By K. Richard Douglas
Nicknamed “The Bluegrass State,” Kentucky is the nation’s 15th state, achieving statehood in 1792. Daniel Boone founded one of the state’s first settlements. The state is a major supplier of hardwood, coal and limestone.
Many top-rated healthcare systems can be found in Kentucky. The state has approximately 135 hospitals and healthcare systems. This amount of medical equipment requires a lot of HTM professionals. Those biomeds have been organized under the statewide Kentucky Association of Medical Instrumentation (KAMI).
The association was started in early 2010 when the late Patrick “Pat” Lynch started traveling to Kentucky and meeting with several HTM managers of local shops to see what the interest might be in the state of Kentucky for a biomed association. Lynch’s involvement also helped shorten the learning curve.
“Patrick ‘Pat’ Lynch, the ‘Chief Do-Gooder’ started KAMI. He met with nine other HTM leaders in the area and formed the board. They then filed the paperwork with the state (April 2010) to formally be recognized as a non-profit membership organization,” says KAMI President Jennifer Kizis.
From its beginnings 15 years ago, the organization has found its footing and serves the state’s biomed community, as well as others. Not all has been smooth sailing as the pandemic threw a wrench into the workings of even the best biomed associations.
“The pandemic was a devastating time and was almost the end of KAMI. We were unsuccessful with virtual meetings and maintaining our regular events. Finally, KAMI was able to reconnect for an event at 3rd Turn Brewing and reorganized their small board into the 12-member board that now exists. The HTM Mixer in 2024 was KAMI’s ‘re-emergence’ and has kickstarted our organization back into our mission,” Kizis says.
She says that in addition to the 12-member board of directors, the group has several committees, including Compliance and Audit, Higher Education, Technology, Programs and Events, Marketing and Promotions.
“We just recently held elections and our fresh new board members are eager to drive our association forward to continue our mission of supporting technicians, engineers, managers, and vendors in the HTM field,” Kizis says.
She says that the organization has almost 50 paying members, but over 300 affiliates through its email communication.
“KAMI also focuses on networking and community service. We partner with SOS International in their mission to improve healthcare access for those in need through recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies. We volunteer our medical technology expertise to test the medical equipment, ensuring it is safe and operational,” Kizis says.
Meetings are held quarterly for members and monthly for the group’s board.
“We also participate in AAMI’s HTM Association Collaborative, where HTMA leaders meet monthly to discuss best practices and association challenges. KAMI is excited to sponsor one of the HTMA’s educational webinars later this summer,” Kizis says.
RETURN TO A SYMPOSIUM
The association’s inaugural symposium was in November of 2019 at the historic Boone Tavern Inn in Berea, Kentucky.
“The first symposium was just before the pandemic, in 2019. While the attendance was intimate, it was a successful two-day event of education and networking,” Kizis says.
She says that the next annual conference was not until November 2024, when KAMI partnered with MD Expo to host an HTM Mixer in Lexington, Kentucky.
“The event was a whirlwind of certified education; vendor exhibits and networking with peers. While we may not be able to have an event this large each year, we are looking forward to still providing valuable and engaging events to our HTM community. The HTM Mixer was a blast! The Bluegrass Kick-Off Party made the first night memorable with the live band and bourbon tastings. The venue space was packed as HTMers enjoyed the festivities,” Kizis says.
As associations put some distance in the rearview mirror on the pandemic, some are returning to a normal stride with fresh ideas and perspectives. KAMI is one of those associations.
