TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Dr. Zoe Stallings's MEDTalk from 2016
The North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Zoe Stallings's MEDTalk from 2016 on "Setting Patient Expectations: Patient Orientation and Patient Satisfaction Scores"
Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference and Golden Stethoscope Gala, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/Q25Od1ksu80
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is OPEN.
Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Dr. Kailey Remien's MEDTalk from 2020
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Kailey Remien's MEDTalk from 2020 on "Evaluating the Didactic Medical Education on How to Treat Sexual Assault Victims"
Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/sFIjF_7cElE
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is OPEN.
Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Walter B. Jones Addiction Treatment Center in Greenville Ranked One of Best in America by Newsweek
The most recent rankings were released on Newsweek.com on Aug. 16, 2023, and are based on Nationwide Online Survey, Quality Score and Accreditation Data. This is the second year in a row that WBJ has been recognized as one of the best treatment centers in North Carolina.
"Walter B. Jones is proud to be recognized again as providing top care for North Carolinians in need of substance use treatment," said Karen Burkes, NCDHHS Director of the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities. "Maintaining this top designation reflects the quality care provided by WBJ’s team of dedicated psychiatrists, nurses and therapists, and the support the facility receives from the community."
WBJ provides inpatient and outpatient services including medical detox, psychiatric stabilization, substance use disorder and mental health treatment, and uses best practices such as Motivational Interviewing, trauma informed care and Seeking Safety. Perinatal services are also available for women at all stages of pregnancy, from all 100 counties, who are in need of specialized inpatient treatment.
Referrals primarily come from outpatient providers, regional acute care hospitals, emergency departments, community hospitals and Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations. WBJ also partners with ECU Health as an integral, academic medical training institution to make sure providers are well versed in substance use treatment. Additional information about WBJ can be found at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dsohf/walter-b-jones.
About 1.2 million people in North Carolina have a substance use disorder, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought added and unprecedented stressors on people, families and communities which exacerbated existing substance use issues. Having quality treatment centers like WBJ and increasing access to prevention, treatment and recovery services are crucial. And key to increasing access to behavioral health services is expanding Medicaid, which will provide millions of dollars for behavioral health services in North Carolina. Once implemented, thousands of people will have access to affordable mental health and substance use disorder treatment when and where they need. North Carolina has never had adequate mental health services because they are unaffordable for most people. Until North Carolina closes the coverage gap and implements Medicaid expansion, needed care will remain out of reach.
Walter B. Jones Center is one of two state operated Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Centers specifically designed to provide medically monitored detoxification/crisis stabilization, and short-term treatment preparing adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders for ongoing community-based recovery services.
Walter B. Jones and Julian F. Keith ADATCs are operated by the NC Department of Health and Human Services-Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Dr. Bryan Zorko's MEDTalk from 2018
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Bryan Zorko's MEDTalk from 2018 on "Transporation as a Social Determinant of Health in Pitt Co., NC."
Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/V7d5GxlyPc4
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Political Pulse August 11, 2023
In this episode of Political Pulse, NCMS is getting ready for 2024! Next year there are some exciting ways for members to get involved in advocacy. Hannah Rice has all the details on the 2024 Advocacy Summit and Emma Kate Burns reveals the NCMS All-State White Coat Day! You will be prepared and ready to be part of a sea of white coats at the General Assembly next June. Enjoy the latest Political Pulse!
https://youtu.be/jgwZgwojjy0
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Odera Umeano, MD's MEDTalk from 2019
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Odera Umeano's MEDTalk from 2019 on "Protocol for COPD" Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/Oa14fhimxtw
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
American College of Physicians Recognizes NC Chapter, NCMS Member Dr. Marion McCrary
Congratulations are in order for the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Physicians. This year, ACP is recognizing NC,ACP with the John Tooker Evergreen Award!
North Carolina has been recognized for its work to promote physician well-being. Under the leadership of North Carolina Medical Society member, Marion McCrary, MD, FACP, the NC,ACP has been proactive in responding to the challenge of physician burnout by sharing resources, regularly posting Wellness Wednesday advice, and producing web-based education offerings.
Is There A Covid Summer Surge This Year?
Covid-19 has spiked every summer since 2020 — and this year’s no exception.
Cases and hospitalizations have risen since mid-July, according to the CDC.
Per the CDC, last month the U.S. saw its first bump in hospitalizations since the U.S. ended its Covid-19 public health emergency in May. From July 9 to 15, the number of patients admitted with the virus rose 10.3 percent; the following week, it was up 12 percent.
The number of positive cases has become harder to determine now that the CDC has stopped releasing its detailed reports, but one way to measure the spread is through wastewater analysis. According to recent tests, more Americans are being infected, with the highest increases in the Northeast and South. Walgreens, the pharmacy chain, has also reported that 42 percent of its tests were positive in the last week of July, compared to 29 percent in late June.
North Carolina hospitalizations for Covid-19 show a slight increase, but are no where close to last summers rates.
Why are Covid cases rising this summer?
As in previous years, it’s partly because the heat has forced more people to flock indoors and into the AC. The virus is more likely to get transmitted with more people mingling and breathing the same recirculated air. The rise in summer travel is also likely a factor, experts say.
Plus, for many of us, our immunity has begun to wane. Only 17 percent of Americans have received the bivalent vaccines, which were rolled out last fall and are supposed to protect against Omicron variants, Wired reports. Another reason for the uptick may be all the wildfire smoke this summer. There’s evidence that pollution may weaken the immune system — and in 2020, when California and the Pacific Northwest were subject to one particularly hellish season of smoggy air, the states saw an elevated level of Covid-19 fatalities, one study found.
Positive rates are “still near historic lows after 7 months of steady declines,” CDC spokesperson Kathleen Conley said last week. The number of fatalities has also reached an all-time low, The New York Times reports.
Leana Wen, M.D., a physician and professor of health policy and management at George Washington University, tells CNN that those who are generally healthy and have either been vaccinated or have been infected are not likely to become severely ill, but they still run the risk of developing long Covid. (It’s estimated that one in 10 Covid survivors end up with the condition.) Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are still vulnerable and Dr. Wen says they should avoid large indoor crowds, consider masking, and make sure they’re up-to-date on their boosters.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Claudius Jarrett, MD's MEDTalk from 2021
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Claudius Jarrett's MEDTalk from 2021 on "MED (My Education & Diagnosis) School" Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/dXaibHsMI20
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Boost Your Office Moral, One Leaf at a Time!
Research on “micro-nature” demonstrates its positive impact on employee performance and well-being.
Corporations around the globe are realizing that employees need a connection to nature. Google, LL Bean, Facebook, Uber, Nike, and LinkedIn are working to go green in a new way. The understand the benefits of plants in the office. New research on micro-nature, the incorporation of small, affordable natural elements, is showing a positive impact on employees.
