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Katherine L. Williams, MD, of Covington Named Louisiana State Medical Society President
On Friday, January 24, 2020, Katherine L. Williams, MD, of Covington was sworn in as President of the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS). The LSMS House of Delegates, the official policy-making body for the organization, met the same day to discuss current health care issues, decide on a course of action for the coming year, and welcome its new leaders.
As president-elect for the Society, Dr. Williams spent 2019 learning more about the society's involvement in key health care issues at both the state and federal legislative levels.
"It is a privilege and an honor to serve as the 140th president of the Louisiana State Medical Society. I am extremely appreciative of this opportunity and the trust placed in me. I, along with the other members of the LSMS leadership team, am absolutely committed to doing what is best for this organization," Williams said in her inauguration remarks.
Dr. Williams received her undergraduate degree from University of New Orleans in Psychology and graduated from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her residency at the LSU Medical Center in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and practices OB/GYN with St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Fairway Medical Center, and Lakeview Regional Medical Center.
"I am here today, as your president and a culmination of 22 years of service, because I believe in my training. I believe in my profession. And I believe in you, the members of the Louisiana State Medical Society; that together, we can heal, not just ourselves, but the people of Louisiana," added Williams.
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Thank you to all delegates, guests, and sponsors who joined in our Thursday night welcome reception to kick off the 2020 Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates... in true Mardi Gras style! For more pictures, click here.
We would like to thank not only our expert panelists including distinguished attorneys Brent Hicks and Scott Keaty, as well as Randy Roig, MD, but our members and delegates for your engagement in the robust discussion of non-compete clauses. It is extremely important that you understand what you are bound to within the terms of your employment contract as well as what is generally enforceable in Louisiana. If you missed the informative panel discussion you can view it here or click here to view the slides.
 Louisiana State Medical Society Presents Physicians' Awards
An Awards Luncheon was held during the meeting to make note of the outstanding accomplishments of various members. The LSMS welcomed three new members to the Hall of Fame, an award established to recognize members, both living and deceased, who have contributed long-term meritorious services and valuable leadership to the organization. This year, Anthony P. Blalock, MD, of Lafayette, David L. Glancy, MD, of Folsom, and Irving M. Blatt, MD, MS, MHA, FACS, FACFM, FAAFE, of Schriever, were recognized for their service in both elected and appointed positions that have contributed to the LSMS in unique ways. After joining the society in 2000, Dr. Blalock became a very active member, serving on various committees and holding a variety of leadership positions, most notably becoming the youngest LSMS president in 2012. Fellow inductee, Dr. Glancy, has been affiliated with the organization since 2001, finding his niche with the Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society, to which he has served as Assistant Editor and Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Blatt was also named a member of the Hall of Fame (posthumous) for his six decades of service, to which he served the organization as a member of the House of Delegates, Board of Governors, Council on Legislation, Council on Members Services, LAMPAC, and several others. In 2016, Dr. Blatt was awarded the Dave Tarver Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor to a LSMS member, which has only been awarded 17 times in the society's 141-year history.
Charlotte N. P. Hutton, MD, of Lafayette was awarded with its Physician Award of Community Service. This award was established to provide recognition to a member who is actively involved in community and civic activities above and beyond their responsibilities in the practice of medicine. The award is given in appreciation of the time and personal investment given by physicians to the welfare of their communities and the positive reflection this service brings to the medical profession. Dr. Hutton has been a staunch advocate for the well-being of children in her ongoing work with the Children's Defense Fund, as well as the well-being of those affected by disaster, as noted by her work with the AHMHA and Katrina Mental Health Coalition supported by the APA. She continues to volunteer her time, share her expertise, and provide outstanding leadership in many local community-based settings.
