The NCMS LEAD 2024 Gala was a Night to Remember!
Here's a sneak peak! Look for more pictures to come this week.
It's Membership Renewal Season! Now it is easier than ever.
2025 is just around the corner so NCMS has made it easier than ever to take one task off your to-do list.
Check your inbox soon for your 2025 Dues Invoice. For your convenience, the NCMS has consolidated memberships into one simple invoice. You will be able to renew all of your memberships for your state, county, and NCMS-managed specialty societies.
No need to wait for your invoice -- you can renew online anytime! Plus! We've added new payment options to make membership a breeze.
Residents in Western NC Impacted by Helene Can Apply for Help Buying Food with D-SNAP
From NCDHHS: Residents in 25 western counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians households in the 28719 zip code impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which will begin today, Oct. 18.
D-SNAP is open to individuals and households impacted by Hurricane Helene who are not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits. The application period opened on Oct. 15 and will close on Oct. 24.
Eligible households will be notified within three days of completing the application and receive a one-time benefit on a special debit card (called an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT card) to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, income and disaster losses and is good for up to nine months. Benefit cards will be available for pick up at the D-SNAP locations in each county or you can get the EBT card mailed to you overnight at the address you specify on your application.
Read about eligibility and how to apply online, by phone, or in person by eligible county at: ncdhhs.gov/snap. (Spanish version)
September is Suicide Prevention Month - Learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Get more details and help at https://988lifeline.org/
About the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. The 988 Lifeline, known originally as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, launched on January 1, 2005 with funding from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Related Stories:
988 Crisis Lifeline Answers 10 Million Contacts Since its Debut, NCDHHS Responds to Nearly 190,000
NC DHHS Launches New Performance Dashboard for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
One Year Later: 988 Has Fielded 5 Million Calls, Texts, and Chats
More Than Half of States Report High Levels of COVID Activity, NC Wastewater Samples at Highest Level of 2024
At least 27 states are reporting "very high" levels, wastewater data shows
(Editors note: This includes information from ABC News, Youri Benadjaoud, the CDC, and NC DHHS) -- More than half of U.S. states are reporting "very high" levels of COVID activity as the virus continues to spread and increase in many parts of the country, according to the latest wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At least 27 states are reporting "very high" levels and 17 states are reporting "high" levels of wastewater viral activity.
The western region continues to see the highest levels followed by the South, Midwest and Northeast, respectively.
Current levels are nearing but remain lower than what they were in the winter months, when there tends to be increased spread of respiratory illnesses.
Wastewater data comes with limitations in how well it represents spread in a community, but it may be the best data available, experts say.
"While wastewater is not a perfect measure, it's increasingly vital in filling the gaps left by the absence of comprehensive case reporting and hospitalization data," said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor.
Many national surveillance systems have diminished in scope since the national public health emergency ended, leaving authorities will limited resources to monitor how the virus is spreading.
"As traditional surveillance systems have dwindled, wastewater analysis has emerged as one of the most reliable tools we have to monitor COVID-19 activity in communities," Brownstein added.
Other limited COVID surveillance systems such as emergency department visits and test positivity are also on the rise, according to CDC data. Deaths from the virus remain relatively flat, especially compared to previous years.
Updated COVID vaccines are set to be available this fall, according to federal health authorities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended that vaccine manufacturers formulate shots based on the KP.2 strain, an offshoot of the omicron variant that is currently estimated to make up about 6% of cases.
Genetically similar variants, known as KP.3.1.1 and KP.3, currently make up almost half of estimated cases, CDC data shows.
The CDC has already recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months get an updated COVID vaccine this season. The recommendation will take effect as soon as the vaccines are made available, pending FDA authorization.
An expected delivery date for the updated COVID vaccines has not been shared yet, but in previous years the shot was made available in late August or September. Vaccine manufacturers have told ABC News they are ready to ship doses as soon as they receive the green light from the FDA.
Hospital admissions in NC up slightly
Tell us About Exceptional Members! 2024 Golden Stethoscope Award Nominations Now Open!
Do you know an outstanding North Carolina Medical Society physician or physician assistant member who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, dedication to patients, and stellar skills in motivating, inspiring, and leading a medical team? If yes, please nominate that person for the NCMS’s Golden Stethoscope Award!
This award will provide peer recognition based upon nominations submitted and final selection by the NCMS Awards Committee. Deadline to submit your nomination is August 15, 2024.
Eligible recipients must be members of the NCMS who meet the nomination criteria. Four awards will be presented in total — one recipient each from the NCMS’s four regions.
Nominees must:
- Be a current member of the North Carolina Medical Society.
- Be nominated by a peer or co-worker. The nominator does not have to be a member of NCMS.