A new article in the Harvard Business Review shows that exposure to nature at work boosts productivity, helpfulness, and creativity. It also says there is no evidence of negative side effects.
The research worked with people in the U.S, Canada, China, New Zealand, and Indonesia. The results were consistent, showing that even small doses of nature at work improved the way employees felt. The findings indicate that micro-nature in the workplace can contribute to worker well-being and performance.
To read the article with the full report click here.
For the best plants for your office, according to plant experts, click here.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Caitlin Heredia, PA-C's MEDTalk from 2022
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Caitlin Heredia, PA-C's MEDTalk from 2022 on "Adopting a Trauma-Informed Mindset." Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/SCwD5RGJRGs
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
CME-Eligible Webinar Features Former US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams
The Intersection of Mental Health & Health Equity: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Jerome Adams
Join a new virtual event from Curi's Health Equity Series focused on addressing mental health through the lens of health equity.
In this CME-eligible Q&A discussion with Dr. Jerome Adams, the 20th U.S. Surgeon General and former Indiana State Health Commissioner, we will explore the current state of mental health in the U.S., along with tangible solutions for providers to implement in their practices. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. For CME information, please click here.
As part of the webinar, you will:
- Describe the current state of mental health in the U.S.
- Summarize the inequities in care and treatment that communities at higher risk for mental health conditions experience.
- Explain three strategies that can be implemented at the clinical and organizational level to improve mental health care for patients.
The event is online only, August 2, 2023, 1-2pm ET.
REGISTER HERE
Dr. Jerome Adams is the 20th U.S. Surgeon General and a former Indiana State Health Commissioner, Dr. Adams currently serves as Executive Director of Health Equity Initiatives at Purdue University. In these roles, he has promoted public policies to promote mental health and wellness, and address substance misuse.
AI Has Entered the Chat. Is Healthcare Ready?
Are you ready for artificial intelligence in your practice?
A sprawling new report from GE Healthcare says that there is a strong belief that tech will improve healthcare.
The survey include 55 hundred patients and their families PLUS two thousand clinicians from eight countries!
The results showed that 99 percent of respondents believe that emerging technology, like AI, will make healthcare better in our future. When it comes to clinicians, 61 percent believe AI can support clinical decision-making and enable more rapid health intervention.
The full report has extensive data, including information on workforce burnout and insights on reducing clinical burden.
Read more here then tell us what you think the future of healthcare looks like.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Dr. Michaux Kilpatrick's MEDTalk from 2022
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Michaux Kilpatrick's MEDTalk from 2022 on "Physician Retention." Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/X3XZfRuDkcA
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Grant Opportunity: Partnering to Prevent Suicide in North Carolina
Carolina Across 100 is launching a 12-month program to partner with a select group of community collaboratives committed to identifying and implementing strategies to improve mental health and ultimately reduce the number of suicides.
Carolina Across 100 seeks applications from communities that are interested in working across sectors to prevent suicides and improve mental and behavioral health in the state. Teams will build collaboratives within their communities and benefit from peer learning with each other to better understand the context and impacts of suicide and related issues, as well as design and implement strategies to respond effectively.
This effort will be led by the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute and coordinated by Carolina Across 100. Application deadline is July 28, 2023.
Learn more and how to apply here.
On The Lighter Side - July 14, 2023 - Big Concerts, WWE, Blackberries, and Tennis (Stay Hydrated!)
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Ladies and Gentlemen are hitting Centre Court all weekend at Wimbledon!
Who will be kissing those trophies this year? Wimbledon is coming to a close with matches all weekend! Lots of upsets so far and fans are showing up (hello, Princess Catherine, Queen Camilla, and Jon Bon Jovi!) and tuning in (look for matches on ESPN and ABC). You can learn about all the action by clicking here.
PS: Here is how to make classic Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream!
It Is a Hot Concert Summer!
Tonight:
- Riley Green at Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh
- Billy Strings at Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary
- blink-182 at Spectrum Center, Charlotte
- Melissa Etheridge at Knight Theater, Charlotte
- Barenaked Ladies at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington
Saturday:
- Kenny G at Wilson Center, Wilmington
- Luke Combs at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- Michael Franti at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington
- Ryan Perry at Blackmon Amphitheater, Mt. Airy
Sunday:
- Erykah Badu at Spectrum Center, Charlotte
- Rosa Linn at Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh
NC Blackberry Festival Celebrates 20 years!
Includes Black "Beer"y Beer Garden, Blackberry Patch, Farmers Market, Live Music & Vendors. Fun for the Whole Family!
All you need to know can be found here.
WWE Smackdown Lands at PNC Arena Tonight!
The superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment show off their athleticism and dramatic skills. Scores are settled as elaborate and enduring rivalries are played out in the ring.
Tickets are still available by clicking here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
Interested in a Leadership Role? Wake County Medical Society Looking for New Officers
The Wake County Medical Society is looking for great physicians and surgeons to become its next generation of leaders. Officers will be elected at the October 2023 general meeting.
WCMS President, Dr. Ted Kunstling says, “Serving in leadership positions can gave purpose and meaning to your professional life, very important in this era of burn-out. I have never regretted opportunities to serve my colleagues and my community.”
A Nominating Committee consisting of three past presidents including Drs. Robert Munt, David Gremillion, and Peter Morris is in the process of identifying candidates for Officer and at-large Executive Council positions.
WCMS active members in good standing and life members who might be interested in serving in a leadership role or who wish to make a nomination should contact Dr. Kunstling or any other member of the Nominating Committee.
A slate of candidates will be communicated to the membership prior to the October 17, 2023, general meeting at which time eligible members present shall vote. Officers and EC members will be installed at the December meeting of WCMS.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Dr. Derek Clar's MEDTalk from 2019
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Derek Clar's MEDTalk from 2019 on "Anesthesia, Pain and Fewer Opioids." Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/FrltHMwceiQ
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Tennessee Surgeon Fatally Shot in Exam Room
Dr. Benjamin Mauck, who specialized in hand and wrist surgery, was killed Tuesday at Campbell Clinic Orthopedics in Collierville
COLLIERVILLE, TN (NBC, Marlene Lenthang and Austin Mullen) -- A Tennessee surgeon was fatally shot by a patient in an exam room Tuesday afternoon in an act police described as a “targeted” attack.
Dr. Benjamin Mauck, who specialized in elbow and hand and wrist surgery, was killed at Campbell Clinic Orthopedics in Collierville, local Police Chief Dale Lane said in a news conference Tuesday.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting at the clinic around 2 p.m. local time and within five minutes found the suspect and took him into custody "without incident," Lane said.
The suspect was identified Wednesday as 29-year-old Larry Pickens of Memphis.
He has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault, police said in an update.
Lane said Tuesday the suspect was found with a handgun “on his person,” but it wasn’t in his hand.
Police conducted multiple searches of the facility to make sure it was secured.
“This appears to be a one-on-one interaction, it occurred in an exam room,” Lane said.
