STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
After many years in local leadership positions , Dr . Bruce Scott was inaugurated as the 168th President of the Kentucky Medical Association , August 2018 .
With more than 30 years of leadership in various local , state , and national organized medicine groups , Dr . Bruce Scott was inaugurated as the 179th President of the American Medical Association at their Annual Meeting in Chicago , July 2024 .
Q : What advice would you give to young physicians and / or medical students looking to get their foot in the door with organized medicine ?
A : Join up , sign up , show up and you will move up . The first step is becoming a member – and that is simple and inexpensive as a student or resident physician . Then volunteer for a committee or a task force . Come to a meeting , listen and participate . Then stay involved . Find what you are passionate about and stay with it . Organized medicine , whether at the county , state , specialty society or national level , is always looking for emerging young leaders .
To repeat the advice that I was given – do your homework , have courage and never give up . After years of involvement , I would add : listen intently to others , particularly those with different or opposing opinions . Early in my involvement , I was told that I didn ’ t need to fix everything right away , but if I kept at it , most things could be fixed . I guess that ’ s why I have been at it for all these years .
Q : How have your various roles influenced the physician and leader you are today ?
A : My involvement in organized medicine has deepened my medical knowledge and broadened my perspective . Through
GLMS , I met local colleagues from different specialties , many of whom still interact with me in the care of patients . My years in KMA have given me a better understanding of the challenges facing our state and rural health care in general . On a national level , my leadership roles have provided a perspective of the influence of federal legislature , administration and courts on the everyday practice of medicine . Simultaneously , I have seen the power of advocacy to effect change that impacts communities or even patients nationwide .
Over my years of involvement , I ’ ve been fortunate to have found talented mentors to guide me and hone my leadership skills . Each has left an indelible mark on me . I continue to learn from those leaders surrounding me .
On a personal level , I have met so many remarkable individuals – deeply dedicated physicians and patient advocates , brilliant scientists and talented clinicians . Many who have become close friends . I believe I am a better practicing physician , a more effective leader and a more fulfilled person because of my various roles in organized medicine .
Dr . Scott is board-certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and is President of Kentuckiana Ear , Nose & Throat .
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