- Have demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional dedication to patient care exemplified by caring, compassion and quality care, and stellar leadership skills leading, motivating, inspiring peers who are physicians or physician assistants and leading a medical team.
Questions about the awards? Please contact Randy Aldridge, [email protected].
Message from 2024 DOCMS President Priscille Schettini, MD
2024 DOCMS President
Dear DOCMS Members,
This year, our vision is to prioritize social and health justice by highlighting the incredible work being done by local providers and leaders in medicine. We are excited to have an inspiring group of speakers join us again. We hope that by learning more about the communities we serve, the policies that impact them, and resources they can access, we can be better advocates for our patients. Understanding the health disparities which exist in our nation, and specifically in Durham and Orange Counties, will also help us advance efforts towards more equitable and patient-centered care.
We will continue to work closely with the North Carolina Medical Society and participate in it's upcoming Advocacy Summit and White Coat Day. These opportunities to engage with diverse leaders within our state further create spaces for fellowship, advocacy, and service. I believe this strengthens and energizes our passions in healthcare.
My goal is for DOCMS to foster meaningful connections for providers in the Triangle and keep us anchored to our purpose in medicine. Through our educational meetings, legislative advocacy, and community engagement,we will remain committed to our mission "to foster camaraderie within our professional community, advocate for our profession, our patients, and the public health, cultivate leadership in medicine, and bridge diverse medical communities and the populations they serve."
We look forward to meeting you and hope you consider joining DOCMS!
Sincerely,
Priscille Schettini, MD
President, Durham-Orange County Medical Society
Message from the 2024 WCMS President John E. R. Perry, III, MD, MS, FACP
Hello, and thanks for your interest in the Wake County Medical Society (WCMS). In the organization’s 120 years of existence, there have been plenty of reasons why health care providers have chosen to be involved with the WCMS. However, there is no greater attraction than the enduring spirit of the original motto, “nurturing the bonds between us.”
At no point in my career have I felt that the bonds between health care providers have been more important. While there is a consistent barrage of messages on maintaining wellness, we all know that finding purpose and meaning in our work is one of our most effective defenses against burnout. And a critical piece of our armor is our support for each other. The WCMS endeavors to find experiences that highlight the purpose and meaning of our work and to build the professional relationships that enhance and sustain our medical careers.
It’s exciting and gratifying to be a member of the leadership team of a revamped Wake County Medical Society. Taking over for Dr. Ted Kunstling, I hope to maintain the momentum that he has generated. In addition, I’m appreciative of the work, energy, and ideas of our Executive Council, including that of our new additions, Dr. Karen Bash and Dr. Susheel Atree. Dr. Vinay Saranga’s work as Secretary/Treasurer and Dr. David Gremillion’s immense efforts revising the bylaws and combing through the history of the organization have given us an appreciation of our trajectory and our raison d’être. Dr. Sharon Foster and Dr. Bob Munt continue to lead our program committee in finding activities for uncovering the common linkages between us as well as allowing for self-reflection and self-discovery.
During my tenure as president, I hope that our communications, meetings, programs, and activities shine a light on those activities that inspire us. I do find meaning and pleasure in fellowship. In addition, I hope to highlight the volunteer activities of those in our Wake County community. We certainly acknowledge the 216 Wake County physicians who currently volunteer their time to provide care for uninsured patients in their practices through Project Access, an arm of what was previously called the WCMS Community Health Foundation.
As I launch my term as president, I appreciate the support of the NC Medical Society staff and leadership in providing administrative services for our society and look forward to their continued support of our agenda. It is a relationship where there is much synergy plus where we can celebrate our distinctiveness as well.
Is there a theme for my tenure? In the last year, the WCMS has provided me opportunities to discuss Shelley’s Frankenstein with colleagues, celebrate the WCMS 120th anniversary and holiday gala held at the governor’s mansion, and speak to a Thomas Jefferson impersonator at Haywood Hall—to name a few. I hope this type of lineup continues. At the same time, I hope we can find ways to attract and blend in and support early-career physicians, including providers in training-such as the 15 residents in the WakeMed Internal Medicine Residency Program (the first Wake County residency program in recent history), as well as the 60 medical and PA students from UNC and Campbell who are based in Wake County for their clinical training. These training programs have certainly added much meaning to my work.
There are great opportunities through WCMS, and I hope you find some that you might enjoy and propose some of your own. Indeed, there are many ways and reasons for “nurturing the bonds between us.”
Sincerely,
John E. R. Perry, III, MD, MS, FACP
President, Wake County Medical Society
Political Pulse for May 31, 2024
The current legislative session has been jam-packed for the North Carolina Medical Society with real progress being made. The NCMS is making your voice heard so well that nurses and insurance companies are attacking us for our positions.