He said that the patient had been at the clinic for “several hours” but it’s not clear yet what precipitated the shooting. Police said no one else was wounded in the incident.
Police said Wednesday they had no prior reports regarding Pickens and investigators are checking with other agencies to see if he has a criminal history.
Pickens’ bond has been set at $1.2 million and he’s scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. The shooting remains under investigation.
The hospital said in a statement to NBC News: “We experienced a single shooter event inside our Collierville clinic.”
“We are shocked and heartbroken to confirm the incident resulted in the tragic loss of one of our highly respected and beloved physicians, Dr. Ben Mauck. We ask that you please lift his family in prayer,” said Irina Ollar, director of marketing and public relations at Campbell Clinic.
“We appreciate our local law enforcement officers who responded within minutes. We will continue to work closely with authorities as this remains an active investigation,” she added.
All Campbell Clinic locations are closed Wednesday.
Just last week, Mauck had been named one of the "2023 Top Doctors in Memphis" by Memphis Magazine.
He had worked at the Campbell Clinic since August 2012 and boasted a 4.9 rating in patient reviews. Mauck was also the director of the Congenital Hand Deformities Clinic Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
Dr. Trey Eubanks, interim president and surgeon-in-chief at Le Bonheur, said in an email to staff Tuesday: “Ben was a friend to so many of us — a respected member of our Le Bonheur family, a beloved colleague and a dedicated physician to so many patients. We already miss him.”
“His death is an unthinkable tragedy, and I am at loss at what to say. I am so sorry to those who loved and knew him, for those who worked alongside him every day.”
The North Carolina Medical Society extends our condolences to Dr. Mauck's family, friends and colleagues and to the Tennessee Medical Association.
NCMS Member Dr. Jennie Byrne Authors Book, LinkedIn Series
NCMS Member Jennie Byrne, PhD, MD, DFAPA is a busy woman! She is the author of "Work Smart: Use Your Brain and Behavior to Master the Future of Work" and has published articles on the art of the unplugged vacation.
Dr. Byrne is the founder and CEO of Constellation PLLC and the Chief Patient Officer at Belong Health. She has been called a “Triple Threat” because of her work as a physician leader, a healthcare executive, and as an entrepreneur. She is a brain and behavior specialist with extensive training and experience in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and neuroscience. In addition to being a NCMS member she is also a 2019 Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership graduate.
Byrne is a relentless optimist and believes that if we challenge our outdated assumptions, we can all work smarter. When she’s not reading a book, she is playing music and working on fiber arts.
Fellow author Janet Fouts says of the book: "Right now, everyone is suffering from overwhelm. As leaders, we want to help the people who work with us, but we're struggling too and it's not simple to know how to best support them. We all need this book!"
Byrne has supplied the latest:
BOOK UPDATE
🎙 the final step in publication... my audiobook has dropped on Audible!
✒ check out my reflection series on LinkedIn - Parts I, II, III, IV, V
#WORKSMART LEARNING
😎 check out my articles on the Art of The Unplugged Vacation here and here.
✒ more articles to come this summer...
You can purchase or download your copy of the book on Amazon by clicking here.
Learn more about Dr. Byrne on her website by clicking here.
For information about promo codes you can contact Dr. Byrne at [email protected]
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Geoffrey Slaughter, MD's MEDTalk from 2020
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Geoffrey Slaughter's MEDTalk from 2020 on "Let's Intend to End Unintended Pregnancy." Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/-HrjSxzsYU8
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Getting to Know John Goldfield and The Motel Keys!
From the Medical Board to the Main Stage!
If you haven't heard of (and heard) John Goldfield then you are missing out! The Assistant Medical Director of the North Carolina Medical Board is the front man for the band The Motel Keys and they are getting more and more well known across the state.
Randy Aldridge of the North Carolina Medical Society had the chance to talk with him about his music, what his teenage daughters think about their dad (you may be surprised), and what his colleagues have to say about his side hustle!
Here is all you need to know about John Goldfield and The Motel Keys:
Randy Aldridge: John, The Motel Keys are getting better known around the Triangle, tell me all about the band.
John Goldfield: "We play covers of blues, classic and southern rock songs mostly. We try to play stuff that not every other cover band plays, and stuff that will make our audience shake their hips and want to dance. The band includes George Cvjetnicanin: guitar, Derrick Shultz: bass, Jay Holder: drums, Me: vocals and harmonicas.
Randy: What inspired you to join a band?
John: "I started playing in bands after college in the early 90s. I was in an acoustic duo for many years until the Pandemic. Some of my current band members reached out to me in 2021 to see if I’d be willing to join and see what we could come up with."
Randy: You play the harmonica! How did that happen?
John: "I’m actually a harmonica player and the lead singer. I started messing around with the harmonica in college (late 80s) and am primarily self-taught. I’m influenced by Charlie Musselwhite, Junior Wells, Little Walter, John Mayall and of course Elwood Blues."
Randy: The Motel Keys is an very distinctive name. How did you come up with it?
John: "We feel like it evokes a certain retro vibe… kinda cool but also maybe a little cheap and gritty."
Randy: Alright, lets get to the most important question. What does everyone else at the NC Medical Board think of your music career?
John: (laughing) "The NCMB staff and Board members find me curious haha… some have been able to come see a show and are surprised at how much energy and engagement we put out there from the stage!"
Randy: And you have two teenage daughters who are probably your harshest critics! What do they say about seeing dad on stage?
John: "My teenaged girls love to come see my shows and are very supportive."
Randy: So what is next for The Motel Keys?
John: "We have a show 7/7/23 at Tap Yard Raleigh and a private function in August at Treyburn Country Club in Durham. We are expecting to play again at House of Hops on Glenwood in either September or October. Brueprint Brewing is opening a new location this Fall in Morrisville and they’ve asked us to play the grand opening. We’ll be at Fainting Goat Brewing in Fuquay Varina in December."
If you want to check out The Motel Keys Friday night click here for more information.
If you would like to hear The Motel Keys click here!
To keep up with their schedule click here!
On The Lighter Side - June 30, 2023 - 4th of July Celebrations, Concerts, Shows, and Barbie's Dreamhouse!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
The NC Fourth of July Festival kicks off in Southport
For 228 years, the city of Southport has celebrated the Fourth of July in style! It is now the official North Carolina 4th of July Festival and lasts for several days starting today. There are events in Southport and Oak Island that include the famed arts and crafts fair at Franklin Square Park, a Naturalization Ceremony on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn, NC's most patriotic parade, and a gala fireworks display! Don't miss it all weekend and into next week! More information is here.
Gavin DeGraw is at Fort Liberty
The Grammy award-nominated singer will play the Main Post Parade Field at Fort Liberty on July 4 at 6:45pm. IT is called the 4th at the Fort Celebration and you can get more information here.
