The Kansas City Medical Society held its 2019 Annual Meeting at the Overland Park Marriott on September 26th. Dr. Mark Brady, president, served as the chairman. Dr. Vanila Singh, a former United States Department of Health and Human Services official, was the keynote speaker. She discussed the report of the federal inter-agency task force she headed on opioid abuse and pain management. Wesley Hamilton, founder of the Disabled But Not Really Foundation, was the guest speaker. Dr. Charles B. Wheeler, Jr. was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Patrick B. “Rusty” Ryan was honored with the Friend of Medicine Award. Other honorees included: Dr. Carole E. Freiberger-O’Keefe, the Rising Star Award; Dr. Peter J. Graves and Dr. Leland Graves III, the Patient and Community Advocate Award; JayDoc Free Clinic, the Community Service Award; and Dr. James L. Vacek, the Exemplary Leadership Award.

Dr. Mahoua Ray, Dr. Charles B. Wheeler, Jr., honoree; Dr. Vanila Singh, keynote speaker; Jamila Murga, Dr. Michael Weaver, and Jean O’Brien.

(Front row) Wesley Hamilton, guest speaker (back row) Dr. Dennis Pyszczynski and Dr. Carole E. Freiberger-O’Keefe, honoree

Dr. Mark Brady, president and chairman; with Dr. Vanila Singh, keynote speaker

Kokobe Ambaye and Dr. Abebe Abebe

Additional photos featured in the October 26, 2019 issue of The Independent

Photo credit: Mike Curtis