Randy Aldridge talks with Hannah Rice and CEO Chip Baggett about the NCMS's current legislative priorities, discussions on Scope of Practice, and possible changes for Nurse Practitioners and CRNAs.
Enjoy this week’s Political Pulse! And don't forget to register now for the June 12 White Coat Day and Legislative Reception!
https://youtu.be/gx5mDCNrysg
Otolaryngology Health Policy Advisory Committee (OHPAC)-2024 Report
Otolaryngology Health Policy Advisory Committee (OHPAC)-2024 Report
The Otolaryngology Health Policy Advisory Committee (OHPAC) has demonstrated meaningful collaboration with BCBSNC for the benefit of patients in North Carolina. The highlights of the successful efforts between OHPAC and BCBSNC over the past 4 years can be found HERE.
The OHPAC Board would also like to thank the following physicians for their time and service to this OHPAC/BCBSNC Medical Policy Review effort:
| David Jang, MD1 | Cooper Scurry, MD2 |
| Brent Senior, MD1 | Matt Ellison, MD1 |
| David Melon, MD2 | Michele Gandolfi, MD1 |
| Zachary Cappello, MD2 | John McIlveen, MD2 |
| Howard Francis, MD1 | Adam Zanation, MD2 |
| Madison Clark, MD1 | Mark Clarkson, MD2 |
| Eric Kraus, MD1 |
Finally, WE NEED YOU! We are recruiting for more participants to serve on future OHPAC Consultant Advisory Teams. If you are interested please reach out to either [email protected] or [email protected] by June 5th.
1 Academic
2 Private Practice
WCMS Meet-up at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Reserve Park, May 4
Saturday, May 4 from 10am-1pm: WCMS Meet-up at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Reserve Park
WCMS Members are invited to a Saturday morning of fun, fellowship, learning, and restoration as we meet at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park in North Raleigh on Saturday, May 4 from 10am-1pm. Dr. Wilkerson was an OB/Gyn surgeon and practiced medicine for 53 years in Wake County. She was beloved by her patients and fellow physicians.
Dr. Wilkerson donated all her property in 2006 to Wake County to be used as a nature preserve. If she were still living, this year would have been her 100th birthday. We will honor her memory by enjoying her beautiful 157-acre nature preserve and hearing remarks from her colleague, Mary Susan Fulghum, MD. A Naturalist will lead us on a hike — young and old — to the beaver dams from 10:30 to 11:30am. We will learn about these amazing mammals and discuss other fauna and flora that are found on the walk to and from the pond. In addition, there will be time to socialize, play games, and enjoy lunch catered by City Barbecue from 11:45am to 1pm.
A small fee of $10/per adult; $5/per child will be charged to help offset our costs. Attendees may pay onsite by cash, check or Venmo. To RSVP or for more information, please send an email to [email protected]; or call Shawn Scott at 919-719-4170.
NCOGS White Coat Day Scheduled for May 22
Join your colleagues for a day of legislative advocacy on May 22, 2024.
Attendees will start the day at the North Carolina Medical Society headquarters at 222 N. Person Street, Raleigh, NC, and receive an overview of the latest priority issues at the General Assembly and tips on how best to build relationships with legislators. Then we’ll head down to the Legislative Building to meet with your representatives and attend important committee meetings.
REGISTER TODAY!
NCDA White Coat Day Scheduled for May 29
Join your colleagues for a day of legislative advocacy on May 29, 2024.
Attendees will start the day at the North Carolina Medical Society headquarters at 222 N. Person Street, Raleigh, NC, and receive an overview of the latest priority issues at the General Assembly and tips on how best to build relationships with legislators. Then we'll head down to the Legislative Building to meet with your representatives and attend important committee meetings.
REGISTER TODAY!
Big Turnout at NCMS Social in Asheville
Fifty physicians and PAs enjoyed fellowship at Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville on Tuesday, April 23. NCMS board member Martin Palmeri, MD, welcomed the group and said, “if you really want to have your voice heard and have a say in things challenging the practice of medicine, get involved in the North Carolina Medical Society.” Thanks to NCMS membership committee member, Sarah Cash, MD, new connections were made with South College PA School. Many first year PA students joined the gathering. Lively conversations ranged from establishing an informal referral network to job opportunities to catching up with friends not seen in years.
Registration open for the UNC Eye Symposium, April 13
Join UNC Department of Ophthalmology on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, for our annual UNC Eye Symposium at the William & Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education. This conference is designed for Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Technicians, and Photographers to hear the latest evidence-based diagnostic and medical/surgical approaches to comprehensive eye care and treating ocular disorders and disease.
Registration for technicians and physicians (MD, OD) is now open. Contact Mary Hammett ([email protected]) for more information. We look forward to seeing you in April at the 2024 UNC Eye Symposium!
