Dr. Stephen Toadvine Receives Kentucky Medical Association's Highest Honor

The Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) has named Stephen Toadvine, M.D., of Cynthiana, the recipient of the 2026 KMA Distinguished Service Award, the Association’s highest honor recognizing extraordinary service to the medical profession and the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Dr. Toadvine was recognized during KMA’s President’s Celebration Reception, held as part of the Association’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Louisville in August.

Throughout a distinguished career spanning clinical medicine, healthcare administration, physician leadership, and community service, Dr. Toadvine has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in Kentucky.

After practicing the full scope of family medicine, including obstetrics, Dr. Toadvine transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving in numerous executive roles, including Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health Lexington, Hardin Memorial Health, Baptist Health Corbin, and Mountain States Health Alliance. He later served as President of Baptist Health Medical Group and Chief Medical Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer of Harrison Memorial Hospital. Following his tenure as CEO, he returned to direct patient care, reflecting his enduring commitment to serving patients.

A longtime leader within the Kentucky Medical Association, Dr. Toadvine has devoted countless hours to advancing organized medicine. He has served as Chair of the KMA Board of Trustees, a member of the Executive Committee, and on numerous Association committees, helping guide KMA’s strategic direction and strengthen its advocacy efforts on behalf of Kentucky physicians and their patients.

In addition to his service to KMA, Dr. Toadvine has made a lasting impact through the Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute (KPLI), where he has mentored physician leaders from across the Commonwealth. His dedication to developing the next generation of physician leaders has helped strengthen organized medicine and improve healthcare throughout Kentucky.

“Dr. Toadvine exemplifies the very best of our profession,” said KMA President Christine Ko, M.D. “Throughout his career, he has led with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving both physicians and patients. Whether caring for patients, leading healthcare organizations, mentoring future physician leaders, or volunteering in his community, Dr. Toadvine has consistently demonstrated what it means to put service before self. We are proud to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the KMA Distinguished Service Award.”

Beyond medicine, Dr. Toadvine has remained deeply engaged in his community through volunteer leadership, board service, church involvement, teaching, and international medical mission work. His service has included leadership roles with Asbury University, Good News Healthcare clinics serving uninsured patients, Junior Achievement, and numerous Christian medical missions around the world.

The KMA Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a physician whose career reflects exceptional leadership, dedication to organized medicine, and lasting contributions to improving healthcare in Kentucky. Dr. Toadvine’s decades of service have left an enduring legacy that continues to benefit physicians, patients, and communities across the Commonwealth.