Alicia Keys lands in Charlotte Sunday
Alicia - Keys to the Summer Tour will be at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte on Sunday, July 2 at 8pm. For more information and tickets click here.
It's Barbie's world and we're just living in it!
Barbie's DreamHouse is now available to rent on Airbnb! Pack your bags Barbie fans, this summer’s holiday destination is clear: The Malibu DreamHouse. The pink pad will be available to rent in California this summer, but the house has been given a twist by Barbie’s beau Ken. “Welcome to my Kendom! While Barbie is away, she has handed over the keys to her Malibu DreamHouse this summer and my room could be yours for the night,” reads the listing. In advance of the release of the Barbie movie on July 17, the famed house available for two one-night stays for FREE!
To enter the Barbie world click here.
Six, the Musical Is Still Thrilling Audiences!
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! See the Tony Award winning musical at DPAC this weekend by clicking here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
Political Pulse for June 30, 2023
Changes have been made to Senate Bill 20 in the final days before it goes into effect. On July 1, there is a long list of new documentation for physicians to use including changes to the informed consent requirements and patient information. There is also new information on both medical and surgical abortions. Randy Aldridge and Emma Kate Sowder discuss some of the changes in this week's Political Pulse.
https://youtu.be/xt3un2_1lDk
NCDHHS Releases Forms for Compliance with New Abortion Statute - North Carolina Medical Society
https://ncmedsoc.org/ncdhhs-releases-forms-for-compliance-with-new-abortion-statute/
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Kim Vuong, MD's MEDTalk from 2016
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Kim Vuong's MEDTalk from 2016 on Pediatric Nephrology Co-Management. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/jwzVhlxEljU
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
Next Step? Weight Loss Without Needles
(Healthcare Brew - Francis Scialabba) -- Just when it seemed the weight-loss drug race couldn’t get any more frenzied, the makers of popular obesity medications said “Hold my syringe.”
Novo Nordisk said yesterday it will seek FDA approval this year for a pill version of its pound-shedding medication, Wegovy (Ozempic for weight loss), after finding that an oral alternative was just as effective as the injectable version.
That leaves Pfizer and Eli Lilly—the maker of Mounjaro, a recent breakout in weight loss—trailing a bit behind as the three drugmakers compete for the biggest slice of a fast-growing industry that could reach $100 billion by the end of the decade, analysts estimate. Pfizer’s CEO has estimated that an obesity pill could rake in $10 billion per year for the company that makes it.
- In Novo Nordisk’s final trials before FDA review, diabetics lost up to 20 pounds and non-diabetics lost an average of 35 pounds—or 15% of their body weight—on a high-dose daily pill version of semaglutide (the generic name for Ozempic and Wegovy).
- Competitor Eli Lilly’s oral weight loss drug, orforlipron, enabled non-diabetic users to lose up to 14.7% of their body weight in phase two studies (one step behind final trials). So far, nothing rivals Eli Lilly’s injectable, Mounjaro, which reduces body weight by 22.5%, on average—except its own experimental injectable retatrutide, which the company announced yesterday helped patients lose 24% of their weight.
- Diabetics who pop the high dose of Pfizer’s pill, danuglipron, shed an average of 10 pounds, according to mid-phase two trial results. Pfizer was developing a second pill, too, but just dropped it after discovering it could harm people’s livers.
But it’s not all pills and rainbows. Some medical professionals think an oral option for weight loss will help those who get squeamish around needles, but critics worry the ease could put pressure on people who are overweight. There’s no timeline yet on when the semaglutide pill form will hit the market, which is still suffering from demand-fueled shortages of Wegovy and Ozempic injectables.
On the Lighter Side - June 23, 2023 - Concerts (something for everyone), gay pride, baseball, and fun on the Trent River!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
SO. MANY. CONCERTS.
Tonight:
* Amy Grant at The Wilson Center in Wilmington
* Jo Dee Messina at The Ritz in Raleigh
* Morris Day and The Time at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary
Saturday:
* Clint Black at Winston Salem Fairgrounds
* Patti LuPone at Brevard Music Center in Brevard
* Squirrel Nut Zippers at Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte
* Weezer at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte
* Fantasia at the Florence Center in Florence, SC
Sunday:
* Clint Black at the Wilson Center in Wilmington
* Jon Reep at Comedy Zone in Greensboro
For information and tickets click here.
Men's College World Series Continues
The Men's College World Series field is underway, with the final eight teams competing in Omaha from June 16 through either June 25 or June 26. Is your favorite team going to make it all the way? The latest and schedules are available here.
It is Gay Pride Month!
There are happenings across the state all month. On Saturday, check out the Winston Salem Pride Festival and Parade. It is in the Downtown Arts District and starts at 10am. More info is here.
Time for the Great Trent River Raft Race!
A day of family fun and the "Anything That Floats" raft face at Union Point Park in New Bern. The fun is on and off the water with live entertainment and lots for the kids to do! See the amazing line up here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
Report: Abortions fell by 26,000 in nine months after Dobbs ruling
The Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade resulted in 3,000 per month drop in abortions, new data suggests
(HealthcareBrew - Shannon Young) -- The number of abortions performed in the US fell by almost 26,000 in the nine months after the Supreme Court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to a report released June 15, 2023.
The Society of Family Planning’s latest #WeCount analysis estimated that 25,640 fewer abortions took place between July 2022 and March 2023 (an average of about 2,849 fewer abortions each month), compared to the average monthly numbers observed prior to the court’s June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which ended national abortion protections.
Those numbers are down from data #WeCount released in April, which estimated that abortions had dropped by an average of about 5,377 per month between July and December 2022—or 32,260 fewer cumulatively. (Though, the report noted, the pre-Dobbs numbers are likely an underestimate, since Texas’s six-week abortion ban was already in place then.)
Still, the new data underscores “the ways the Dobbs decision continues to devastate abortion access across the country, especially in states where abortion has been heavily restricted or banned,” Ushma Upadhyay, #WeCount cochair and professor at the University of California, San Francisco’s Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health program, said in a statement.
The findings:
- Fewer abortions occurred in seven of the nine months following Dobbs, compared to April 2022. November 2022 saw the largest decline, with 11,480 fewer abortions. Meanwhile, March 2023 saw the largest increase during the post-Dobbs period, with 8,930 more abortions.
- States with abortion bans saw the largest decrease in the procedure, with 65,920 fewer clinician-provided abortions in the months after Dobbs, compared to April 2022.
- The national abortion rate fell from 13.4 per 1,000 reproductive-age women in April 2022 to 12.6 per 1,000 in the nine months following Dobbs.
- Despite the decrease in the overall number of abortions, abortions provided via telehealth grew from an average of 4,025 per month (or 5% of all abortions) immediately before Dobbs to an average of 7,461 per month (or 9% of all abortions) in the nine months after the court decision.
- Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Colorado, and California saw the largest increases in the total number of clinician-provided abortions during the nine-month post-Dobbs period.