Wake County Medical Society Meeting: "History at High Noon" - March 19
Tuesday, March 19 | 222 N. Person Street, Raleigh
History at High Noon: The Intersection of History and Medicine
On Tuesday, March 19, at the NCMS Headquarters building in historic Oakwood, Michael Soboeiro, MD will take us on a case-based journey, looking at the medical care of three US presidents. He’ll discuss how the care they received varied from current standards and, in some cases, the standard of the times, and the effect of the presidents’ medical conditions on world history. Dinner will be available starting at 6:30pm, followed by brief NCMS business and Dr. Soboeiro’s presentation at 7pm.
Dr. Soboeiro is a general internist with 29 years of experience practicing medicine, teaching, and doing medical research. He has worked at WakeMed for nine and a half years. He currently heads the outpatient teaching program of WakeMed’s internal medicine residency program. Soboeiro was named one of North Carolina’s top doctors by Business North Carolina in 2021 and 2022.
CME Credit will be offered by Wake AHEC.
Sign up to attend our meeting here: http://evite.me/SECWJFbQPj
Our goal is that the WCMS is a place where all MDs, DOs, PAs, and Students see themselves. Meeting this goal ultimately depends on you. Thank you for your support as a WCMS Member. Belonging to your county medical society community is a great way to experience personal and professional fulfillment. We look forward to getting to know you better on March 19.
MEDTalks 2023: Juliana Wulforst, PA-C - Post Injury Mental Health Screening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3IooR1O5sY
Juliana Wulforst, PA-C, a trauma physician assistant at WakeMed in Raleigh, shares her Leadership College and personal project, "Implementing a Post Injury Mental Health Screening Intervention at a Level 1 Trauma Center."
MEDTalks 2023: Dana Point, MD - Rare Diseases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og4h4TU0pIA
Dana Point, MD, a urologist in Wilmington, NC, shares his Leadership College and personal project, "Bolstering Awareness of Rare Disease through a Novel Approach."
MEDTalks 2023: Jacqueline Njapa, MD - Improving Patient Satisfaction with Anesthesia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u9pZSfd6lk
Jacqueline Njapa, MD, an anesthesiologist in Wilmington, NC, shares her Leadership College project, "Improving Patient Satisfaction with Anesthesia."
MEDTalks 2023: Katie Lowry, MD - Revitalization and Expansion of the Local County Medical Society
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AKWsN5i0vQ
Katie Lowry, MD, MPH, FAAP, a family physician in Robeson County, shares her Leadership College Project "Revitalization and Expansion of the Local County Medical Society: Building a Blueprint for Success."
MEDTalks 2023: Michalina Kupsik, MD - Implementing a Governance and Strategy to a Breast Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_E7aiv1iVk
Michalina Kupsik, MD, a breast surgical oncologist at WakeMed in Raleigh, shares her Leadership College project, "Implementing Governance and Strategy to a Breast Center."
MEDTalks 2023: Jennifer Kipp, DPM - Tobacco Cessation in Elective Foot & Ankle Surgery Patients
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WERdhMc_Uso
Jennifer Kipp, DPM, a resident at Wake Forest Baptist Health, shares her Leadership College project, "Building a Comprehensive Tobacco Cessation Program for Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery Patients."
MEDTalks 2023: Christine Khandelwal, DO, MHPE - Access to Care for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgFzmV2ddEw
Christine Khandelwal, DO, MHPE, a professor of family medicine with Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and geriatrician and palliative care physician, shares her Leadership College project, "A Rural Community Collaboration to Expand Primary Care Access for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder."
MEDTalks 2023: Carla Holder, MD, MPH, FAAP - Diabetes Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1X76Vs3WdE
Carla W. Holder, MD, MPH, FAAP, a pediatrician working with Centene Corp. in Charlotte, shares her Leadership College project, "Knowledge is Power: Effective Strategies for Delivering Evidence-Based Diabetes Care to African Americans."
MEDTalks 2023: Susie Fitzgerald, DO - Screening for Social Determinants of Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I77RRRn8ks
Susie Fitzgerald, DO, a family medicine specialist in Clinton, NC, shares her Leadership College project, "Implementing Screening for Social Determinants of Health in Rural NC."
NC Senator Thom Tillis Signs on to Legislation Promoting Value-Based Healthcare; NCMS President Responds
Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Value in Health Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would update the program parameters of Medicare’s Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to incentivize participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). The changes would increase participation in these value-based health programs, which are designed to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for seniors while lowering costs.
“Value-based care programs have a successful track record of improving outcomes and reducing costs. The Value in Health Care Act will take an important step to further incentivize participation in these programs by financially rewarding coordination of care and patient outcomes, rather than the number of services provided,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will increase access to higher quality, lower cost, patient-centered care for the nearly two million seniors in North Carolina.”
