KSA Board of Directors
President
Kate Williams, MD
Current Role/Practice:
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Louisville
Training/Education:
I received my BA in Molecular & Cellular Biology from Vanderbilt University and completed medical school as well as Anesthesiology Residency at the University of Louisville.
Leadership/Professional Involvement:
I have served on the ASA Committees on Obstetric Anesthesiology and the Anesthesia Care Team. I am a past KSA delegate to the ASA HOD and ASA Legislative Conference attendee.I have served as a GLMS delegate to the KMA and participated in the GLMS’s “Wear the White Coat.”
Professional Interests:
I currently practice in an academic setting at the University of Louisville. I have a special interest in Obstetric Anesthesia. I am involved with our residency training program as an assistant program director. I am also interested in health policy advocacy.
Personal Note:
I am originally from the Northern Kentucky region, but I have called Louisville home since 2012. I am thankful that I was able to start my involvement with the KSA as a medical student and hope to continue throughout my career. Thank you to all of my colleagues at the University of Louisville for making it a great place to work! Go Cards!
At home, my husband and I live in chaos with our three wonderful daughters, all under the age of three! We welcomed twins in January of 2025 to complete our family. I am grateful to Chris for all his love and support, which allows me to stay engaged at work and with the KSA! We enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and watching sports.
Vice President
Bradley Barnett, DO, MHA, D.ABA
Current Role/Practice:
Anesthesiologist, Seven Hills Anesthesia, Northern Kentucky Division
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky SOM, NKY Campus
Training/Education:
Residency (2023): OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio
DO (2019): University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, KY
MHA (2015): Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
BS (2013): Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Leadership/Professional Involvement:
Kentucky Society of Anesthesiology
American Society of Anesthsiology
Kentucky Medical Association
American Medical Association
American Osteopathic Association
Professional Interests:
Regional anesthesia, Ambulatory anesthesia, LGBTQ issues in medicine, Leadership
Personal Note:
I love enjoying time outside of work with family and friends.
Secretary Treasurer
D. Rico Perkins MD
Current Role/Practice:
Senior Vice President of Physician Services / NorthStar Anesthesia
Training/Education:
University of Louisville School of Medicine, U of L Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Fellow of Morpheus Consortium (University of London / Duke University)
Leadership/Professional Involvement:
KSA, KMA, 10 years Medical Director experience, 5 years at VP / SVP role.
Professional Interests:
Landscaping, carpentry, sports.
Personal Note:
Married 24 years, 3 Children
Assistant Secretary Treasurer
Aibek Mirrakhimov, MD
Current Role/Practice:
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky
Director of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography and Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Assistant Program Director for Point-of-Care Ultrasound, Anesthesiology Residency Program
Training/Education:
Medical School (2002–2008): Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Residency in Internal Medicine (2012–2015): Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine (2018–2020): University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Residency in Anesthesiology (2020–2023): University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Fellowship in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (2023–2024): Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
Leadership and Professional Involvement:
Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists
Member, Online Education Committee
American Society of Echocardiography
Guidelines and Standards Committee Representative, Perioperative Echocardiography Council Steering Committee
Professional Interests:
I have a strong interest in echocardiography and point-of-care ultrasound, which have significantly expanded my clinical skill set and enhanced my perioperative practice. I have chaired multiple University of Kentucky continuing medical education–sponsored conferences focused on point-of-care ultrasound. I am board certified by the National Board of Echocardiography in all major examinations, including Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography, Critical Care Echocardiography, and Adult Echocardiography, a distinction held by a limited number of physicians worldwide. In addition, I am board certified in Anesthesiology, Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine. I believe that my diverse training pathway provides a unique perspective on resident and fellow education, which I greatly enjoy. My clinical and academic interests include right ventricular physiology and pulmonary hypertension. I also maintain an interest in advanced airway management, including awake bronchoscopic intubation in appropriate patients.
Personal Note:
Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, as well as our miniature poodle, Spark. I also enjoy watching films, reading world history, and exploring astronomy.
Immediate Past President
Alexander Bautista, MD, MBA, FASA
Current Role/Practice:
Professor of Anesthesiology and Program Director of the Pain Medicine Fellowship at the University of Louisville; Medical Director of the UofL Pain Clinic
Training/Education:
MD, University of Santo Tomas; Residency in Anesthesiology, University of Louisville; Fellowship in Pain Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; MBA, Bellarmine University
Leadership/Professional Involvement:
President, Kentucky Society of Anesthesiologists (KSA); President-Elect, Association of Pain Program Directors (APPD); Member, Opioid Stewardship Committee; past and current leadership in national societies including ASRA Pain Medicine, ASA, and KMRRG; active roles in accreditation, quality improvement, and advocacy committees.
Professional Interests:
Anesthesia and pain medicine education, curriculum development, interventional pain management, opioid stewardship, health policy advocacy, and quality improvement initiatives.
Personal Note:
I am passionate about advancing anesthesia education and mentoring the next generation of physicians. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. Fun fact: we started with zero dogs—and now have four!
ASA Director
Jiapeng Huang, MD, PhD, FASA
Current Role/Practice:
Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Louisville
Training/Education:
Peking University Health Science Center-MD
University of Southern California-PhD
University of Louisville-Residency in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Leadership/Professional Involvement:
Chief Scientific Officer, UofL Health
Associate Dean for Clinical Research, School of Medicine
Deputy Director, Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center
Tenured Professor & Vice Chairman
Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Editor, British Journal of Anaesthesia
Director, American Board of Anesthesiology
Director, American Society of Anesthesiologists
Director, Anesthesia Quality Institute
Professional Interests:
Cardiac anesthesia, Transplant anesthesia, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Outcomes, Pulmonary Hypertension, Immune Dysregulation in Diseases, Leadership.
Personal Note:
Basketball, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Hiking
KSA Advisory Board
Andrew Poore, MD
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, UK Healthcare
Lexington, KY
Interested in becoming involved in KSA?
The Kentucky Society of Anesthesiologists (KSA) is always looking for passionate members who want to help shape the future of our specialty. Serving as an officer or board member is an excellent way to advocate for physician-led care, influence policy, and strengthen anesthesia education and practice in Kentucky. Leadership within KSA also provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the state and nationally.
There are many ways to participate, no matter where you are in your career:
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Attend KSA Meetings and Events: Stay informed and network with colleagues.
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Join a Committee: KSA has committees focused on education, advocacy, membership, and more.
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Volunteer for Projects: Help with community outreach, resident engagement, or legislative efforts.
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Run for Office: Members are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for officer and board positions during election cycles.
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Stay Connected: Follow KSA updates, respond to calls for volunteers, and share your expertise.
Getting involved is a rewarding way to make a difference for your patients, your colleagues, and the future of anesthesiology in Kentucky.