US Uninsured Rate Hits Record Low
A new analysis from the Department of Health and Human Services released August 2, 2022 show the national uninsured rate dropped to a record low of 8 percent.
It comes as enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are about to expire at the end of this year.
What would that mean? Nearly 3.1 million people would become uninsured when subsidies expired.
Right now about 5.2 million people have gained coverage since 2020. Uninsured rates among adults 18-64 dropped from 14.5 percent in 2020 to 11.8 in 2022. In children under 17 that number fell from 6.4 percent to 3.7. The largest drop was in people living in poverty and those with incomes between 200 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
Biggest Expansion to Veterans' Benefits in Over 30 Years Headed to President's Desk
WASHINGTON -- The US Senate largely passed a bill Tuesday to expand health care and disability benefits for 3.5 million veterans. Specifically, these are veterans fighting illnesses that they believe are linked to toxic burn pit exposure (including after the 9/11 attacks). The vote came after several Republican senators blocked the bill over concerns about how to pay for it. Now, the bill, called the Honoring our PACT Act, heads to President Joe Biden, who calls it a "lifeline" for veterans. If signed into law it will be the biggest expansion of veterans' benefits in over three decades.
Answer your call to Lead – Apply to Leadership College!
RALEIGH -- Now accepting applications for the Class of 2023!
The KIPL Leadership College Program provides knowledge and skills beyond clinical competencies to become the leader you want to be and that we need for the future of healthcare.
Hear from Leadership College Alumni, Nada El Husseini, MD, MHSc about the experience:
“A key concept I learned from the Leadership College is that leaders do not all need to have the same style or personality traits to be effective – they bring different ‘colors’ or characteristics to the leadership role." Her full story is available by clicking here.
To learn more about this program and to apply, click here.
AMA Offers Webinar on Dismantling Stigma for All: Addressing Physician and Patient Mental Health and Suicide Risk
Mark your calendars! The AMA is hosting a webinar during National Suicide Prevention Week and registration is open now.
Here are the details:
Dismantling Stigma for All: Addressing Physician and Patient Mental Health and Suicide Risk
Monday, Sept. 8 | 12 p.m. CT
As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, this live, interactive forum will connect attendees with industry experts on suicidal ideation and physicians with lived experience to discuss solutions for dismantling the stigma around seeking mental health treatment.
REGISTER NOW BY CLICKING HERE.
Need a Sweet Side Hustle? Earn $78,000 to Eat Candy at Home
If you love candy, this job is for you. Candy Funhouse in Canada is offering a very sweet gig.
The online retailer of confectionery treats from chocolate bars to gummies and licorice, is hiring for a $78,000 a year ($100,000 Canadian), work-from-home job as its Chief Candy Officer.
Duties include: “leading candy board meetings, being the head taste tester … and all things fun.”
Several thousand candidates have already applied for the position, which was posted on LInkedIn in July, said Chief Executive Officer Jamal Hejazi. He noted that he’s been surprised by the number of “golden ticket” themed applications and the elaborate videos of entire families offering to share the tasting duties and salary.
CNN reported that children as young as five could be offered the job. The complete story from CNN is available by clicking here.
Major Recall of Over 50 Beverage Products
(CNN) -- Food service company Lyons Magnus issued a voluntary recall for 53 beverage products over possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, according to an announcement posted by the company on Friday.
The recall includes certain lots of beverages, liquid coffee, pediatric nutritional supplements, protein shakes, nutritional shakes and thickened liquids. Products included in the recall include some branded as Oatly, Stumptown, Glucerna, Intelligentsia, Aloha, Kate Farms and Premier Protein. “Preliminary root cause analysis shows that the products did not meet commercial sterility specifications,” the recall said.
No illnesses or complaints related to these products have been reported, the company said. People who have purchased the recalled products are asked to throw them out or return them for a refund.
Would You Like A Four Day Workweek?
LONDON (CNN BUSINESS) -- The largest test of a four day workweek is happening and, so far, people are loving it.
The test in the United Kingdom includes thousands of people and comes at a time when workers are fed up, burned out, and weary after the pandemic.
