LEXINGTON — Christine Ko, MD, a Lexington internal medicine physician, was installed as president of the Lexington Medical Society on January 13, 2026, during the LMS Dinner Social held at the Signature Club. Hope Cottrill, MD, a gynecologic oncology physician, was recognized for her outstanding leadership as LMS president in 2025.
Ko, whose platform for this year is physician wellness, stated in her presidential address, “If we can give some focus to our own self-care, I’m talking about humor in our lives, getting our financial house in order, focusing on our own nutrition and exercise, mindfulness and meditation, or even just taking a moment to breathe, I believe it will enable us to stay energetic and optimistic about why we went into medicine – to make a difference and to help improve the health of our fellow Kentuckians.”
The 2026 LMS leadership includes Tina Fawns, MD, vice president, and Daniel Hackett, MD, as the secretary/treasurer. Marisa Belcastro, MD, is the president-elect and Haider Abbas, MD, is the vice president-elect. Cottrill transitions to LMS executive board chair.
KMA Legislative Update and Forecast
Pat Padgett, KMA executive vice-president, gave the audience a preview of possible upcoming actions in the 2026 Kentucky legislative session and KMA priorities of prior authorization and physician wellness. Padgett also discussed expanded scope of practice initiatives by nonphysicians.
KY Physician Day at the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort is scheduled for February 18, 2026.
The next Dinner Social meeting of the Lexington Medical Society will be May 12, 2026, at the Signature Club and will include a healthy living symposium. LMS members can bring a potential member at no charge.
Angela Dearinger, MD, LMS past-president, Pat Padgett, KMA executive VP, and Gil Dunn, editor/publisher of MD-Update.
Hope Cottrill, MD, hands over the ceremonial presidential gavel to Christine Ko, MD.
Bruce Belin, MD, CSGA, LMS past-president, and Thomas Hunter, MD, radiation oncologist with Baptist Health.
Marisa Belcastro, MD, Lexington Clinic, LMS president-elect, and husband Damien Bell.
Alan Beckman, MD, radiation oncologist with Baptist Health with his colleague Jonathan Feddock, MD.
Pat Padgett, KMA executive VP, listed KMA priorities and potential legislation in the 2026 session in Frankfort.
Photos by Joe Omielan