Methodology: The report’s findings are based on state-level monthly volume data reported by US abortion providers, as well as estimates of missing abortions by state using various information sources. It does not include the number of abortions that occurred outside the formal healthcare system.
Health Panel: All Adults Under 65 Should be Screened for Anxiety
For the first time, an influential group of health experts says adults — especially pregnant and postpartum women — should be regularly assessed for anxiety and depression.
(NBC - Erika Edwards) -- All young and middle-age adults should be screened regularly for anxiety and depression, even if they don't have symptoms, an influential public health group said Tuesday.
While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended doctors assess patients for depression since 2002, it is the first time the group has advocated for routine screening of anxiety in adults. Pregnant women and those who gave birth within the past year were highlighted as people who should be screened.
"This is a call to action," Dr. Wanda Nicholson, vice chair of the task force and a professor of prevention and community health at the George Washington Milken Institute of Public Health in Washington, D.C., said in an interview.
The guidance comes as emotional stress has skyrocketed in recent years, increasing demands on the limited number of counselors and therapists nationwide.
"We recognize that there can be limitations in terms of access to mental health providers within the health care system," Nicholson said.
There was not enough evidence to back screening for adults 65 and older, the task force said.
The Preventive Services Task Force is made up of independent health experts who volunteer their time to analyze all of the scientific data on a particular subject, and who then make recommendations based on that set of data.
The guidance may influence insurance company reimbursements, but doctors are not required to follow the group's recommendations, which were published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The recommendations are considered final, and mirror draft guidance on the topic was released last fall.
"This is a positive step forward," said Dr. Gary Maslow, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Duke University who was not involved with the new guidance.
The task force previously recommended that children as young as 8 be screened for anxiety disorder.
What is the test for anxiety?
Screening for anxiety is usually done through questionnaires during a doctor's office visit. Doctors want to know how often within the past two weeks a patient has been easily annoyed or irritable, bothered by uncontrollable worries or feeling so restless that it's difficult to sit still.
Depending on the results, a doctor could prescribe medication or refer the patient to a specialist who treats anxiety disorders.
Chivonna Childs, a staff psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said screening is important because anxiety or depression symptoms may not be obvious during regular doctor visits.
"Not everybody's going to come in your office in a ball of nerves, shaking, having panic attacks," Childs said. "Most people don't have any of that."
The screening tools are not diagnostic, Maslow stressed.
"When you screen someone you say, 'OK, you have some of the symptoms that are consistent with anxiety. Let's talk about that more in detail and see if you meet the criteria for this condition,'" he said.
The task force's recommendations specifically referred to pregnant and postpartum women. "In many ways, they are a different population," Nicholson said.
Previous surveys have found that mental health issues and stress among pregnant women have tripled in recent years.
There was also not enough evidence to suggest screening would be effective for assessing the risk of suicide in adults.
"We are urgently calling for more research to determine the effectiveness of screening all adults for suicide risk," Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, a task force member and professor of population health and medicine at New York University, said in a statement.
On the Lighter Side - June 16, 2023 - Concerts, Juneteenth, Shopping, Golf, and Dear Old Dad!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Shop 100 Miles of Treasures at the 301 Endless Yard Sale!
The 301 Endless Yard Sale is today and tomorrow from 7 AM to 5 PM. It is a cooperative endeavor for residents, shops, restaurants, merchants, and non-profits along Highway 301. This marks the 11th time the amazing sale has happened and it gets bigger every time!
The Sale stretches for over 100 miles and shoppers will find the usual yard sale items like clothes, kitchen gadgets, vintage records, and toys. But you'll also discover truly unique items like old farm equipment and high-end antiques! It stretches from Dunn to Weldon and includes Halifax, Nash, Wilson, Johnston, and Harnett counties.
For maps, vendors, and shopping information click here.
The Motel Keys are back in action tonight in Cary!
You have another chance to shake your hips with John Goldfield of the NC Medical Board! The Motel Keys call themselves a hip shaking, blues, rock and rhythm band and crowds around NC love them. Check them out at Brueprint Brewery tonight! More on the band and how to keep up with them is here.
123 U.S. Open is all weekend
For the first time in 75 years, the U.S. Open will be contested in Los Angeles. It is the first major tournament since the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf announced a partnership. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite to win the 2023 U.S. Open with +600 odds, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. He is followed by 2023 Masters winner Jon Rahm (+900) and current PGA champion Brooks Koepka (+1200) to round out the top three. Simulcasts of the NBC and USA TV coverage will be available on Peacock, USOpen.com, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App.
So many concerts this weekend!
Tonight:
* Debbie Gibson at Smoky Mountain center for the Arts in Franklin
* Pixies at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh
* Elle King at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh
* Anthony Hamilton at Winston Salem Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem
Saturday:
* Dierks Bentley at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte
* Brooks & Dunn at Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro
* Iration at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh
* Kenny Loggins at Virginia Arts Festival in Norfolk, VA
Sunday:
* Larry the Cable Guy at Belk Theater in Charlotte
* Counting Crows at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte
For more information and tickets to any of these shows click here.
Don't forget Sunday is Father's Day
* Father's Day: Bourbon Blending Class at Mystic Farm & Distilling in Durham
* Father's Day Comedy Jam at Creative Dezigns Events Center in Greenville
* Adult Field Day Cookout at Derita Park in Charlotte
* Father's Day Weekend at Cape Hatteras in Rodanthe
For more information and tickets to any of these shows click here.
Monday is Juneteenth! Celebrations are happening all weekend.
Juneteenth celebrations and events are happening across the state. Here are a few options:
* 2023 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival in Concord
* Juneteenth at Stowe Park in Belmont
* Freedom Day Community Celebration in Mebane
* Juneteenth Celebration 5K in Fayetteville
For more events and celebrations throughout the weekend across the state click here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is William Huang, MD's MEDTalk from 2021
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. William Huang's MEDTalk from 2021 on burnout amongst dermatologists. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/-Qd-nffqf48
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table at the LEAD Gala of your own.
On the Lighter Side - June 9, 2023 - Country and Jazz, The Lost Colony, and Ruth E. Carter!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and NC's Scotty McCreery headline Carolina Country Music Fest!
The Carolina Country Music Fest has more than 40 of the country's biggest artists all weekend in Myrtle Beach. Look for Travis Tritt, Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, and dozens more across several stages. There are also theme nights and other fun too. Find out more here.
Great weekend for jazz lovers too!
The High Country Jazz Festival brings first-rate jazz experiences to Boone and Blowing Rock. 2023 headliners include the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, the Emmet Cohen Trio, and Reggie Buie Group. They will be performing at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone and Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. More info is here.
The Lost Colony is back
The 2023 season of The Lost Colony is now underway and runs until August 26. Set on the soundfront on Roanoke Island, enjoy this 86 year-old musical under the stars. It is a North Carolina experience not to be missed! More information and tickets are here.
