted thought leaders for each of our communities and a critical piece of the effort to protect the lives and health in our commonwealth.
As a pulmonologist and intensivist, I’ve seen firsthand the complications a COVID-19 infection can cause, even in those that are young and otherwise healthy. That’s why I’m also thankful for our partnership with the Anthem Foundation to present “Breathe Better Kentucky,” a year-long campaign that will examine overall lung health in Kentucky and the disparities that exist, and encourage Kentuckians to take charge of their respiratory health. Our campaign just kicked off last month, and I’m excited about the many events and opportunities planned. This includes the premiere of “Fighting to Breathe,” a multi-part series on KET airing this winter which will examine the story of lung disease in Kentucky, including the causes, the impact on those afflicted, and the exciting new developments in treatment and prevention.
While I’m certainly thankful for these partnerships and campaigns, none of these things would be possible without you, our members. KMA’s overall membership grew over the last several years, despite tremendous challenges, most notably the pandemic. I believe this speaks to the incredible value physicians are finding in the work of the KMA, and all that we can accomplish for our practices and patients when we work together. We’ve just entered into the 2022 recruitment and renewal period. If you haven’t yet renewed your KMA membership for 2022, you can do so quickly and easily here. Our KMA is the voice of physicians in Kentucky.
During the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I will count your membership and contributions to the KMA, as well as the opportunity to serve as your President, among some of the things I’m most thankful for. I hope each of you enjoys a restful and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
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2021 Special Election: Donald Douglas, M.D., Elected to Senate District 22 |
Dr. Donald Douglas, medical director and lead physician at Tony Delk IMAC Regeneration Center in Lexington, defeated Democrat and attorney Helen Bukulmez, by over 6,000 votes during the Special Election for the 22nd district senate seat held Nov. 2. The 22nd senate district covers Jessamine, Garrard, Mercer, and Washington counties, including part of Fayette county. The seat was vacant when Senator Tom Buford passed away earlier this year from cancer after serving for 20 years.
Dr. Douglas got his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Louisville Department of Anesthesia with a sub-specialty in pain management. He and his wife, Carol, live in Jessamine County. They have raised three children, all of whom have finished medical school.
The election of Dr. Douglas puts the total number of physicians serving in the Kentucky General Assembly at three. He joins Sen. Ralph Alvarado, M.D., and Sen. Karen Berg, M.D. in the state senate.
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Kentucky Hospital Association COVID-19 Dashboard
The latest update of the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) COVID-19 Dashboard is now available here. The dashboard is an effort to provide current information about hospitalizations and ICU bed usage rates due to the novel Coronavirus.
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'Take It From Me' campaign has 18 new video public-service announcements to promote coronavirus vaccination
Kentuckian, 29, Hospitalized with COVID-19 Speaks Out on Vaccine
Take charge of your lung health, Kentucky. See your doctor and get vaccinated | Opinion
Medical experts urge making lung health a priority to ‘ Breathe Better, Kentucky’; take preventive measures
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Whitney Featured in MD-Update Magazine
KMA member Whitney Jones, M.D., founder of the Kentucky Colon Cancer Prevention Project, was featured in MD-Update magazine for an article he wrote about multi-cancer early detection.
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White says "45 is the new 50' for Colorectal Cancer Screening
KMA member Connie White, M.D., M.S., says "45 is the new 50" in an article in MD-Update magazine about colorectal cancer screening.
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Kentucky Health eNews is sponsored by:
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The exclusively endorsed medical malpractice insurer of the KMA |
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