Could this be the future of the work force? CNN took an in-depth look at how it's going so far and the results may surprise you.
Read the full story by clicking here.
Monkeypox Cases Increasing, Review PPE Inventory Now
RALEIGH -- North Carolina Medical Society Vendor Partner Henry Schein has issued a reminder of things you need to be thinking about now as the monkeypox continues to spread.
Click here for the CDC website specific to infection control information for healthcare providers.
There are two different vaccines that can be given. One is specific for monkey pox and small pox and the other is only indicated for small pox. The CDC says it can be used for both.
These are not commercially available – government owns these.
What Makes A State Attractive to Physicians? New Rankings Put NC at 11
Economics, medical resources, and quality of life. What makes an area a great place to practice medicine?
MedScape used 12 metrics to rank all 50 states and the District of Columbia looking for the best places doctors can thrive.
North Carolina came in number 11 on the list. According to MedScape, NC doctors are less likely to burnout and are happy in their work lives. Many say the state has both sophistication and small-town charm. Compensation tracks with the national average in a state with a lower cost of living. Charlotte is the best paying city in the state.
To see the full list click here.
Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Medical Society is proud to part of the history of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. It is now celebrating 75 years of investing in access to care.
The initial charge of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was to provide medical care for people who couldn’t afford it. Seventy-five years later, that work has evolved and intensified as the Trust continues to work toward a system where all North Carolina residents can access equitable care regardless of race, place, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
As part of the celebration, the Trust is sharing it's history. To read more click here.
NCMS Initial Slate of Nominees for Officers, Directors, AMA Delegate. Additional Nominations Accepted Until August 12th
SPECIAL NOTICE: NCMS Issues Initial Slate of Nominees
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Nominating and Leadership Development Committee met via Zoom on Saturday, May 22, 2022 to interview candidates and vote for the initial slate of nominees for officers, directors, and AMA delegates. Per NCMS Bylaws, Component Societies, Specialty Societies, and Sections may submit additional nominations for these positions between now and August 12, 2022. Please use this form to submit nominations. For questions on the nominating process, contact Evan Simmons.
The following slate of nominees was selected by the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee:
NCMS Board of Directors
President-Elect: Eileen Raynor, MD
Region 2 Representative: Charul Haugan, MD
At-Large: Merritt Seshul, MD
NC American Medical Association Delegation
Delegate: E. Rebecca Hayes, MD
Delegate: Karen Smith, MD
Delegate: Roy Syracuse, MD
The Committee will reconvene to determine the eligibility of any additional nominees. The final slate of candidates will be published to members by September 23, 2022. Under the NCMS’ governance structure, online voting for the candidates will begin on September 29, 2022 and continue until midnight on October 13, 2022. Paper ballots also will be available to those who need them.
The following are the members of the NCMS Nominating and Leadership Development Committee:
Chair Phil Brown, Jr., MD
President-Elect Arthur Apolinario, MD
Ex-Officio Michael Utecht, MD
Board Representative Jugta Kahai, MD
Board Representative Eileen Raynor, MD
Region 1 Representative Latonya Beatty, MD
Region 1 Representative Chris Grubb, MD
Region 1 Representative Joe Navejar, DO
Region 2 Representative Justin Hurie, MD
Region 2 Representative Ronnie Laney, MD
Region 2 Representative Madji Namde, MD
Region 3 Representative Labron Chambers, MD
Region 3 Representative Peter Fenn, PA-C
Region 3 Representative Jim Hill, PA-C
Region 4 Representative Tracy Bell, PA-C
Region 4 Representative Frank Melvin, MD
Region 4 Representative MaryShell Zaffino, MD
Melanoma Monday: Fun on the Boat Skin Safety
RALEIGH — All summer NCMS is bringing you tips to enjoy the great Carolina outdoors. Melanoma Mondays run weekly until Autumn with information from your fellow NCMS members. Today it’s Drs. Kim and Anna Edhegard from Foothills Family Dermatology in Morganton with how to enjoy a day on the boat with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
Drs. Kim & Anna Edhegard
Have fun and enjoy a day on the boat!