NCMS President Dr. Eileen Raynor, shared her thoughts on this bill saying, “The North Carolina Medical Society applauds Senator Tillis’ introduction of the Value in Health Care Act in the Senate. Advancement of value-based care is a priority of the Medical Society, and we are supportive of state and federal efforts that will expand participation in Alternate Payment Models among all physician specialties and help meet the needs of our state’s Medicare patients."
Click here to view the full press release on this announcement.
LEAD 2023 Portraits
Welcome to the #NCMSLEAD23 photo gallery! If you would like to save your photo, click on the image and then right click on the picture. Scroll down to “Save image as” and save it on your device.
Wake County Medical Society Announces Leadership for 2024
Congratulations to these physician leaders! Their installations will be held during the Wake County Medical Society (WCMS) Holiday Celebration at the Governor's Mansion on December 4, 2023.
The proposed revisions to the Bylaws of the WCMS below were also approved unanimously.
Election Results: NC AMA Delegation
Congratulations to Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis and Dr. Justin Hurie!
Election Results: NCMS Board of Directors
The 2024 new slate of officers was announced at the NCMS Annual Business Meeting at the LEAD Conference. Congratulations to the following:
Holly Biola, MD, MPH, Wins Region 2 Golden Stethoscope Award
Dr. Holly Biola, a family medicine and geriatric specialist, is Chief of Family Medicine at Lincoln Community Health Center in Durham. Dr. Biola was nominated by Dr. Howard Eisenson who says, “She is one of the most enthusiastic, generous, kind, resilient and optimistic people I have ever met (indeed, her car license plate, ‘HOPEFUL’, says a great deal about her) and she matches those characteristics with a tireless work ethic.”
“More than anyone, she has been responsible for the many recognitions Lincoln receives for continuous improvement in measures of care. ‘Coordination of care’ is a responsibility that Dr. Biola takes very seriously. When referring patients for specialty care, she doesn’t simply ‘enter a referral.’ She often goes the extra mile by communicating to consultants all the information to address the question at hand.”
“Passionate about mentoring and encouraging students, she invites participation of health professional students from Duke and North Carolina Central University in quality and community engagement projects. Her patient and enthusiastic mentorship has been instrumental in several of these students choosing careers in primary care and community health.”
“During conversation with Dr. Biola’s husband about this nomination, he confided that he and their two boys feel that living with Holly motivates them to be better people. As someone privileged to be her colleague, I feel the same way. Dr. Biola is truly inspirational in striving to make the world a better place for all.”
Jeffrey G. Kuremsky, MD, Named Harris Memorial Award Winner
Constellation Quality Health’s 2023 Harris Memorial Award winner is Dr. Jeffrey Kuremsky, Oncology Service Line Quality Physician Leader with CaroMont Regional Medical and Cancer Centers in Gastonia, NC. Dr. Kuremsky has devoted his entire career to patients diagnosed with cancer and is known for demonstrating a steadfast commitment and compassion to the needs of each patient, taking individual time for questions and concerns.
Dr. Kuremsky is integrated at all levels within his patients’ treatment providers: oncology, radiation, chemotherapy, and imaging specialists, as well as insurance companies. When treatment delays occur such as with authorizations, Dr. Kuremsky is diligent in conducting peer-to-peer physician consultations and providing thorough explanations for resolution.
Dr. Kurmensky’s nominator, Kimberly Miller, offered this testimonial: “Dr. Kuremsky is consistent in his belief in medical care, positive thinking, personal resilience, and finding ways to strengthen the entire treatment process for patients and providers alike. His service is a blessing and an asset to cancer patients in North Carolina.”
Joseph T. Bell, MD wins Region 3 Golden Stethoscope Award
Dr. Joseph T. Bell founded Pembroke Pediatrics in 1998. Now his practice has a staff of over 25 and offers childhood obesity prevention. He is a general pediatrician at Children’s Health Pembroke and Managing Partner of Children’s Health of Carolina. Dr. Bell is the first Lumbee pediatrician and first Native American pediatrician in North Carolina.
In addition to working as a general pediatrician in Pembroke, he worked in Indian Health Service in Oklahoma for five years and worked on the Catawba Reservation in Rock Hill, SC as a pediatrician for 24 years.
Currently, he serves on the North Carolina American Indian Health Board and the AAP Committee on Native American Child Health and is a member of AAIP Association of American Indian Physicians.
He was nominated by Dr. Katie Lowry who says “he has been a mentor to many Native and non-Native students, be it to pursue medicine as PA/or Physician or navigating the ins and outs of advising for pre-med., or other science-based careers. His practice hosts students from multiple PA programs across the state as well as medical school pediatric rotations, winning many teaching awards throughout his career. He recruited the first, second and third Lumbee female pediatricians, as we all worked with him during our first years out of pediatric residency. It is an honor and privilege to call him a colleague and friend.”
