And let’ s face it: medicine is too complex, too nuanced, for us to succeed in silos. It demands teamwork.
How many doctors does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one— but only after waiting two weeks for prior authorization and three phone calls to prove the room is actually dark. We may not need teamwork to change one lightbulb, but we need to stick together if we’ re going to change the system that makes something so simple so difficult.
Physicians are the leaders in medicine here in Louisville, and we prioritize patient care every single day. We save lives, whether it’ s in preventive care or emergency care. We save lives. And we have our patient’ s well-being at heart.
Yet, we face significant challenges that threaten our ability to serve our patients effectively. It’ s time we let it be known again that training matters. That we are compassionate medical professionals. That the burdens placed on us hinder our ability to provide care. That we are the ones to trust with your life. Being a physician is one of the most rewarding professions you can do. It’ s crazy how little physicians are recognized for it.
Today, I want us to think of“ physicians together.” I want to emphasize a unifying truth: regardless of our individual practice settings or specialties, we are all dedicated to the same noble mission— providing the best possible care for our patients. Our diverse backgrounds may lead us down different paths— be it in hospitals, private practice or academics— but our commitment to patient care binds us. We share common challenges, such as navigating regulatory changes, addressing health disparities and advocating for our patients’ needs. By collaborating and supporting one another, we can enhance our ability to overcome these obstacles. Let us celebrate our differences while also finding common ground in our shared purpose. can move forward together.
I’ ve seen what can happen when people show up. When I started Snot Force Alliance, I wasn’ t sure how many specialists would actually come to discuss sinusitis or asthma or whatever crossover condition was on the agenda— but they came. And they stayed. Because deep down, we all want the same thing: to solve problems, to share ideas and yes— to have a little fun along the way.
So today, I’ m asking all of the physicians here to show up. Show up for each other. Show up for your patients. Show up for this incredible medical community we, and others before us, have built here in Louisville. And bring others along with you!
Let’ s not be divided by where we practice or how we practice. Let’ s focus instead on what unites us: our shared humanity and our desire to make a difference. Together, we can build bridges where there are walls. We can find common ground where there is division. And we can strengthen the bonds that make us not just colleagues but collaborators.
I’ ll leave you with this: medicine is hard work. But no matter how hard it gets, remember that we are not alone in this journey. We have each other. And when we work together— when we truly collaborate— not only do we become better doctors; we become better people. And our patients will benefit from that.
Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to working with all of you to make this year one of connection, innovation and progress for the Greater Louisville Medical Society. Thank you.
Dr. Higgins is a rhinologist in private practice at Kentuckiana ENT, a division of ENTCC, and President and Chairman of the Board of ENT Care Centers( ENTCC).
As physicians, we have the power to influence change and improve health outcomes not just for individuals, but for communities as a whole. When we stand together, we amplify our voices in advocating for policies that support health care access and quality improvement. I urge each of you to engage with your fellow physicians. Let us foster an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas are exchanged freely and mutual respect is paramount. Together, we can truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
During my presidency, my goal is to strengthen that unity. The Greater Louisville Medical Society has powerful resources to foster collaboration among physicians— resources that can break down barriers and bring us closer together as a profession. GLMS can be your home— a place where every voice matters and every member contributes to the greater good.
But let’ s be real: collaboration isn’ t always easy. It requires effort. It requires listening to each other, even when we disagree. And it requires showing up— not just physically, but mentally and emotionally— to engage in meaningful conversations about how we
June 2025 5