Preston P. Nunnelley, M.D. received the Lexington Medical Society’s top award for community service. The presentation was made during the annual joint meeting of the Lexington Medical Society and the Kentucky Medical Association’s Tenth Trustee District in October.

Nunnelley, Chief Medical Officer at Central Baptist Hospital and former president of the Lexington Medical Society, was named recipient of the 2012 Jack Trevey Community Service Award, established in honor of Jack Trevey, M.D. . The Trevey Award is given to a Lexington physician, “who has gone beyond the role of a practicing physician in the performance of outstanding service to the community.”

In making the presentation, Lexington Medical Society president Bruce C. Broudy, M.D. cited Nunnelley for the awards, honors and accomplishments from the many organizations in which he serves. “Dr. Nunnelley has tirelessly served our community, region and state throughout his medical career. He has served in many capacities with the Lexington Medical Society, the Kentucky Medical Association and the American Medical Association. “

Nunnelley had recently completed his tenure as chair of the KMA Legislative Quick Action Committee, testifying in the Kentucky General Assembly and meeting with elected officials. He continues as chair of the KMA Public Education Committee, having overseen the initiation and growth of the distribution of Mediscope, a quarterly patient education newsletter distributed free of charge through KMA member physician offices. He oversaw the development and production of an anti-drug documentary that has been used extensively in middle schools and high schools throughout Kentucky.

A teacher and mentor to countless medical students and residents since his earliest years in practice, Nunnelley continues to serve as a voice of reason and experience for any who seek his advice.

In 1992 he was appointed to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and has served under three governors representing both major political parties. In 2008 he was elected president of the KBML, and this might well be the most difficult role he has had during his years of service. Last year HB 1 was passed by the Kentucky General Assembly, despite untiring efforts made by Dr. Nunnelley and the KMA. The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure was assigned the difficult task of developing regulations for a piece of legislation that intruded into the patient/physician relationship and caused many hardships on physicians and their patients. It was not a task he requested, but it is one that he has worked hard to do while making sure legislators are not practicing medicine and that physicians are not overly burdened.