Brooks Bell wins 2023 John Huske Anderson Award
John Huske Anderson Award
Brooks Bell
Brooks Bell is a trailblazer in marketing analytics. She founded Brooks Bell Inc in 2003, generating an impressive sum of over $2.5 billion for Fortune 500 clients during the subsequent 18 years.
In January 2019, at the age of 38, Brooks was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. Undaunted by this challenge, she completed 6 months of surgeries and chemotherapy. During her treatment journey, she became acutely aware of the shocking rise in colon cancer cases in young people as the potential for prevention. During that time Brooks launched 50ColonoscopiesUnder50.org and planned the first ever Colonoscopy Gala. She now serves on several prominent boards in public health including CDC Foundation, Research Triangle Foundation, The Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Duke Raleigh Hospital.
Nominated by Dr. Rajat Chander and Dr. Subhash Gumber, Brooks has harnessed her personal battle with cancer to selflessly champion the cause of public awareness. “She selflessly turned it into a mission for public awareness in preventing colon cancer. After deep and active study of the disease, she has translated her passion, energy, and skill for entrepreneurship and marketing for the Fortune 500 into a marketing and data analytics attack on colon cancer. Her steadfast public advocacy includes participation in many healthcare boards, giving talks to raise awareness, the colonoscopy gala, speeches for minority communities, podcasts, and donating of a large sum of money for cancer prevention.
“For Brooks, this is a numbers game… She has figured out that to prevent 500 cases of colorectal cancer by 2030, she will seek to inspire 8500 colonoscopies in North Carolina.”
Peter J. Morris, MD, Named Winner of 2023 E. Harvey Estes, MD Physician Community Service Award
E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award
Peter Morris, MD, MPH, MDiv
Dr. Peter Morris has been a physician leader in Wake County since 1986 when he joined the then Wake County Health Department as Medical Director and Deputy Director. In his career he has gone well beyond Medical Director, as he oversaw, consecutively, Maternal and Child Health, Communicable Disease, Child Protective Services, Adoptions and Foster Care, Community Mental Health, and Adult Services. He practiced pediatrics at WakeMed, first in the outpatient night clinic and then as a relief Pediatric Hospitalist and Intensivist. He has won teaching awards from Duke Family Medicine, UNC Pediatrics, and WakeMed.
Dr. Gerri Mattson says “his work as Executive Director of Urban Ministries clearly transcends any medical role. Dr. Morris has guided the Open Door Clinic to include health and nutrition education and behavioral health. The Hunger and Nutrition program has quadrupled from serving 25 to 85 families per day. Also, the Helen Wright Centers for Women, the largest program for homeless women in the county, has job training, mental health and substance use treatment and physical health on site. This is the work not of a doctor but an excellent executive director, shaping his community’s health. And the community is better for it.”
Karen Harum, MD, FAAP, Named as Region 1 Golden Stethoscope Award Winner
Dr. Karen Harum, a Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician, is the founder of The Clinic for Special Children in Wilmington. Her practice strives to provide accurate diagnosis, whole-child treatments, specialty care, and consultation for children with developmental disabilities and behavioral problems, including special expertise in the neuroscience of learning and autism. As her nominator, Practice Manager Pasha Krise, shares, “Dr. Harum is the most dedicated pediatrician that we have known. She is adored by her patients, many of whom have high special needs and behaviors that would scare other physicians. In those times, she leans in. She spends countless hours after her practice is closed to help parents and children in crisis.”
“As a leader in her practice, she is cultivating the next generation of selfless clinicians, urging them to look at whole-child healthcare and teaching them to manage patients with compassion and firm direction. Dr. Harum motivates her full staff by being an example of dedication to patient care and family care in determinants of health. She also motivates parents of the special needs community to advocate for services, offers preventative care, to treat brain damage and disease with hope for the hopeless. This often means just one word from a wordless child, but through a wide range of medicines and therapeutic care, families champion the small milestone for their children. Dr. Harum inspires and leads the Special Needs community and her small staff, teaching younger staff to lean in the hopeless, and offer compassion, humanity, and understanding. She does not shy away from long hours and has grit and determination for her Clinic, staff, and patients. Dr. Harum, as attested by her patients and staff, is the definition of a leader in the neurodevelopmental field in NC, and she is dedicated endlessly to her patients. She motivates and inspires both caregivers and staff to step up and into the role as the new generation of clinicians and role models who put our special needs and the most vulnerable populations’ needs first.”
Alan Story, MD, wins Region 4 Golden Stethoscope Award
Dr. Alan Story is a Catawba County native and joined Newton Family Physicians in 1999. Since then he has moved into a leadership role with his knowledge of computers and drive to help colleagues become more efficient in their day-to-day work flow. He has a special interest in disease prevention and well-care.