August is kicking off and there is still a lot of summer left! For many people weekends mean taking to the open water on a boat or jetski. Drs. Kim and Anna Edhegard have three pieces of advice to keep your skin looking great while you are having fun.
- The suns UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm which corresponds to prime boating time. Check the UV index before committing to a full day out on the water!
- Typical sun protection advice still applies: Use SPF 45 or higher and reapply every two hours. Sun protective clothing with UPF 50 or greater is also recommended. Broad-brimmed hats and neck gaiters are a good choice and look great (though taking fashion tips from a dermatologist may be questionable).
- If possible choose a boat with built-in sun protection features like a hard top or a T-top. A Bimini top is another inexpensive and easy-to-install way to get some shade. And don't forget your polarized wrap-around sunglasses, which do double duty by also preventing glare from the water.
Drs. Kim and Anna Edhegard are available to talk skin care with you at their practice in Morganton. To contact them click here.
Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act Passes
On Wednesday, July 27, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. This bill reforms the burdensome prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The committee’s action is a key step toward getting this legislation enacted this year.
The bill would protect patients from unnecessary prior authorization practices that limit their timely access to medically necessary care. Specifically, the Act would:
- Establish an electronic prior authorization process,
- Minimize the use of prior authorization for services that are routinely approved,
- Ensure prior authorization requests are reviewed by qualified medical personnel,
- Require plans to report on the extent of their use of prior authorization and the rate of delays and denials, and
- Ensure that plans adhere to evidence-based medicine guidelines.
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, member of the Ways and Means Committee, offered compelling testimony during the committee’s hearing which can be accessed at: VIDEO LINK.
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD testifies during the July 27, 2022
hearing of the US House Ways and Means Committee
While the bipartisan measure would help protect patients from unnecessary delays in care by streamlining and standardizing prior authorization under the Medicare Advantage program, it would also pave the way for prior authorization reforms to other public and private plans.
This pending legislation has been a focus of our congressional advocacy efforts in recent years. Thanks to those who have reached out to members of Congress to encourage their support for this bill. Outreach to our state and federal legislators makes a difference, so if you have not signed up to be a Key Contact, please join your colleagues as advocacy partners.
