DR . JOHN ROBERTS WELCOMED AT 2016 PRESIDENTS ’ CELEBRATION
Aaron Burch
To begin his 2016-2017 GLMS Presidency , John Roberts , MD , wanted to do something a little different by taking a hard look at the addiction epidemic currently affecting Louisville ’ s population . To give physicians a window into the nature of this disease , Dr . Roberts and GLMS invited members to The Healing Place Women ’ s Campus for the annual Presidents ’ Celebration , held May 22 , 2016 .
The Healing Place , founded by GLMS in 1989 , is one of the most successful addiction centers in the nation , treating hundreds , if not thousands , of residents fighting addiction each year .
Introducing Dr . Roberts , Outgoing GLMS President Robert Couch , MD , MBA , praised the work done by The Healing Place , saying “ It stands as a beacon of light and hope in the community , helping those who feel lost in addiction .” Dr . Couch then welcomed Dr . Roberts to the podium and presented him with the ceremonial president ’ s gavel , the banging of which officially began his 2016-2017 presidency .
As his first act as GLMS President , Dr . Roberts announced the GLMS election results including incoming President-Elect Robert Zaring , MD , MMM , Vice President Wayne Tuckson , MD , and Secretary Monalisa Tailor , MD . He then informed members GLMS and the GLMS Foundation recently made a contribution of $ 10,000 to The Healing Place , part of a five year , $ 50,000 pledge to The Healing Place ’ s capital campaign for a new men ’ s campus . “ It ’ s the looking outward and involvement in our community which sustains us ,” Dr . Roberts said , asking the physicians in attendance for their active involvement to achieve the vision of GLMS .
“ Historically , physicians have been leaders in our community .
This requires more than waiting for the patient to bring an illness to your doorstep . It is about taking health to the community ,” he said . “ So in the coming year I will call upon you , sometimes quite directly , to help . In doing so , I am confident that you will realize again the joy of medicine .”
Artist and psychiatrist Keith Auerbach , MD , contributed to the Presidents ’ Celebration ’ s in-depth look at addiction by bringing 12 art pieces for GLMS members and guests to reflect on as they walked throughout the campus . Sadea , a resident of The Healing Place , shared her story with GLMS members following Dr . Roberts ’ inauguration . A piece of art from Dr . Auerbach ’ s collection was auctioned off and won by Dr . Wayne Tuckson ’ s wife , Brenda , who gave it to Sadea as a gift .
Earlier in the evening , Louisville Medicine Editor Mary Barry , MD , announced the winners of the 2016 Richard Spear , MD , Memorial Essay Contest . Kara Curry , DO , took home first place in the Physician In-Training category for her essay “ Exploring Human Connection for Physicians Within Social Media .” She was presented with a plaque and a check for $ 750 . David Dageforde , MD , was the winner of the Practicing / Life Physician category for his essay “ When Medicine Became More Than a Diagnosis .” He was presented with a plaque and a $ 1,500 check . Both essays can be found in this edition of Louisville Medicine . Runners-up will be published in the coming months . For more coverage of the 2016 Presidents ’ Celebration , visit the June edition of GLMS News .
Aaron Burch is the communications specialist for the Greater Louisville Medical Society .
Your 2016-17 GLMS Officers : President- Elect Robert Zaring , MD , MMM , Board
Chair Robert Couch , MD , MBA , and President Robert Couch , MD .
Dr . Robert Couch , left , passes the presidency to Dr . John Roberts .
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