Welcome to The "It's All in Your Head" Issue of MD-Update

We’ve wrapped up another year of MD-Update with a great issue for you including physician engagement, innovation, and exploration.

Our cover story on Dr. Abigail Rao at the Norton Neuroscience Institute leads the way with a new treatment for essential tremors brought on by Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Rao was very generous with her time speaking with us and sharing the results of the treatments for her patients. Her work gives her patients back the simple tasks of writing their names, feeding themselves or using their phones.

Spine surgeons Dr. Vincent DePalma and Dr. David Freeman are two young, fellowship-trained surgeons who came to Kentucky recently and have found a home here. Dr. DePalma is building a robust spine practice in London, Kentucky, with CHI Saint Joseph Health. Dr. Freeman joined UofL Health after completing training at University of Miami.

I invite you to read how both Drs. DePalma and Freeman are creating a new generation of spine surgeons serving patients in Kentuckiana, northern Tennessee, and West Virginia.

The Public’s Health

Most of us have our work silos, our defined places, either physically or by area of interest and topics. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has no such boundaries or barriers. Its mission is “to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention, promotion and protection.”

The KDPH’s patient population is 4.5 million+, all ages and every category. The KDPH, under the leadership of HFS Secretary Eric Friedlander and Commissioner Dr. Stephen Stack has nearly 150 different programs designed to help Kentuckians get healthier. One success story is the high level of lung cancer screening and smoking cessation among Kentuckians that the KDPH’s work has achieved. MD-Update is very proud to help spread the word about these programs in this issue, among others. Our thanks to Ellen Cartmell, Nicole Key, Claire Weeks, and Nirvana Nawar for contributing to this issue of MD-Update.

Physician Engagement and Innovation

The Kentucky Medical Association has a new president, Dr. Evelyn Montgomery Jones, and a new initiative, “Small STEPS, Big Impact.” The KMA and Dr. Jones have gathered a group of physician thought- leaders who will be community ambassadors, focusing on the messages of screening, ending tobacco use, exercise, and nutrition. Read more about it on page 4 and get involved if you can.

AI, whether you call it artificial or augmented intelligence, is here to stay. The Lexington Medical Society held a symposium and panel discussion recently. Dr. Danesh Mazloomdoost, a thought leader in the area of AI, gives us a recap and his thoughts on the benefits and challenges of AI on pages 30-31.

Looking Ahead to 2025

After 14 years and 155 successive columns, I want to thank Scott Neal for his continuing dedication to sharing wise, prudent financial advice through his columns in MD-Update. Be the road ahead rocky or smooth, Scott will keep his eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Read Scott’s outlook for 2025 on page 8.

The 2025 MD-Update editorial calendar is on the preceding page. When you see your specialty, contact me. If your specialty isn’t included, and you have a story to tell, that’s another reason to call me. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.