NC Spine Society 2022 Annual Meeting Registration Now Open
RALEIGH -- The 2022 NC Spine Society Annual Meeting is August 19-21 at the Kiawah Island Resort in Kiawah, SC.
Registration is now open. The event features a host of speakers, networking with your colleagues and even golf!
You can register by clicking here.
August Birthday Club! Happy Birthday to these NCMS Members
Happy birthday to these North Carolina Medical Society members!
Gerald W. Blake, MD
John P. Booker, Jr., MD
Lynneice L. S. Bowen, MD
Woodward Burgert, III, MD
Domagoj Coric, MD
Takey Crist, MD
Maria L. DeSantis-Wilcox, PA
Thomas H. Douglas, MD
D. Russell Fisher, MD
John J. Griffin, MD
Daniela T. Ivanova, MD
Ayesha T. Khan, MD
Timothy M. Malaney, MD
C. Lawrence Parker, MD
Thomas E. Powell, III, MD
Randall G. Richards, MD
Hal D. Safrit, MD
David G. Scholz, MD
Tina L. Scott, PA-C
Michael R. Towarnicky, MD
Trevor C. Upham, MD
Timothy Vanderkwaak, MD
Hitesh Avaiya, MD
Jennifer L. Ballinger, MD
Debra L. Bynum, MD
Michael J. Carroll, PA-C
Wan S. Chung, MD
Jamey L. Cost, MD
Suchita B. Gade, MD
Lauren P. Gotwald, MD
Catherine A. Haggart, PA-C
Keith W. Harper, MD
Joshua M. Henderson, PA-C
David E. Kang, MD
James P. Manor, MD
Kacie S. Matthews, PA
Peter McIlwaine, PA-C
Sheri R. Meinert, PA-C
Ashley G. Messina, PA-C
James T. S. Muller, DO
Shefali V. Parmar, MD
Laura B. Rosenzweig, MD
Andrew B. Wallace, MD
Zack J. Waters, Jr., MD
Matthew S. White, MD
Kenneth R. Adams, MD
Jeanette L. Bourne, MD
Cornelius F. Cathcart, MD
Swapna Chenna, MD
Christian Y. Chung, MD, FACG
David L. Dill, MD
Daniel J. Forest, MD
Paul Geniec, MD
Gaurav Luther, MD
Beck D. McAllister, MD
William D. McKeown, MD
Virgil M. Messer, MD
Michael J. Norton, MD
Lois K. Osier, MD
Martha G. Peck, MD
John M. Ray, Jr., MD
Richard S. Roberts, MD
Stanley F. Sliwinski, Jr., MD
Cameron L. Smith, MD
Svetlana A. Staub, MD
Mohan C. Thakuri, MD
Porshia M. Tomlin, MD
Michael V. Varricchio, Jr., PA-C
William B. Warlick, Jr., MD
Justin W. Zanone, MD
Justin W. Zanone, MD
Aaron M. Blackshaw, MD
Edward C. Bratzke, MD
Kristen A. Burke, PA-C
W. Bradley Davis, MD
Imre Gaal, Jr., MD
Rebecca L. Goodman Weston, MD
C. T. Gualtieri, MD
Heidi J. Hartman, DO
Todd N. Hodges, MD
Allen W. Huffman, Jr., MD
David S. Jackson, Jr., MD
John S. Jones, DO
Patrick J. Kelty, MD
Paul D. Long, MD
James C. McCabe, MD
Matthew J. McGhee, MD
Murali Krishna Meka, MD
Nicholas A. Oravetz, PA-C
Roberto C. Portela, MD
Benjamin P. Powell, MD
Deborah D. Schoenhoff, MD
Ryan A. Stephens, MD
James E. Taylor, II, MD
Analiese Wagner, DO
Eloise B. Watson, MD
Cynthia S. White, MD
Wayne Beauford, MD
Manuel O. Campano, MD
Carl A. Furr, Jr., MD
Richard S. Gelber, MD
Alexandra R. Ginn, PA-C
Dennis E. Giordano, MD
Gregory G. Hall, MD
Justin B. Hurie, MD
