CALLED TO SERVE
( continued from page 11 ) health care professionals will continue to translate and train our communities to advocate for their own health education . To this end , FCMS held a listening session with Norton Healthcare leaders on the upcoming West End project and explained some features to consider that might bridge this gap . We publicized our personal COVID-19 vaccination stories and safety recommendations to encourage the public to take the pandemic seriously . When the West Louisville Math & Science Project approached us about participating in their Exploring Human Anatomy event , we filled the tables to talk to community members about anatomy and physiology .
FCMS hosted the NMA Region III Meeting in 2021 and put on an outstanding educational program , highlighting local thought-leaders as well as talented students and residents . Our members serve in leadership positions of the NMA as well as in local organizations like the Greater Louisville Medical Society and the Kentucky Medical Association to represent the interests of all patients , but especially the underserved populations . This year , at the KMA Annual Meeting , we pushed for the creation of a task-force to reduce gun violence , and I look forward to serving on that committee . that regardless of appearance , future generations of Louisvillians will be cared for by a steady , diverse stream of culturally competent and compassionate physicians . Who better to encourage a young Black person to work toward a career in medicine than someone
who has come from the same background ? Who can address the undiscussed needs and navigate the barriers of Black patients better than their sons and daughters , nieces and nephews , cousins and grandchildren ? I love this work , uplifting the health and wellness of all of Louisville , but especially Black Louisville . I am grateful for those before me who have walked the walk . The original Falls City Medical Society pushed for diversity and equality in health care and our FCMS has taken up the charge to continue increasing the number of qualified Black physicians and improving the health and wellness of our community .
Dr . Adkins is a critical care anesthesiologist in the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at UofL ’ s Heart Hospital .
Thankfully , this country has made progress from its time of denying equal access to life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens . Because our predecessors demanded access , Black doctors are no longer closed out from educational and advocacy opportunities . But there remains a role for organizations dedicated to supporting Black physicians and identifying and eliminating disparities in health care . Falls City Medical Society exists to ensure
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