Regional Director: Dr. James Murphy
James P. Murphy, MD, DFASAM is founder and CEO of Murphy Pain Center. He serves gratis as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He has earned a Master of Medical Management from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business. He has board certifications in Pain Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and Anesthesiology. His Pain Management fellowship was at Rochester, Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic, where he also served on the faculty of the Mayo Medical School.
In recognition of his advocacy for universal access to quality healthcare, Dr. Murphy was awarded the prestigious Mayday Fellowship in Washington, DC. Dr. Murphy has created educational programs recognized by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the Federation of State Medical Boards. Nationwide he has given presentations in concert with government regulators, law enforcement, physician groups, and various community organizations. His work has been featured in a diversity of media ranging from medical journals, magazines and newspapers to television, Internet sites and social media.
A former Commander in United States Navy, Dr. Murphy served our nation as a Naval Flight Surgeon aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. His overseas volunteering has included numerous surgical missions as an anesthesiologist with the Operation Smile.
President: Dr. Colleen Ryan
Colleen Ryan, MD, is board certified in general psychiatry and addiction medicine. She grew up in Kentucky and attended Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky., where she majored in pre-medicine. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine, followed by a residency in psychiatry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Ryan has worked in many psychiatric settings including state hospitals, community mental health centers, private practice, inpatient units, and Veterans Hospitals. She is a strong advocate for patients, and her mission is to improve access to mental health and addiction care. She has worked in underserved areas since her retirement from the University of Louisville Department of Psychiatry.
President Elect: Dr. Oliver Benes
Dr. Oliver Benes is an experienced physician specializing in family medicine, addiction medicine, and obstetrics. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his residency at Saint Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in Edgewood, KY. Dr. Benes has taught medical students and residents and is involved in professional organizations like KAFP, AAFP, ASAM, KYSAM, and KMA. He practices at Saint Elizabeth Physicians Journey Recovery, bringing expertise in family medicine, addiction medicine, outpatient obstetrics, and office-based procedures.
Secretary: Dr. Anna Maria South
Dr. South went to medical school at Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Kentucky and joined the Division of Hospital Medicine at the University of Kentucky in 2019. She is board certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine. She currently works as a hospitalist on both teaching and direct care teams, as well as a consultant on the addiction consult and education service at UK. Her clinical interests include health equity and evidence-based care for patients with substance use disorders. She is passionate about teaching fellow clinicians, residents and medical students about medications for opioid use disorder.
Treasurer: Dr. Vincent Blanch
Vincent Blanch, MD/PhD, is an experienced adult and child psychiatrist who has been a resident of Kentucky for the past 30 years. With over 16 years in the field, he now specializes in substance use disorders and has worked in diverse clinical settings, including the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons for the last seven years. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, he also holds a master’s degree in microbiology and a PhD in immunology.