Andrew V. Moczula, MD
Boris C. R. Pasche, MD, PhD
Ivy P. Pointer, MD
Scott T. Steffen, MD
Thomas S. Stewart, MD
Kristin L. Strawhun, MD
Kim L. Askew, MD, FAAP
Clarence A. Bailey, Jr., MD
Broderick C. Bello, MD
Alan G. Finkel, MD, FAAN, FAHS
Sascha Frey, MD
Amany Gorgy, MD
Cornelia S. H. Hahn, MD, PhD
Lonnie C. Harrell, III, MD
Jasmine P. Hemmings, PA-C
Robert C. Hendel, MD
Docia E. Hickey, MD
Lewis R. Hodgins, MD
Olson Huff, MD
Christopher B. Komanski, MD
Fernando A. Lopez, MD
Joel C. Reynolds, MD
David L. Riley, MD
Lindsay N. Smith, PA-C
Glenn E. Williams, PA-C
Paul R. Woodard, MD
James F. Alderman, MD
Kenneth M. Burns, MD
David E. Byrd, MD
Walton W. Curl, MD
Cheryl J. Davis, MD
Jonathon G. Dewald, MD
Scott M. Eskildsen, MD
Richard C. Finn, MD
Jamie L. Fountain, MD
William R. Griffin, Jr., MD
Nell B. P. Johnson, MD
Theresa S. Johnson, MD, FACOG
Shau-Shau Lin, MD
Kylie Mason, PA-C
Gerri L. Mattson, MD, MSPH, FAAP
Stephen W. North, MD
H. Kim Park, MD
William G. Pittman, III, MD
Rodney D. Welling, MD
Robert F. Barbe, MD
Michael A. Beasley, DO
O. Robert Boehm, MD, PhD
John E. Buenting, MD
Mark E. Bufalini, DMD, MD
Eric S. Burgon, MD, DDS
Robert C. Crawford, Jr., MD
Gurvinder S. Deol, MD
Lisa C. Fleck, PA-C
Kellie A. Goldsborough, MD
J. Nathaniel Hamilton, MD, FACS
David C. Kwee, MD
Donald L. Lendle, MD
Victoria R. Locklear, PA-C
Deborah A. Milkowski, MD
Jennifer B. Oliver, DO
Jessica F. O'Neill, DO
Liston A. Orr, MD
William L. Pritchard, MD
James G. Scanlan, MD
Randolph P. Sellers, MD
William C. Tate, II, MD
Kim M. Thorner, MD
Julia G. Warren-Ulanch, MD
L. Brent Wilshire, MD
John V. Barrord, MD
Edward H. Bossen, MD
Jody L. Bovard-Stuckert, MD
James F. Boyd, MD
Stanley C. Cox, III, MD
Orion T. Finklea, MD
Kim M. Fujinaga, MD
Ronald P. Glinski, MD, PhD
Gregory C. Hinn, MD
Theodore F. Hoffman, Jr., MD
H. Michael Jones, MD
Susan S. Kirsch, MD
Scott R. Mahanty, MD
Voltaire S. D. L. Misa, MD
Scott B. O'Neal, MD
Laura S. Pratt, PA-C
Patricia A. Shevlin, MD
Jasmine Singh, MD
Tina E. Sprouse, MD
Gregg J. Stashenko, MD
Nicholas E. Stratas, MD
Cecil K. Thoppil, MD
Stephen T. Thuahnai, MD
Alex G. Yip, MD
Jihad O. Arteh, MD
Inad B. Atassi, MD
James E. Bedford, MD
Bryan C. Bunn, MD
Jean W. Carter, MD
James S. Easterbrook, MD
Scott N. Fairbrother, MD
Reginald J. Fowler, MD
Rama G. Garimella, MD, FACC
Marion W. Griffin, MD
Scott Q. Hannum, MD
John L. Harshbarger, MD
Raquel L. Hendershot, PA-C
Robert J. Holmes, MD
William B. McCrea, MD
Mark F. Miller, MD
Kaitlin E. O'Brien, PA
Monica Oei, MD
Jitinder S. Rangar, MD
Suchita R. Shah Sata, MD
Samuel A. Sue, Jr., MD
Adam M. Wegner, MD
Mathew W. Williams, PA-C
Jerry C. Woodard, MD
Nerva Augustin, MD
Rachel T. Baldwin, MD, MPH
Robert E. Chambers, MD
David A. Cummings, PA-C
Vincent P. Dahringer, MD
Susan T. Garrett, MD
Ronald W. Gerbe, MD
Robert E. Hammonds, MD
Bennie L. Jarvis, MD
Myung K. Jeon, MD
