KENTUCKY RANKS HIGH nationally in brain cancer tumors, probably because Kentucky has a high rate of other forms of cancers and those often metastasize to the brain. Our cover story profiles Dr. Akshitkumar Mistry, neurosurgeon at UofL Health, who sheds light on the topic along with his passion for research, teaching, some unique instances of neurosurgery, and the value of the clinical trials that his patients participate in.
It begins on page 12. I believe you will enjoy getting to know Dr. Mistry and his story; I did. I also invite you to read our story on Dr. Larry Goldstein, chair of Neurology Department at UK HealthCare and co-director for the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute. He’s a busy man whose department is focused on treating all types of neurological conditions in Kentucky. Our story on Dr. Nicole Everman talks about her expansive neurology practice including multiple sclerosis at Saint Joseph Health. Our story on Drs. Justin Phillips and Jason Crowley at Norton Healthcare talks about a new subcutaneous pump for administering treatment for controlling movement disorders.
CATCH 22 – Yossarian Lives!
I’m re-reading Catch 22, the classic American novel from 1962. I found it at the free library at my YMCA. It practically jumped off the shelf to me. It’s still hilarious. If you’re familiar with the story, you know that it is as relevant today as when it was written. If you haven’t read it, you’re missing out.
I asked a 30-year-old friend if he knew what the phrase “Catch 22” meant. He said, “It’s kind of an inconvenience, right…?”
I replied, “It’s a lot more than an inconvenience. It’s an irreconcilable dilemma, where two positions are in direct contradiction with each other, and both are more, or less, valid. No matter which one you choose, you’ve got a problem. There’s no good answer or choice.”
Catch 22 explores and exposes absurdity, hypocrisy, self-delusion, and self-justification. Does that sound familiar? What’s your Catch 22?
Golf Pictures and Other Events
The Lexington Clinic Foundation’s Golf Tournament was back in the warmer, sunnier days of October, and we promised to share the photos. They remind me that we’ve passed the winter solstice and that longer, brighter days are coming our way. I hope we got all the names correct in the captions. If not, I’m sorry about that. I tried my best.
Other events we covered include a Bourbon Barrel Tasting hosted by P&C Labs, a symposium on international mission work presented by the Lexington Medical Society, and the UofL Depression Center’s annual conference.
The 2026 MD-Update editorial calendar is on the preceding page. When you see your specialty and you have a story to tell, contact me. If your specialty isn’t included, that’s another reason to reach out to me. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
