From Operating Rooms to Quiet Conversations:
Wear the White Coat 2025 by Kathryn Vance
In its 12th year, GLMS proudly hosted the Wear the White Coat Experience, an annual program designed to bring community leader“ VIPs” into physicians’ practices for a close-up look at the realities of modern medicine. The 2025 class gathered in September for a lively“ Pre-Op” kickoff breakfast at the Kentucky Science Center, where leaders met the physicians they would shadow over the coming weeks. From primary care clinics to surgical suites, they spent the next two months observing the daily demands, challenges and triumphs of patient care.
In November, participants reunited at the celebratory“ Post-Op” dinner at Frazier History Museum, where stories flowed freely and connections deepened. Some recounted witnessing complex procedures like orthopedic and brain surgeries, while others reflected on quieter but equally powerful moments: conversations with families, collaborative problem-solving among care teams and the compassion woven into everyday interactions.
As always, the evening was filled with laughter, gratitude and a few heartfelt tears as both physicians and VIPs reflected on the unexpected impact of their time together. Over the next several months( starting in this issue, see the following page!), GLMS will highlight individual testimonials and stories from this year’ s participants, so stay tuned for those.
We extend our deepest thanks to every physician preceptor and community leader who made the 2025 Wear the White Coat Experience such a success. The relationships built through this program are meaningful, lasting and central to strengthening the bond between health care and the community it serves.
If you’ re a physician interested in serving as a preceptor for next year’ s program, please contact Kathryn Vance at kathryn. vance @ glms. org.
Kathryn Vance is the Communications Manager at the Greater Louisville Medical Society.
( continued on page 24) January 2026 23