NCMS Foundation Programs: A Lifeline in Changing Times
The annual campaign of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) is dedicated to securing resources for the advancement of health across the state. In close collaboration with the North Carolina Medical Society, the goal is to leverage the combined influence of physicians and physician assistants (PAs) to enhance health outcomes. Over the next decade, the annual fund will allocate financial resources to support a range of innovative initiatives, some of which are still in the developmental stage. The Ready to Respond Annual Campaign embodies the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to problem-solving and harnessing the collective, patient-centric knowledge of physicians and PAs.
Your Support Helps the Foundation:
Respond to Access Issues
For 35 years, the Foundation’s Community Practitioner Program has backed primary care professionals, ensuring every North Carolinian has a local clinician. Over three decades, more than 500 clinicians worked in underserved areas in 88 counties, delivering more than $700 million in free and reduced-cost care to our state’s lowest income people. Through educational loan repayment incentives and practice management support, the Foundation has nurtured thriving medical practices in hometowns across the state.
Respond to Emerging Issues with Technology and Data Analysis
Leveraging technology, the Foundation connects patients, clinicians, and community resources to address and prevent diseases. Pilot programs such as Project VBOT and Our Community Health Initiative (OCHI) facilitate communication and effective support for patients dealing with issues like opioid use disorder and diabetes, ensuring better patient compliance and positive health outcomes. Unique technology enables data to flow through electronic health records. Practices can also report population-level data to qualify for enhanced quality metrics.
Respond to Disasters
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation offered a free telehealth platform, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. Post-pandemic, lessons learned ensure telehealth remains a secure and effective option in NC.
The Foundation, in collaboration with the NCMS, secured a $25 million appropriation from the NC General Assembly to assist independent practices in recovering COVID-19-related expenses. The Foundation distributed the entire appropriation to 643 independent practices, benefiting 3,830 clinicians, and preventing some from closing.
Following Hurricane Florence, the Foundation provided half a million dollars in grants to practices, aiding in their recovery and reopening.
Respond with Clinician Leaders
Clinician leadership is essential for advancing health and well-being in North Carolina. Beyond initiatives focused on day-to-day clinical operations, the Foundation seeks physician and PA leaders with a vision to drive innovative ideas for the future. The Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership (KIPL) offers programs cultivating effective leadership and change-driving abilities. With program alumni reaching over 500, innovative projects addressing challenges at the local community or practice level are being deployed. Alumni are also leading some of NC’s most important work to fundamentally change the trajectory of health in our state.
You Can Make A Difference!
The Foundation is only able to lead because of partnership, trust, and legacy investment. WE NEED YOU! As NCMSF responds to community needs, addresses and leads changes in healthcare, and works to improve health outcomes, your funds are needed to act quickly. Your gift will allow the Foundation to be free to take risks, drive innovation, and respond to the collective voice of Society members. Be part of the solution and imagine what your gift will do to help all North Carolinians live their healthiest lives!
Keep the Foundation Ready to Respond with a gift that enables clinician leaders to respond quickly to the next health challenge.