The LSMS presented Rose Kuplesky, RN, BSN, ND, of Simmesport with its Citation of a Layman for Distinguished Service, an award created to recognize a person not of medical profession who has contributed to the fulfillment of the ideals of Louisiana Medicine. Kuplesky serves as the Nursing Administrator and Doctor of Natural Medicine at the Country Clinic in Simmesport and has worked tirelessly with state and local leadership to build the Avoyelles Medical Society Alliance into one of the most active medical associations in Louisiana. Kuplesky has served as a member of the LAMPAC Board and currently sits on the LSMS Council on Legislation, along with assisting her local organization in acquiring grant funding and support.
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD, FACS, of New Orleans was recognized as the recipient of the Dave Tarver Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to a member who has shown exceptional leadership and meritorious service to the organization. Palmisano's goal throughout his medical career has been to protect ethical, science-based medicine and patients. Throughout his tenure, he has been widely quoted on leadership principles, medical liability reform, and patient safety as noted by his extensive leadership and consulting roles. Dating back to the mid-1970's, Palmisano has had an active role in advocating for the medical profession and ensuring the ability to practice for all of those involved.
 LAMPAC members who attended this year's membership meeting received a briefing on last year's committee activities including election results. LAMPAC Board member and LSMS Chairman of the Council on Legislation, David Broussard, MD, opened the meeting and thanked Robert Bass, MD for his years of leadership. Dr. Bass has taken a new position in Tennessee but continued to work hard on our behalf through the elections.
During the breakfast meeting, attendees were told that the committee contributed just under $100,000 to 63 endorsed candidates. Members were excited to learn that 81% of endorsed Senate candidates and 78% of endorsed House candidates were successful in their efforts to get elected. LSMS staff thanked board member physicians for the extra hours and dedication to reviewing and meeting candidates, as well as, hand delivering contributions to endorsed candidates. The board members present at the breakfast enjoyed sharing their stories from these meetings and being a part of our election outreach social media campaign.
In other business:
- Attendees were updated on bylaws cleanup efforts over the year and made aware that the Board chose to continue Contribution Club benefits at the same levels as last year.
- The nominating report put forth was amended to add new members and approved.
- 2019-2020 Members include:
- District 4 - Lee Stevens, MD, and Rick Michael, MD
- District 6 - Susan Bankson, MD, and Paul Perkowski, MD
- District 8 - Michael Dole, MD
- District 10 - Katherine Wiliams, MD, and James Conerly, MD
- COL Chair - David Broussard, MD (One-year term elected by LSMS)
- 2020-2021 Members include:
- District 1 - Vincent Culotta, MD
- District 3 - Mark Hebert, MD, and Christopher Rodrigue, MD
- District 5 - Vincent Forte, MD
- District 7 - John Noble, MD, and John VanHoose, MD
- District 9 - Andy Blalock, MD, and Rod Clark, MD
- Alliance - Rose Kuplesky (One-year term)
- Resident / Fellow - Omar Leonards, MD (One-year term)
Officers were elected by the new board.
They are:
- John Noble, MD - Chairman
- Susan Bankston, MD - Vice Chairman
- Katherine Williams, MD - Secretary
- Rod Clark, MD - Treasurer
- David Broussard, MD - LSMS COL Chairman and automatic member of the Executive Committee.
A 2020 Outlook to include grassroots advocacy events and expected legislation during the upcoming session was presented.
If you are interested in learning more about LAMPAC or joining, please click here.
Thank you to all our contributors. We recognize that it's your support that makes us successful.
Thank you to Vincent A. Culotta, Jr., MD, Executive Director of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) and LSMS Past President, for updating the House at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates.
Thank you to Christopher Foret, MD, Chairman of the Patients' Compensation Fund (PCF), for updating the House at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates.
 Thank you to all who came to dance the night away with "Party @ Joe's" on Friday, January 24, 2020, at the Inauguration Gala Honoring the 140th LSMS President, Katherine Williams, MD. The night was a huge success and an event you truly do not want to miss in the future!
Membership Update
NEW 100% physician membership group in 2020!
We are proud to welcome Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and their more than 600 employed physicians across the state of Louisiana. In addition to primary care, this experienced group of doctors specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of illnesses and complex medical problems.
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