There is an unattributed proverb, “How a person treats a stray animal and a tired child reveals their true character.” I have seen Pat Padgett with animals and fatigue, petulant physicians, who can be childlike… his character is unimpeachable!
I am honored and grateful to speak briefly about my mentor and friend, Patrick Padgett, Esquire, as we recognize and express our gratitude for all he has done for our Kentucky Medical Association and our Commonwealth.
If you have met Pat once, you know he has a heart for animals, most particularly dogs. If you have spoken to Pat twice and have not heard a Handsome Henry story, you have not been listening! Dogs teach us a lot about loyalty, perseverance, and unconditional caring and love. Pat has learned all these lessons and, to our great benefit, has consistently applied them.
Pat is loyal. Full Stop! He has demonstrated that loyalty for thirty years, in his commitment to our KMA and our physician members. He has stayed the course through difficult personalities, challenging finances, abrupt changes in how, where, and with who business is conducted, and through the loss of loyalty and commitment of too many of our physician colleagues who have abandoned membership. Pat never wavered. He knows the mission and owns it as his own!
Were it not for Pat’s, maybe dog-inspired, perseverance, our KMA would have bankrupted years ago. His steady hand at the helm and creative solution-seeking mind remained engaged for our benefit. I have been blessed to witness many of Pat’s ingenious and courageous actions that kept our KMA moving forward.
Pat is an introvert by nature and is likely not thrilled with the attention this evening. He would rather stay in his den, take walks in the woods, and intensely observe the world solo, without feeling lonely. Lucky for us and Pat’s incredible wife and partner, Elizabeth, Pat’s need to express unconditional caring and love was awoken by his education by dogs. We don’t expect Pat to be effusive or reactive. We have come to expect him to quietly be aware of and accommodate a co-worker’s needs, providing a solid, reassuring presence and support. We have felt his love for our KMA in his work to develop staff and elevate and recognize them while not claiming credit himself. We have felt that love in his efforts to support our three Kentuckian AMA presidents who have been inaugurated and served exceptionally well during his tenure. We have seen that love acted out as he applied his considerable talents to develop physician leaders through his work with our nationally recognized Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute (KPLI).
I could go on; and for many of you I have gone on… but you get the gist. We are blessed as an organization by Pat’s years of service and leadership.
I will leave you with three quotes about dogs that I think lend insight into our beloved Patrick Padgett:
“I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.” Abraham Lincoln
In that case, Pat is the best ambassador for Methodism since John Wesley!
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Josh Billings
I have witnessed Pat loving our KMA, our staff, and most wisely Elizabeth more than himself.
“If I could be half the person my dog is, I would be twice the human I am.” Charles Yu
Pat, you are and then some!