On Aug. 19, we officially welcomed the Wear the White Coat Class of 2026 with our annual “pre-op” breakfast at the Louisville Boat Club! Community leaders, city officials and legislators gathered with their physician preceptors to learn about the history and significance of the white coat, brush up on HIPAA compliance and prepare for an experience unlike any other. Over the coming weeks, participants are stepping into the world of medicine through physician shadowing experiences, getting a firsthand look at the people, challenges and moments that shape a career in health care. We’ll gather again in November to share stories, reflect on lessons learned and celebrate the connections made along the way.

If you’ve noticed that you’re not receiving the Louisville Medicine magazine, we may need an updated home mailing address for you. To be added to the distribution list, please contact kathryn.vance@glms.org to confirm that we have your correct information.

Read our September Board of Governors highlights here.

Know a physician making an extraordinary difference in Louisville? Nominate them for one of our 2027 Doctors’ Ball awards until October 31! Nominate here:

Tickets for this event will go on sale soon, so keep your eyes out for additional announcements.

Luis R. Scheker, MD
Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive) at the University of Louisville and Assistant Consulting Professor of Surgery at Duke University

"How Louisville Influenced Hand Surgery Around the World”

Tuesday, October 6, at noon via Zoom

Join link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89363168716

Meeting ID: 893 6316 8716 #

Call In: 1-646-931-3860 (Use the Meeting ID and press pound (#) after entering)

RSVP by replying to this email or calling 502-736-6366.

For any questions or to get a video recording of a past program, please email foundation@glms.org.

We’re excited to share a special VIP discount with our GLMS members!

We invite you to Racing Louisville and Louisville City FC Healthcare Appreciation Nights. The Racing Louisville FC match is set to kick off on October 3 at 4 p.m., and the Louisville City FC match is set to kick off on October 17 at 7 p.m.

Please note, the discount is only valid until the Monday of game week (Sept. 28 and Oct. 12, respectively).

Rabies Exposure Assessment and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Avoiding Common Errors in Care

 Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to clinicians, health departments and the public about increases in animal rabies activity and human exposures. 

Although human rabies is rare, the disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. Prompt and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) remains highly effective at preventing disease after exposure.

In Kentucky, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as bats and skunks, although any mammal can be infected, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.

In Jefferson County, three bats tested positive for rabies in 2025. No rabid animals have been identified so far in 2026. However, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) reports that positive rabies cases in bats are identified most years, reinforcing the need for careful exposure assessment.

Assessing Rabies Exposure Risk

Not every animal encounter requires post-exposure prophylaxis. Before initiating treatment, clinicians should evaluate:

Kentucky’s public health veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Giesbrecht, recommends that any dog or cat bite should result in quarantine of the animal for 10 days OR testing of the animal. If the animal can’t be located, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is available to help clinicians assess rabies exposure risk and determine whether PEP is indicated. For consultation, call 502-574-6640. Additional rabies information and resources are available at the department's website.

To read the full Health Department report regarding rabies exposure treatment, click here.

Physician leadership isn’t just about patient care – it’s about shaping the conditions that determine health in our communities. In this issue, our members share their insights on how we can advance health equity and create lasting, meaningful impact.

From a living-room couch that doubled as a gymnastics vault to the operating room at UofL, Dr. Harini Chenna has carried the lessons of teamwork, discipline and composure with her every step of the way. Her journey – from competitive gymnast to anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, educator and advocate for athletes – has been shaped by the people who believed in her from the beginning. Read this month’s Dr. Who for a closer look at the family, athleticism and compassion behind the physician.

December – due 11/1 – “What Is Your Why?”

What drives physicians to lead at the bedside, within departments or in the boardroom? We invite reflections on the deeper sense of purpose that shapes leadership in medicine and how that purpose has guided difficult decisions, anchored careers and strengthened commitment to patients and communities.

January – due 12/1 – “Future-Proofing Medicine: Physicians as Innovators and Entrepreneurs”

What if the everyday frustrations of clinical practice could become catalysts for meaningful change? This issue invites physicians to explore how identifying pain points, applying an innovator’s mindset and using a practical framework – from defining problems to piloting and scaling solutions – can transform challenges into impactful tools, protocols or ventures.

Please reach out to Kathryn Vance at kathryn.vance@glms.org if you’d like to share your thoughts in an upcoming issue. 

Connect with GLMS on social media where we highlight members, post updates and share resources with our members!