Jonas J. McAlarney, MD
Aaron R. Pankiewicz, DO
Suresh J. Penkar, MD
Khalil S. Tanas, MD
Andrea L. Terry, DO
Courtney M. Wharton, PA-C
Gale J. Ashley, MD
Jack L. Bagley, PA
Sabrina A. Boyte, PA-C
Leslie B. Branch, MD
William M. Brinkley, Jr., MD
Thomas E. Burkart, MD
Marisa C. Flores, MD
Laura I. Gerald, MD, MPH
Matthew R. Hager, MD
Sunit P. Harris, MD
Mayuri L. Khatri, MD, FAAP
Marc A. Mancuso, MD
Samantha L. O. McClease, MD
Wallace R. Nelms, Jr., MD
Vikas J. Patel, MD
John B. Reckless, MD
Richard W. Rutherford, Jr., MD
John P. Tanner, MD
Wyndee B. Tarter, MD
Wade R. Turlington, MD
David R. Williams, Sr., MD, FAAP
Patrick S. Williams, MD
Francis J. Balestrieri, MD
Danilo R. Bernardo, MD, FACP
Dan Chaksupa, MD
Daniel R. Champey, MD
Jeremy F. Cuda, MD
A. Richard De Sandre, MD, FACS
John O. Herlong, MD
Angus G. McInnis, MD
Gustavo S. Montana, MD
Elizabeth I. Norton, PA-C
Colleen E. Prince, PA-C
Natarajan Rajan, MD
Leighton A. Raynor, MD
Shirley H. Spedding, MD
Gregory A. Tayrose, MD
Richard F. Walton, MD
Noah J. Wichman, PA-C
Brian C. Adair, MD
Alexandra D. Bentley, MD
Wilburn O. Brazil, Jr., MD
J. Scott Bryson, MD
Otis B. Burnett, IV, MD
Marcella M. Butler, MD
Kenneth P. Carlson, MD
Teneisha C. G. Davis, MD
Thomas H. Hunt, MD
Dennis R. Johnson, MD
Tahuriah G. Khan, DO
Tiffany N. Lowe-Payne, DO
Andrew G. Moran, MD
Rafael M. Moreschi, MD
Murphy F. Townsend, Jr., MD
John E. Wahlen, MD
Camile M. Andrews, DO
Vishal B. Bhuva, MD
Randall B. Bowen, MD
Paul A. Buongiorno, MD
Hugh T. Dowlen, MD
Daniel Gottovi, MD, FCCP
Craigan L. Gray, MD, MBA, JD
Charlene D. Green, MD
Jessica C. Heestand, MD
Obinna O. Ikwechegh, MD
Jason E. Lang, MD
Michael C. Lang, MD
Thomas D. Long, Jr., MD
Ryan B. Nance, DO
Kenneth E. Nelson, MD
Conor M. Regan, MD
Joseph J. Robinette, MD
Noah M. Seymore, IV, MD
Jennifer L. Smith, MD
Devi Thangavelu, MD
Letlhogonolo B. Tlhabano, MD
Adrienne C. Bean, MD
Claudia T. Cadet, MD
J. Thaddeus Coin, MD, PhD
Priti Duggal, MD
Molly L. Fuller, MD
Jason P. Handler, MD
John B. Konefal, MD
Theresa B. Kubicki, PA-C
Carey T. Lennon, PA
Stephanie O. Peacock, MD
Jennifer A. Ratley, DO
Andrew D. Staples, PA-C
Ashish D. Thekdi, MD
T. Keith Toledo, MD
Paul F. Williams, MD
Michele Benoit-Wilson, MD
Shilpa Bhardwaj, MD
Sandra M. Brown, MD
Alberto J. d'Empaire, MD
Ryan P. Ellender, MD
John G. Giragos, MD
Christina Hardin-Dial, MD, FAAP
Thomas S. Harle, MD
Timothy S. Howard, MD
Jeffrey A. Knapp, MD
Frederick L. McIntyre, Jr., PA-C
Elizabeth L. McKeon, MD
Alexander Paraschos, MD
Akef S. Rahman, MD
Richard H. Reid, MD
Gary L. Smoot, MD
Lucas V. Tran, MD
Jack L. Vesano, MD
Francis W. Wachter, MD
De Benjamin Winter, III, MD
W. Samuel Yancy, MD
Elms L. Allen, MD
Christian G. Anderson, MD
Samuel M. Atkinson, Jr., MD
T. Boyce Cole, MD
R. Lee Cox, MD, FACS
Daniel C. Dillon, MD
Gregory J. Dray, MD
Chad R. Eller, MD
Max H. Faykus, Jr., MD
Ashley W. Greer, PA