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at NCMA
Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has defined generations through her work in film and TV. Her art adds dimensionality, flair, and culture to the characters she envisions, giving power to the incredible actors who wear her designs. Her vibrancy and attention to detail in costuming is integral to translating stories of race, politics, and culture to the big screen. From humble roots in Massachusetts, Carter has helped style the Afrofuturism movement for almost 40 years.
Creating pieces for films such as Black Panther, Malcom X, Selma, and Do the Right Thing, Carter has designed costumes for legends like Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Chadwick Boseman, Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.
In this exhibition the NCMA displays more than 60 of Carter’s original garments while also showcasing her immersive process, historical research, and the attention to detail that imbues every project she brings to life.
How to see the exhibit is here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Shauna Guthrie, MD's MEDTalk from 2018
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Shauna Guthrie's MEDTalk from 2018. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/6UF8gBbCTVM
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table of your own.
Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center for Children Opens in Wake County
Children dealing with a mental health crisis now have a new option to get help at a first-of-its-kind behavioral health urgent care center.
The Hope Center for Youth and Family Crisis opened Monday in Fuquay-Varina. It's designed to help families with children ages 5 to 20. The center provides 24/7 access to care, 365 days a year.
The center provides access to assessment, stabilization and treatment planning in a safe, secure and therapeutic environment, and can potentially reduce the strain on EMS as well as hospitals and law enforcement.
Read the full article here.
On The Lighter Side - June 2, 2023
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
SNL's Leslie Jones makes her way to Durham Friday night!
Famed comedian and TV host Leslie Jones will be at the Carolina Theatre in Durham Friday at 7pm (and in Charleston Saturday if you miss her!). Info and tickets here.
Dance barefoot on the sand Friday and Saturday at Carolina Beach Music Festival!
Here is your chance to dance barefoot on the sand or just sway to the Beach Music Beat while standing in the surf. The Carolina Beach Music Festival is billed as "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast" and is one of the longest running beach music festivals in the US. Performers include The Tams and The 14Kt. Gold Band, Band of Oz, Cat5live and Jim Quick & Coastline. More info and tickets are here.
Hear NC Medical Board's John Goldfield's band The Motel Keys live on Saturday!
Check them out at House of Hops in Raleigh starting at 7pm. It is also the House of Hops 9th Anniversary Party! No cover charge.
The Art of the Brick happening in Raleigh
It is the most famous exhibition of Lego art ever (yes, that dinosaur is made from legos!). After touring several cities and entering CNN's list of “Must-See” exhibitions, it has finally come to Raleigh. Critically acclaimed, the collection features works by artist Nathan Sawaya, which include over 90+ sculptures made from millions of LEGO® bricks. Check it out at Pleasant Valley Promenade. Reservations are required. Go see it soon! More information is here.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Sheila Stallings, MD's MEDTalk from 2021
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Sheila Stallings's MEDTalk from 2021. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/Mipim8oVLjI
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table of your own.
Join by July 10th and Enjoy Southern Hospitality at the Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill!
Become a NCMS member this month and enjoy refined accommodations in Chapel Hill!
The Rizzo Center is situated on a picturesque 30-acre hilltop in Chapel Hill's Meadowmont Village, just a few minutes from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The downtown restaurants and shops are just a short drive away.
The Rizzo Center is "Well" suited for a two-night stay that includes breakfast for two. It has 183 inviting rooms and suites, offering contemporary lodging with thoughtful amenities, including premium bedding and modern technology. Guest pantries on every floor are stocked with coffee and tea stations, snacks, and frozen treats.
The winner of our monthly new member contest will enjoy two free nights and breakfast for two. *
Be a part of the future of medicine with a visit to the past.
Join NCMS this month and be entered to win two nights at The Rizzo Center!
*This offer at the Rizzo Center includes room, breakfast, tax and gratuity; cocktails, wine and tax/gratuity are excluded and must be paid by the winning certificate holder. Any additional activities or dining are at winner's expense.
Hurricane Season Begins Today. Is Your Practice Ready?
Disaster Preparedness For You and Your Medical Practice
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season begins today. Though tropical storms and hurricanes can form year-round, most brew during the six-month Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. In fact, 97% of all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic form during the season. North Carolina’s coast is one of the nation’s most vulnerable areas to a direct hurricane strike because its coastline extends out into the ocean. All areas of the state – from coastal and sound counties to the mountains – have been impacted by hurricanes in the past 20 years. Heavy winds, tornadoes, strong thunderstorms, flooding, storm surge and landslides can all be caused by hurricanes causing tragic damage. Here is some helpful information to help you plan now:
Hurricane Categories
Tropical Depression - contains winds up to 39 miles per hour (mph).
Tropical Storm - 39 - 73 mph winds
Category 1 – 74 to 95 mph winds
Category 2 – 96 to 110 mph winds
Category 3 – 111 to 129 mph winds
Category 4 – 130 to 156 mph winds.
Category 5 – winds 157 mph or greater.
Terms
- Hurricane Watch – hurricane conditions (sustained winds greater than 74 mph) are possible. Watches are usually issued 48 hours before the beginning of tropical-storm-force-winds.
- Hurricane Warning – hurricane conditions (sustained winds greater than 74 mph) are expected. Warnings are usually issued 36 hours before the beginning of tropical-storm-force-winds.
- Tropical Storm Warning – tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within 36 hours.
Is Your Practice ready?
Disaster preparedness requires a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, rehearsing, and evaluating. Physicians are critical participants in disaster preparedness, ensuring that patient care and critical services are not interrupted—especially for at-risk individuals who may have special medical needs.
Plan Ahead Now
Before the next disaster strikes, make sure your practice has a plan in place. A checklist, ordered by priority and customized to specific types of disasters, can provide the framework for a comprehensive plan. The checklist should include these elements:
- A full-circle call tree that outlines who contacts whom.
- Instructions for setting up instant messaging technology that enables staff to communicate without a wireless network or cellular data connection.
- Instructions for securing records of patients undergoing diagnostic testing and a list of outstanding diagnostic studies.
- Guidelines for maintaining Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. Although the HIPAA Privacy Rule is not suspended during a natural disaster or other emergency, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may waive certain provisions of the Privacy Rule.
- A Certificate of Insurance for your medical malpractice coverage, or instructions for contacting your agent or insurer directly to obtain proof of coverage. This document will be necessary if you are forced to temporarily relocate your practice or procedures.
- Verification that home health agencies caring for your patients have plans in place to provide adequate services in a disaster.
- Steps to follow upon returning from evacuation.
When Disaster Strikes
Planning today makes accomplishing the following tasks more feasible during a disaster:
Communication
- Contact staff immediately to determine realistic return-to-work time frames.
- Notify external vendors and business associates of your practice interruption and targeted resumption of operation.
