The University of Louisville School of Medicine admires the strong support of its partners. One such partner, the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS), reinforces the School of Medicine’s goal of providing students with a seamless transition into their future as a medical professional. Led by their president, Lewis Hargett, MD, GLMS recently held their annual golf scramble where they raised money to provide scholarships to ULSOM students. The whole ULSOM community thanks GLMS for their backing and encourages faculty, staff, and students to get involved with the organization.

ULSOM: What is the mission behind GLMS?

Hargett: The Greater Louisville Medical Society empowers physicians by creating engaging experiences, advancing meaningful advocacy, and building impactful relationships in the community.

ULSOM: In what ways can ULSOM students benefit from the services and resources offered by GLMS?

Hargett: With the leadership of our physician members, GLMS advocates at a local and state level for all its physicians – that means everyone from aspiring physicians (medical students) to our retired physicians. In addition to advocacy, we host various events throughout the year; one is specifically for M1 and M2 students called Specialty Speed Networking. This award-winning event is like “speed dating” but for medical specialties. Several practicing physicians come out for an evening to share their insights with medical students to help them choose the right specialty for them (specialties are chosen based on M1 and M2 preferences). Another event and opportunity for our M3 and M4 students is the opportunity to apply for a scholarship through our GLMS Foundation Doctor’s Cup Golf Scramble. As of this year, we have awarded a total of 88 students with scholarships. We also provide four free confidential counseling sessions with a psychologist for all our members, to help prevent burnout.

ULSOM: How does GLMS support ULSOM faculty and staff?

Hargett: We sponsor the white coats and professional head shots for incoming medical students at the White Coat Ceremony. In addition to the items mentioned above, GLMS and the GLMS Foundation host various events throughout the year that provide educational and networking opportunities. We also offer a means to give back and invest in the health and well-being of our community by facilitating healthy, organic food giveaways, medical screenings, and resources to those in need in the Greater Louisville area.

ULSOM: What can medical students do to support the mission of GLMS?

Hargett: Get involved, come to an event, write for Louisville Medicine, and let us know you are interested in getting more involved by emails info@glms.org.

ULSOM: How can ULSOM students, staff, and faculty get involved with GLMS?

Hargett: There are several ways students, staff, and faculty can get involved with GLMS.

• Advocacy: Students and faculty with a MD or DO are able to get involved with our Policy & Advocacy Team and work alongside physicians to help with a variety of legislative issues. This team develops resolutions for the KMA Annual Meeting. We will host our Legislative Reception early in 2025 where we invite legislators and Metro Council members to a cocktail reception with our members to have informal discussions about pressing issues. There is also Physicians’ Day at the Capitol where physicians and medical students from across the state go to Frankfort to meet with legislators face-to-face to further discuss those issues in a more formal setting.
• Louisville Medicine: GLMS members are invited to write in our monthly magazine, which is available online and in print and is mailed to physician’s homes (there are also copies in the homerooms on campus). We have a theme each month, but we also have a “non-theme section” in each issue, so we encourage and welcome people to write on any topic at any time. We also have an annual essay contest with cash prize that will kick off in January and winning and honorable mention essays will be published in Louisville Medicine.
• The GLMS Foundation: Volunteer with The GLMS Foundation, which is the charitable arm of GLMS and does some incredible work. While they are constantly doing things throughout the year to help better the health and wellness of physicians and our community, they host two major events throughout the year, the next upcoming is our Doctor’s Cup golf tournament. This raises money for medical student scholarships, and this year, we gave out $12,500 to ten ULSOM students (total of $125,000 scholarships awarded this year)! The Foundation also hosts the Doctors’ Ball, which is both a fundraiser and award ceremony for physicians from all hospital systems and private practices. In addition, we are also always looking for volunteers to help at one of our community events throughout the year.

It is evident that Dr. Hargett and the rest of the team at the Greater Louisville Medical Society are dedicated to creating pathways for excellence in the medical community. The School of Medicine thanks GLMS for their unwavering partnership and constant support of our students, faculty, and staff.