FROM THE PRESIDENT by Thomas Higgins, MD, MSPH, MBA
The Empty Chair in Frankfort: Why We Need a Sea of White Coats on February 18
There is an old adage in politics that is worn out because it is true:“ If you aren’ t at the table, you’ re on the menu.”
As physicians, we are comfortable at the bedside. We are comfortable in the operating room. We are comfortable in the clinic. But far too many of us are uncomfortable in the hallways of the Capitol in Frankfort. We tell ourselves that we are too busy seeing patients to take a day off. We tell ourselves that our dues and our PAC checks are enough, that we have“ hired” people to handle the politics for us.
But here is the hard reality of a 60-day budget session: A lobbyist can make an introduction, but only a physician can make an impact.
When a legislator looks out from the balcony of the rotunda, they notice two things: who is there, and who isn’ t. Every day that the“ Sea of White Coats” is absent, that vacuum is filled by insurance executives, hospital administrators and scope-expansion lobbyists who are advocating for their bottom lines, often at the expense of our patients’ safety and our practices’ viability.
My theme for this year as GLMS President is“ Physicians Together.” In the political arena, isolation is a vulnerability. An individual doctor complaining about prior authorization is easily dismissed as an anecdote. But when we stand as Physicians Together – a unified front of primary care, specialists, residents and students – we become an undeniable force that cannot be ignored.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, we have a chance to change the visual.
We are heading to Frankfort for Physicians’ Day at the Capitol. This is not a field trip; it is a professional investment.
» We are facing a critical budget session that will determine the financial reality of Medicaid reimbursement for the next two years.
» We are fighting to finally pass“ Gold Card” legislation to relieve the crushing administrative burden of prior authorization.
» We are holding the line on scope of practice to ensure that Kentucky patients are treated by leaders with medical degrees.
These issues determine whether you burn out or thrive. They determine whether you retain your clinical autonomy or are reduced to just another“ provider” in a spreadsheet.
To my fellow attending physicians: I am asking you to clear your schedule for one day. The ROI of this single day, where you can look a Senator or Representative in the eye and explain why prior authorization delays are hurting your patients, is worth more than a week of emails.
To our medical students and residents: You are the future of this profession. You are currently mastering the science of medicine, but Frankfort dictates the business of medicine. I invite you to join us. Stand next to us. Watch how policy is made so that you don’ t have to spend your career fixing it later. There is nothing more powerful to a legislator than seeing a seasoned physician standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the next generation of care.
Don’ t leave the chair empty. Let’ s show them what Physicians Together looks like.
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).
JOIN THE SEA OF WHITE COATS Event: Physicians’ Day at the Capitol Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Location: Kentucky State Capitol, Frankfort
How to Register: Register with KMA at kyma. org / kma-physicians-day-at-the-capitol-2026 / and make sure to set up meetings with your legislators. Please reach out to Kathryn Vance at kathryn. vance @ glms. org with any questions.
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