- Implement staff briefings at the beginning and end of each day.
- Create temporary phone, fax, and answering services.
- Establish patient telephone triage.
- Implement temporary controls to ensure HIPAA compliance.
Computers and systems
- Contact computer service vendors to ensure integrity and recovery.
- Verify insurance coverage for repair or replacement costs and losses.
- Evaluate applicable warranties and consider an information technology restoration service contract.
- Inventory and document hardware and software.
- Document the type and extent of both lost electronic and paper data.
- Ensure data back-up and periodically test compliance.
- Reestablish filing systems and internal programs.
Medical records
- Determine the extent of damage to, or loss of, patient records and filing systems.
- Attempt to restore all damaged charts and document inventory findings.
- Notify the state medical board for specific guidance pertaining to lost or damaged records.
- Document all efforts to restore and protect existing records.
- Reconstruct lost charts at the next patient encounter.
- Contact your insurance carrier for restorative services and/or claim procedures.
- Reestablish a filing system and temporary storage if necessary.
- Obtain legal guidance for patient notification during recovery efforts.
- Contemporaneously date and initial all late entries and duplicate information in context of recovery efforts.
In addition, create an inventory of all equipment and medications that may have been exposed to water or extremes in temperature. Repair, replace, or discard damaged items appropriately.
Once your plan is in place, regularly reevaluate its steps and update all contact information. Practice and rehearse the plan’s protocols. An effective disaster preparedness plan will help keep your practice focused on delivering care during an emergency.
Is Your Home and Family Ready?
To get ready for a hurricane:
- Build an emergency kit.
- Make a family communications plan.
- Know you’re the routes you need to leave your home (evacuation routes). Locate your local emergency shelters.
- Closely watch/listen to the weather reports. Listening every hour as the storm nears.
- Put fuel in all vehicles and withdraw some cash from the bank. Gas stations and ATMs may be closed after a hurricane.
- If authorities ask you to leave, do so quickly.
- If you leave (evacuate), be alert to flooded or washed-out roads. Just a few inches of water can float a car. Think: Turn Around, Don't Drown.
- Keep a photo I.D. that shows your home address. You will need it when asking police if it is okay for you to re-enter your area or home.
- Secure your property.
- Bring inside all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Cover windows with permanent storm shutters or board up windows with 5/8” plywood, cut and ready to install. Tape does not stop windows from breaking.
- Put in straps or extra clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will lower roof damage.
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home, so they are more wind resistant.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Evacuating
In some emergencies, local officials may tell people to leave their home to keep residents and visitors safe. Fires, floods or chemical accidents require evacuations frequently across the country. At other times, fire fighters and police tell people to stay indoors, or ‘shelter in place.’
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the danger. You may be told ahead of time, as with a hurricane. Or, you may not have much time to leave as in the case of industrial accidents. Always follow the orders of the local emergency officials.
Follow these guidelines when evacuating:
- Listen to local media.
- Fill your car with gasoline. Take only one vehicle to lower the amount of traffic.
- Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
- Plan where your family will meet and go. Tell family or friends of your plans.
- If possible, stay with family or friends in a safe area. Next, try a motel or hotel. As a last resort, go to a shelter. Remember, shelters are not made for comfort and should be places of last resort.
- Map out your path, using major roads. If local officials suggest certain evacuation routes, use those roads
- Always take pets with you when evacuating.
- Don't forget emergency kits for your family and pets. Bring key family papers.
- Bring extra cash. Banks may be closed, and cash tellers may not work.
- Lock doors and windows before leaving your house. Unplug radios, toasters, televisions and small appliances. Be sure to turn off water, gas and power.
- Ask neighbors if they need a ride.
Evacuation routes in North Carolina
Evacuation Zones - Know Your Zone
Are Hurricane Evacuations Mandatory?
Staying Put
There may be times when it’s simply best to stay put to stay away from possible dangers outside. You may also need to stay put to keep you away from possibly dangerous air outside. Use common sense. Information will be given so you can decide if you are in danger. If you see a lot of trash in the air, or if fire fighters and police say the air is badly tainted, you may want to take this kind of action. The process used to seal the room is thought to be a short-term protective way to make a barrier between you and possibly bad air outside. It is a type of sheltering in place that needs preplanning.
If fire fighters, police or other officials tell you to stay indoors, be sure to:
- Bring your family and pets inside.
- Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
- Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
- Get your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been dirtied or is unclean.
- Go into an inside room with few windows.
- Seal all windows, doors and air vents with 2-4 mil. thick plastic sheeting and duct tape.
- To save time, measure and cut the sheeting in advance. Cut the plastic sheeting many inches wider than the openings. Label each sheet.
- Duct tape plastic at corners first. Then tape down all edges.
- Be ready to wing it. Use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you make a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
- Fire fighters and police may not instantly be able to give information on what is happening and what you should do.
- You should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
For more information about disaster preparedness you can go to www.readync.gov.
On The Lighter Side - May 26, 2023 - The Unofficial Start of Summer!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
The Unofficial Start of Summer is Packed With Thing to Do:
Events are happening across the state this weekend! Here is a partial list:
- An American Celebration: The Music of John Williams in Cary
- Mountain Gateway Museum Music Jam in Old Fort
- Thomasville Annual Memorial Day Parade
- Memorial Day Car Parade in Greensboro
- Memorial Day Ceremony in Fayetteville
- Knightdale Memorial Day Ceremony
More info on these and other events is here.
FIREWORKS BY THE SEA & BOARDWALK BLAST
(photo: Eric Alter)
Carolina Beach delivers summer fun all season long during the weekly Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast. Enjoy live music on the Boardwalk and end the night with a spectacular fireworks show on the shore beginning Friday, May 26, and then continuing every Thursday night throughout the summer. More info is here.
Actor, Author, Humorist, & Craftsman Nick Offerman Coming to Harrah's
Nick Offerman, self proclaimed actor, author, humorist, proprietor of a charismatic woodshop, and proud husband and dishwasher to the world’s most powerful woman – Megan Mullally, will be at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort on Saturday at 7:30. Details and tickets are here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Jennifer Parker Cote, MD's MEDTalk from 2020
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Jennifer Parker Cote's MEDTalk from 2020. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/awyhq5wX7_E
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table of your own.
On The Lighter Side - May 19, 2023 - Mellencamp, Amadeus, and the 'Canes!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Got to Be NC Festival Kicks Off Tonight!
Join your friends and family for three great days of down-home celebration North Carolina-style at the
Got to Be NC Festival at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Gate Admission and Parking are FREE!
Hurricanes Still in the Hunt!
Saturday at 8pm, the Carolina Hurricanes Take on the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the 3rd Round of the NHL Conference Finals. This game is at PNC Arena in Raleigh. Games can be see on Bally Sports South, Bally Sports+, TNT, ESPN, Hulu or heard on 99.9 The Fan.