Dr. Story was nominated by his Practice Manager Melissa White. She shares, “He has a wonderful, positive attitude in trying to understand all types of providers and their needs in order to be the best they can be for their patients. In the last 5 years, he has taken his leadership role a few steps farther by becoming our lead physician in our quest for better quality. He was instrumental in helping us convert to telemedicine when the COVID pandemic struck. He is always thoughtful when trying to solve problems with our quality team and very aware of the impact that new guidelines throw our way. His leadership skills have propelled him to a local medical director for our state ACO. He is always willing to listen when our team has a workflow issue. He still manages to work a full patient load even as his practice has matured into a more challenging population with a greater Medicare share of patients. He consistently presents a positive attitude at any meeting as well as everyday work. I for one am proud to have him on our team. His heart truly is what a physician should be.”
Upcoming Events of Interest in Pathology...
College of American Pathologists - CAP23: October 7-10, 2023 - Chicago, IL
Keynote speaker: Dr. Sanjay Gupta: "Medicine and the Media, A Fireside Chat"
American Society of Clinical Pathologists - Annual Meeting: October 18-20, 2023 - Long Beach, CA
Cancer Patient Advocate Keynote Speaker: Rob Lowe; Scientific Keynote Speaker: Kizzmekia S. Corbett, PhD
NCSOHNS Annual Meeting News: Deadline to make your room reservations at the Marriott approaching!
South Carolina will host the joint Annual Meeting of the SC/NC Societies of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery on July 28 - 30, 2023 at Marriott Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, SC. The group rate room block closes June 26, 2023, or when the room block is full, which may happen quickly -- so don't delay! Book the Group Rate of $249 | Marriott
If you haven't registered for the meeting itself yet, now is the time to do so! With up to 12.25 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits(s) available and plenty of time for networking and fun, you won't want to miss this year's joint Annual Meeting! Learn more: Meeting Program and Registration
Are you TEAM Harry Potter or TEAM Star Wars?
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, 6pm, we return to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for a social event for members and families. WCMS has covered seats reserved for the NC Symphony Summerfest’s Harry Potter vs. Star Wars outdoor pops concert. By purchasing tickets using the WCMS promo code, the WCMS will provide refreshments for enjoying a picnic under the stars!
Why join us? Click the links below to learn more…
- What is the NC Symphony Summerfest?
- What is Booth Amphitheatre? A very central Wake County location and beautiful concert venue.
- What is Harry Potter vs. Star Wars? Two of the biggest film franchises battle it out at Summerfest!
- Where is the WCMS hosting? Picnic fixin’s will be provided starting at 6:30pm at WCMS’s reserved tables in the Lowes Food Front Porch tables on the deck (centered). The concert starts at 8pm.
- How do I buy tickets? Tickets are just $17 for reserved table seating, with waived processing fees. Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE on the lawn! See the promo code below, and buy your tickets for the reserved tables or any location of your preference.
Have additional questions? Check out ncsymphony.org/wcms or call Shawn Scott, WCMS, at 919-621-5919. See you at Summerfest!
Young physicians: Plan for your financial future at the next WCMS Meeting, June 20
"Financial Awareness and Wealth Planning for New(er) Physicians"
Event Address: North Carolina Medical Society Headquarters, 222 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Program: Join us at 6:30 pm EST for Dinner and Socializing. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm EST.
Join the WCMS for "Financial Awareness and Wealth Planning for New(er) Physicians," with speakers Frances Cronlund, CIMA®, CExP™, CTFA, CFP® and Caleb Sanderson, CFP from Curi Capital. They will share strategies to address medical debt and life planning that is often delayed due to training or financial constraints and discuss ways to minimize this aspect of professional stress and promote best practices with advice from trusted partners. To register, click here.
Registration now open for 2023 NCDA Summer Meeting
Registration now open for the 2023 NCDA Summer Meeting - July 14-16 on Kiawah Island!
Escape to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort for a weekend of learning and fun!
REGISTER NOW
For more information, download the registration brochure or visit the website.
To secure your hotel accommodations, please call (800) 654-2924 and reference the NCDA, or reserve your room online here to receive the special group rate of just $275 for a one bedroom villa, plus tax. Two-bedroom villas are also available at $425. Our block of rooms will be released June 23. The resort is a popular destination and is likely to sell out, so you are urged to make your reservation promptly.
Political Pulse for May 4, 2023
Another busy week for the North Carolina Medical Society. Senate Bill 20 is making a fast track through Raleigh and NCMS's Manager of Regulatory Advocacy has a breakdown of what is happening so far. We also take a look at where the NCMS-aided Prior Authorization bill is and some big legislative wins this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN1mWGRvs6I
Related:
NCMS Statement on SB 20 - Care for Women and Children Act
NCMS Successfully Introduces Legislation to Reform the Burdensome Prior Authorization Process
Join in May for your chance to get away to historic Charleston, SC!
