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KCMS Statement on Mask Wearing

Jim Braibish • July 16, 2020

The Kansas City Medical Society has adopted the following statement emphasizing the critical importance of individuals wearing face masks in public at all times to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Statement on Public Policies Requiring Face Masks

The Kansas City Medical Society strongly supports governments, businesses and community organizations to create policies to require the wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when social distancing cannot be achieved. Experts believe that face masks are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by containing the saliva of individuals who carry the virus. The carrier may or may not show COVID-19 symptoms; this is why it is important to wear a mask whether one has symptoms or not.

The Medical Society strongly encourages individuals to wear face masks in public, as well as practice social distancing, maintain frequent hand washing and take other recommended protective steps. The more everyone joins in reducing the spread of COVID-19, the sooner our society can overcome the COVID threat and return to normal.

July 2020

Download the statement in PDF

See article by CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, and two colleagues from the July 14 JAMA : “Universal Masking to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Transmission—The Time Is Now”

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Letter from the President 2025

January 6, 2025

I consider it a sincere honor to serve as president of the Kansas City Medical Society this year. As we look forward to this new year, we celebrate our previous accomplishments and look for new ways to meet the challenges of our ever-changing healthcare environment. As we recognize our recent successes, I want to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Greg Unruh, our immediate past president, for his excellent leadership, and I look forward to his continued partnership, providing much-needed wisdom and experience to our board of directors as well as a leadership council. I am also deeply appreciative of Micah Flint, our executive director, now in his third year with the Society. As a board, we are prioritizing key areas where we believe the Society can make a difference for physicians and the communities we serve. With this in mind, we will continue our focus on wellness, advocacy, and expand our opportunities for in person social and educational gatherings. Our journal connects us in a variety of valuable ways, and we will continue its publication and expand its distribution. Under the directorship of Karole Bradford, the Society’s Foundation continues to do invaluable work. We celebrate those accomplishments and the charitable care they provide to our community’s vulnerable population. We are grateful for our individual members and corporate sponsors and welcome your suggestions of how the Society can best serve physicians and our community. Please mark your calendar for the Society’s upcoming events and consider inviting physician colleagues to join you as we gather to learn and support one another.