Hurts so Good! John Mellencamp is at DPAC Saturday!
From 'Jack & Diane,' to 'Pink Houses,' to 'Crumblin Down' John Mellencamp has been a rock icon for decades. You can see him Saturday at Durham Performing Arts Center. Show stats at 8pm. Tickets are here.
Celebrate the Many Shades of Americana at Asheville Amadeus Festival
The fourth annual Asheville Amadeus Festival begins on May 11 through May 20, 2023, and celebrates the many shades of Americana, from bluegrass, jazz, and classical to pop, rock and folk. This extraordinary ten-day celebration of arts and culture, headlined this year by Béla Fleck, is one of the many reasons why the Asheville Symphony is regarded as one of our country’s most creative and innovative orchestras. More info here.
If you have an event you would like added to On The Lighter Side, email Randy Aldridge at [email protected].
Political Pulse for May 19, 2023
After a week in recess, legislators returned with Senate Bill at the top of the list. In this week's Political Pulse, Emma Kate Sowder and Thomas Kincheloe discuss what happened, what comes next, and take a look at the state budget and other issues NCMS is working on in Raleigh.
https://youtu.be/14OuXI58zv8
Also click here to read more about the Mid-session Legislative Report.
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Kristen Dorsey, MD's MEDTalk from 2018
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Kristen Dorsey's MEDTalk from 2018. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/m553kTKyAW0
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table of your own.
North Carolina General Assembly overrides governor's veto of 12-week abortion ban
SB 20 Care for Women, Children and Families Act becomes law despite governor's veto
Most abortions will no longer be legal in North Carolina after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Both the North Carolina Senate and House voted Tuesday along party lines to override Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a bill banning abortion at 12 weeks.
The law lowers the state's cutoff for most abortions from 20 weeks to 12 weeks and requires patients to meet in-person with a physician at least 72 hours before the procedure takes effect July 1.
Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 20 on Saturday, which sent it back to the General Assembly, warning that the legislation would make women jump through hoops to receive care and could lead to clinics closing.
The ban includes exceptions for rape and incest (20 weeks) and life-limiting fetal anomalies (24 weeks). Also, abortions will be legal when a doctor declares a medical emergency, such as when the mother's life is in danger. It also says that in medical abortions — or procedures that involve an "abortion-inducing drug" like mifepristone — physicians "shall" first verify that the fetus' gestational age is less than 70 days, or 10 weeks.
In February, the North Carolina Medical Society released a new policy on reproductive healthcare, unanimously approved by the NCMS Board of Directors. The Access to Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care reenforces the NCMS fundamental belief that medical decisions should be made between a patient and their physician/clinician. This is especially true when it comes to personal and complex decisions around reproductive health.
The policy is a joint effort between the NCMS Policy Committee, NCMS Ethical & Judicial Affairs Committee, and external experts in obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine.
To read more click here.
NCMS Loves Early LEAD Adopters! Now is Your Time to Let Your Voice be Heard!
https://youtu.be/6guI0x2U440
Momentum is building for the 2023 LEAD Conference ...
Many thanks to Edward Jones, another confirmed sponsor at the 2023 LEAD Conference!
Be sure to visit Edward Jones at their exhibit booth at LEAD!
Want to attend? Find out how here.
Find out more about sponsorship opportunities here.
... and your company needs to be there!
Welcome to the Neighborhood! Historic Oakwood Walking Tour Kicks Off Outside NCMS Building Saturday!
RALEIGH -- Ever wondered about the beautiful neighborhood NCMS is part of. We are next door neighbors with the governor and our building really stands out!
Saturday you can find out more! It is the Historic Oakwood Neighborhood Walking Tour.
The neighborhood is the oldest in Raleigh at least partially outside of the downtown. On it, you will learn how much of the Oakwood neighborhood was almost destroyed in the 1970s. It will also discuss the main architectural styles and the stories of the people who built these gorgeous historic homes. In addition, you will see Oakwood's "modern house," which created such a stir in the neighborhood in 2013-14 that the story was reported nationwide.
Other interesting stops include Pullentown, a tiny sub-neighborhood within Oakwood, and a home where a made-for-TV movie was filmed that starred a very famous classic actor and actress.
PLEASE NOTE: This walking tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, but may be slightly shorter depending on the size and speed of the group.
It starts on the sidewalk outside of the North Carolina Medical Society building at the corner of N. Person St. and E. Lane St. The closest mappable address is 222 N. Person St. The tour will end one block away from the starting point.
Plenty of free street parking is available in the Oakwood neighborhood on weekends. Several of the streets in Oakwood are one-way (including both Person St. and Lane St.), so please keep that in mind when you are looking for parking. There is some parking on the right-hand side of Person St. Great parking is also available in the 200 block of E. Lane St. Turn left from Person St. onto Lane St., and you're there!
The tour is pay-what-you-want and accepts cash donations only. Registration is required. Click here to register!
Please take photos when on the tour and tag NCMS!
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is David E. Melon's MEDTalk from 2019
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. David E. Melon's MEDTalk from 2019. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://youtu.be/-RT_tgghDZk
The 2023 LEAD conference registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table of your own.
NCMS On This Day in History. First Female Member Dies at Sea.
(From the NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources) -- On May 8, 1875, Susan Dimock, the first female member of the North Carolina Medical Society, drowned off the coast of England. Hers was one of 336 lives lost when the SS Schiller hit rocks in a heavy fog. The Washington, North Carolina, native was en-route to Europe where she planned to further her education.
Born in Beaufort County in 1847, Dimock lived there through the occupation of Washington by Union troops in 1862. Her father, a native of Maine, operated the Lafayette Hotel and housed Union troops during the occupation.
From a young age Dimock associated with S. S. Satchwell, who lived across the street. Dr. Satchwell was a strong influence on her, allowing her to attend to patients and make house calls with him, eventually inspiring her to enter the medical profession. He shepherded her honorary membership in the Medical Society.
Dimock moved to Massachusetts but attended medical school at the University of Zurich, after being rejected by Harvard. She became a resident physician at one of the earliest hospitals for women, the New England Hospital for Women and Children. There she worked as a surgeon and developed a practice in obstetrics and gynecology.
Cleveland County Medical Society Roars Back to Life!
On May 4, 2023, the Cleveland County Medical Society celebrated a resurgence and rebirth at the first meeting it has held in nearly 4 years!
Over the years activity and attendance had waned for CCMS. The latest meeting is the result of hard work by several members who understand the importance of a united front for healthcare professionals in both Cleveland County and across North Carolina.
The North Carolina Medical Society CEO Chip Baggett had the honor of being the first speaker at the meeting. He discussed how the world has changed so much since the 1990's and the challenges of civilized rapport in our current divisive political climate. He reiterated the importance of a collective voice despite political differences and how that is what is best for both physicians and their patients.
If you are interested in joining or renewing your membership to the Cleveland County Medical Society click here.