Charleston is over 350 years old...
Things younger than Charleston (founded 1670)
- Electricity (1700)
- Baseball (1839)
- North Carolina Medical Society (1849)
- Washing machine (1851)
- Automobile (1886)
- Basketball (1891)
- X-Ray machine (1895)
- YOU!
Be a part of the future of medicine with a visit to the past.
Join NCMS this month and get entered to win a trip to The Charleston Place!
The winner of our drawing will get a stay at the beautiful Charleston Place and a free dinner at the hotel's Charleston Grill.*
*This offer at the Charleston Place is good until February 28, 2024. Dinner includes food, tax and gratuity; cocktails, wine and tax/gratuity are excluded and must be paid by the winning certificate holder.
Register Today for the NCDA Practice Pearls May Webinar: Incorporating APPs into Practice
May Webinar: "Incorporating APPs into Practice" | Monday, May 22, 2023 | 7:30PM | REGISTER
About Allison Arthur, MD: Dr. Allison Arthur is a Mayo Clinic-trained dermatologist and dermopathologist working in Orlando, Florida. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Arthur moved to Atlanta, Georgia to complete her undergraduate studies at Emory University and later attended medical school at the University of Florida where she graduated from the College of Medicine at the top of her class with Honors in Academic Excellence. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, then moved to Rochester, Minnesota for Dermatology residency at Mayo Clinic. After residency, Dr. Arthur joined the faculty of the Department of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic and served as an instructor at Mayo Medical School. She then continued her education with a fellowship in dermatopathology, studying skin diseases at the microscopic level. During her time at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Arthur cared for patients from all over the world and was mentored by some of the top dermatologists in the field. Dr. Arthur is involved in the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), being named a diplomate as well as serving on the Young Physicians Committee and the AAD leadership forum work group. Dr. Arthur is an active member of the Central Florida Society of Dermatology.
Kick Back in Kiawah!
Sun filled days give way to star filled nights at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Your villa awaits to sooth away your cares and let you wander this lush island on the coast of South Carolina. All new members in April are entered into a drawing for the chance to enjoy world-class accommodations.
A few clicks and a leisurely drive is all it takes to have a chance at a fabulous, beach-side getaway!
2023 Golden Stethoscope Awards Gala
Make Plans to Join Us October 14th at the Sheraton for the 2023 Awards Gala!
Be sure to mark your calendar now so that you don’t miss this event created exclusively for NCMS members, their guests and event sponsors.
Help us celebrate 20 years of Leadership College at this year’s awards ceremony!
Interested in becoming a sponsor at the LEAD Conference and Golden Stethoscope Awards Gala?
Download the prospectus below or reach out to Pam Highsmith, CFRE, for more details.
About the Golden Stethoscope Awards
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2023 Golden Stethoscope Awards has passed (Aug. 31, 2023).
Do you know an outstanding North Carolina Medical Society physician or physician assistant member who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, dedication to patients, and stellar skills in motivating, inspiring, and leading a medical team? If yes, they could be an NCMS Golden Stethoscope Award winner!
This award will provide peer recognition based upon nominations submitted and final selection by the NCMS Awards Committee.
Eligible recipients must be members of the NCMS who meet the nomination criteria. Four awards will be presented in total — one recipient each from the NCMS’s four regions.
Nominees must:
- Be a current member of the North Carolina Medical Society.
- Be nominated by a peer or co-worker. The nominator does not have to be a member of NCMS.
- Have demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional dedication to patient care exemplified by caring, compassion and quality care, and stellar leadership skills leading, motivating, inspiring peers who are physicians or physician assistants and leading a medical team.
If you have any questions about this nomination process, please contact Randy Aldridge, [email protected].
Political Pulse for March 9, 2023
https://youtu.be/cOHxI15JvtQ
Raleigh has been busy with issues important to NCMS members for the past several weeks. In this week's Political Pulse, Thomas Kincheloe and Emma Kate Sowder are both out of the office but still breaking down the new language in the Medicaid expansion bill and where it stands now. They also take a look at how fast it is moving and the likelihood that it could be signed by Governor Cooper soon.
Save the date for these 2023 Durham-Orange County Medical Society meetings
Mark your calendar to day and make plans to attend these 2023 DOCMS events:
- April 12
- June 14
- October 11
- December 13
DOCMS dinner meetings are typically held at the University Club in Durham, NC, from 6:15pm until 8:30pm. Guests and non-member physicians, PAs and students are welcome to attend. Questions? Please contact Frank Snyder, [email protected].