Mark C. Held, MD
Boyd K. Honeycutt, MD, MBA, FACP
Laura J. Luckadoo, MD
John A. Manley, MD
Kevin C. McCammack, MD
Christopher L. McCracken, MD
Brian V. O'Neal, MD
Michael W. Ryan, MD
Richard Z. Shultzaberger, MD, MPH, FACP
Joshua D. Smith, MD
Jeremy T. Spencer, MD
Edward L. Treadwell, MD
Gloria L. Tsan, MD
W. Harrison Turner, III, MD
David A. Walker, MD
Joseph S. Wehby, Jr., MD
Michael F. Yarborough, MD
Onyinyechi B. Agbara, MD
Ndidi N. Azikiwe, MD
Lisa Bellofiore-Plonski, MD
Scott H. Brundle, MD
Thomas H. Byrnes, Jr., MD
Howard G. Dawkins, Jr., MD
Henry J. Elsner, MD, FACS
Christina M. Flannelly, MD, FAAP
Kayleigh A. Gilmore, PA-C
Edward F. Hill, MD
Allison A. Linton, PA
Brooke E. Livingston, DO
Carmen C. P. Mayo, PA-C
Donald S. Murinson, MD
Pavlo I. Netrebko, MD, FACC
John C. Nicholson, MD
Katherine J. Pierce, MD
Dale P. Quirke, MD
Leslie D. Reynolds, MD
David L. Richardson, MD
Carlos M. Rish, MD
Vijay Sheshadri, MD
William H. Taft, III, MD, FACOG
Benjamin A. Trapp, MD
Paul K. Bates, Jr., MD, FAAP
Lynn G. Borchert, MD
Timothy R. Carter, MD
Boris Cvetkovski, MD
Margaret J. Dorfman, MD
Martin R. Douglas, MD
Harold C. Dufour, MD
Robert C. Gunther, MD
Jeremy L. Harless, PA-C
William B. Hudgins, MD
Phebe A. Idol, PA
Jirair A. Injejikian, MD
Frederick Scott Jones, MD
Richard A. Lytle, Jr., MD
Joshua R. Marr, MD
Edward N. Robinson, Jr., MD, MPH
Jonathan E. Scott, MD
William A. Shearin, Sr., MD
Candace T. Smith, MD
Peter K. Smith, MD
Leo R. Spector, MD
Marvin W. Thompson, MD
Michael E. Wiegert, PA-C
Sayeh S. Araghi, PA-C
Philippe G. Ball, MD
Werner C. Brooks, MD
Karen N. Chilton, MD
Robert E. Coles, MD
Noelle A. DeSimone, MD
James M. Granfortuna, MD
Christopher T. Harms, MD
Bennett A. Hayes, Jr., MD
Jan Kriska, MD
Darryl L. Landis, MD
Sean M. Larson, MD
Rasheeda T. Monroe, MD
Katharine S. Moorehead, MD
Daniele C. Parise, MD
Rolvix H. Patterson, Jr., MD
Hubert G. Pierce, MD
Joseph A. Pino, MD
Rajiv K. Sharma, MD
Rakesh R. Sheliya, MD
David P. Zarzar, MD
Victor K. Au, MD
Leanne Avery, PA-C
Octavian M. Belcea, MD
Karl F. Bowman, Jr., MD
Brian H. Camp, DDS, MD
Stephanie D. Carperos, MD
Pamela B. Cavanaugh, MD
Laura E. Dressel, MD
Mark W. Galland, MD
Michael D. Gwinn, MD
H. Slade Howell, Jr., MD
Akaninyene S. Joseph, MD
Robert B. Kinney, MD
D. William Moose, Jr., MD
C. Harrison Springfield, IV, MD
E. Amy Suttle, MD, FAAP
Katherine L. Swain, MD
Debra A. Szostak-Wodecki, MD
Deborah H. Waechter, MD
Lance L. Arnder, MD
Jenna E. Black, MD
E. Edward Burton, Jr., MD
William M. Crutchfield, MD
Stanley F. Dover, MD
Donna H. Edwards, MD
David D. Fraser, MD
Jennie M. Gillespie, DO
George L. Hamrick, Jr., MD
Alexander C. Hattaway, III, MD
Anshu K. Jain, MD
Travis C. Jenkins, MD
L. R. Jones, MD
Theresa A. Kallman, MD
Rafael A. Miranda, MD
Malcolm H. Pannill, II, PA
Preeti H. Parekh, MD
Bryan M. Peters, MD
Jayalalitha Rao, MD
Francis W. Slate, MBChB
Roger J. Yau, MD
