There is no doubt that the University of Louisville School of Medicine has unparalleled faculty that are not only at the forefront of education and research, but also remain involved in a variety of organizations. One such faculty member is Jiapeng Huang, MD, PhD, who was recently named president-elect of the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA). Dr. Huang currently serves as Deputy Director, Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center and Deputy Director, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, among other ULSOM roles.

ULSOM: What is the mission of KMA and how does it impact health care?

Huang: KMA works to make Kentucky a better place to practice medicine, while also working to improve public health. We were the first organization to come out with public service announcements during COVID-19, and our push for lung cancer screenings a few years ago moved the needle to increase lung screenings around the state. This focus on public health has become a mainstay of the organization and I am most proud of that work.

ULSOM: How did you get involved in KMA and what has your involvement looked like up to this point?

Huang: I started as a Resident member in 2003 and have been a member ever since. I have always tried to take advantage of opportunities over the years, but my leadership engagement really began when I attended and graduated from the KMA’s Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute (KPLI) in 2018. That experience opened my eyes to so much that KMA does, most notably public and legislative advocacy, and it provided me with the opportunity to get to know others involved in the organization. In 2020, I was elected KMA Secretary/Treasurer, which made me part of the KMA board and executive committee. That opportunity let me see up close the operational side of the organization, as well as helping to plan and execute the KMA’s political and public advocacy agenda.

ULSOM: As Kentucky Medical Association President-Elect, what does your role entail for the organization?

Huang: I will remain on both the board and executive committee for the coming year. But one of the exciting parts of the role is planning for the future. For instance, the new KMA President, Dr. Evelyn Montgomery Jones, is planning a public health initiative regarding overall wellness. She and I worked together this past year to develop it, and I plan to carry it forward when I become KMA President, making it a two-year initiative to promote healthy behaviors in Kentucky. We are also exploring some organizational updates and looking at ways to expand our advocacy efforts.

ULSOM: How do you see your new role influencing your work with the University of Louisville School of Medicine?

Huang: I hope to accomplish a few things. First, I want to encourage all the attending physicians, residents/fellows, and medical students within the ULSOM to become KMA members and take the opportunity – like I did – to engage with other physicians and physician leaders. Being actively engaged makes you a better physician. Second, I’d like to find ways for KMA and ULSOM to work together, likely through KMA’s public health initiatives. To really move the needle in public health, we all have to work together. Third, KMA provides free online CME to KMA members, and I’d like to work with physicians at UL to present on issues of mutual interests. And finally, I’d like to focus on our medical students. KMA has a wonderful Medical Student Outreach and Leadership Program (MOSL), and I think it will help them all become better physicians if they complete it. The program opens their eyes to issues outside the clinical setting and provides a great opportunity for them to get involved.

Just as Dr. Huang is anticipating the opportunity to bring his experience as KMA president-elect back to the School of Medicine, ULSOM is looking forward to all that will be accomplished throughout Dr. Huang’s term with KMA. Congratulations, Dr. Huang!