Louisville Medicine Volume 72, Issue 1 | Page 11

Dedicated to my father Dr . Lewis Hargett ’ s career in medicine

In my lifetime , I have only known my father , Dr . Lewis Hargett , to be a proud husband , father and dedicated medical doctor . His drive to provide the best care for patients has echoed throughout his career and was further noted during the COVID-19 pandemic .

During the COVID-19 pandemic , my father had to meet the demand of providing medical care for his patients in addition to protecting himself from the virus . After the vaccine came out , he was an ardent proponent of dispelling myths , stigma or hesitancy in receiving it . His goal was to treat and give patients the best medical advice in order to keep them protected .
Also , one of the hardest sacrifices my father encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic was isolating himself from my mother . He rendered medical care to patients and did not want to expose my mother to the virus . In a time where our country stood still , he knew that for her safety it was best to distance himself . By making these tough decisions , he displayed strong servant leadership .
My father was born and raised in Valdosta , Georgia near the Georgia / Florida state line and gained his proclivity for hard work from his family . This was the cornerstone of guiding my father into having a strong work ethic .
Many times , he will say he has lived in Louisville , Kentucky much longer than his childhood in Georgia . He considers the city of Louisville as his career start . This doesn ’ t just include University of Louisville medical residency , but to the matriculation into the next part of life . He has also served as president in other Louisville organizations and developed a long-standing respectable reputation in the community . He cherishes Louisville and how the city welcomed him more than 35 years ago .
In essence , the Greater Louisville Medical Society is in good hands . My father has dedicated his life to medicine and bettering the community that he calls home . Medicine is an essential part of his life . During his tenure as GLMS President , I only expect him to push the organization to go beyond expectations .
-Lewis Kenley Hargett , Jr .
June 2024 9