Asma Afzal, MD
Daniel J. Albright, MD
H. Christopher Coley, MD
Scott V. Connelly, MD
Robert D. Ensor, MD
Michael A. Gordon, MD
David M. Hardaway, MD
Ioanna G. Kessler, DO, FACOFP
Suman Lamsal, MD
Thomas E. Lawrence, MD
Neill H. Musselwhite, III, MD
Pamela S. Oravetz, PA-C
C. Glenn Pickard, Jr., MD
Aaron G. Pico, PA-C
Michael D. Sorensen, MD
Adrian Vazquez, MD
Lauren E. Wall, PA-C
Allison C. Whitton, MD
Kyle A. Aldinger, MD
Clinton K. Atkinson, MD, FACS
Hima Bindu R. Avutu, MD
Russell A. Ball, MD
John D. Benson, MD
Jeffrey C. Blum, MD
Olly C. Duckett, MD
J. Kent Ellington, MD
Jenna L. Falcinelli, MD
Phelicia A. Flanagan, MD
John P. Fogarty, MD, FCCP, FACP, DABSM
Julie M. Fry, PA-C
Charles B. Gantt, Jr., MD
Nikita S. Goel, MD
George J. Hatsios, MD
Edward K. Isbey, Jr., MD
Allen M. Johnson, MD
Jeffrey P. Keverline, MD
Mark H. Knelson, MD
Kenneth R. Kubitschek, MD
Ali K. Nasim, MD
Jerry M. Petty, MD
Bianca Rosso, MD
Sara E. Sacco, MD, FAHS
Robert E. Seymour, III, MD
Wilson E. Tabe, MD
Kenneth C. Thompson, Jr., MD
Paul C. Whitesides, Jr., MD
Joshua C. Yelverton, MD
Gunjan Antaal Mann, MD
Mary John Baxley, MD
David J. Burke, MD
Jessica E. Carter, MD
Karl S. Chiang, MD
Susan L. Crittenden, MD
Gregory F. F. Evans, MD
Herbert M. Floyd, MD
William W. Johnston, MD
Megan N. Lambeth, DO
Rusty J. Lee, MD
Allen F. Marshall, MD
Frank W. Mauldin, MD, FACS
Daniel K. Messner, MD
Kenneth W. Myers, MD
James P. O'Brien, MD
John W. Ormand, Jr., MD
Louie L. Patseavouras, MD
Daniel E. Paul, MD
Patrick J. Sammon, PA-C
Joseph D. Stern, MD, FACS
Brittany K. Thompson, PA-C
Ruben Torrealba, MD
Jack K. Wilson, Jr., MD
Brandon B. Alspaugh, PA-C
William S. Atkins, MD
Shawn T. Burgess, MD
Henry J. Carr, Jr., MD
Alex H. Cho, MD
W. Tucker Cline, MD
H. Duncan Dorris, Jr., MD
Marcus A. Earle, DO
Bonnie J. Goodwin, MD
Curtis A. Hanson, MD
Nancy L. S. Howden, MD
Lisa Kaufmann, MD
Ramesh B. Konduru, MD
John K. McLarney, MD
Stephen M. McNeill, MD
Lawrence A. Montalto, DO
Milan Petrovic, MD
Alejandro Ramirez Lopez, PA-C
Anuradha Rao-Patel, MD
John D. Shelburne, MD
David N. Smith, MD, FACP
Rachel L. Speicher, DO
Kenneth V. Summer, MD
Gregory P. Temas, MD
Dennis R. Williams, Jr., MD
Ryan J. Wise, MD
Sanjay K. Anand, MD
John D. Creasy, MD
Nancy V. Cross, MD
Dalton E. Dove, MD
William L. Falls, MD
Ned J. Gross, MD
Vinay K. Gudena, MD
Melissa V. Lowe, MD
Michael J. Menz, MD
Doreen R. Messick, MD
Michael C. Morin, MD
Jonathan Nestor, MD
Paul C. Neuman, DO
James B. Powell, MD
Janice M. Stone, PA-C
Alan W. Story, MD
John D. Templeton, MD
Su Wooi Teoh, MD
William V. Terry, MD
Sameh K. Toma, MD
Thomas R. Williams, MD
John G. Albertini, MD
Ralph L. Bentley, MD
Holly Biola, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Amy S. Brooks, DDS, MD
R. Lamont Cathey, MD
Memory E. Dossenbach, PA-C
S. Bryan Durham, MD
Thomas C. Eshelman, MD
Jeffrey L. Gross, MD
Seth A. Kaplan, MD
Daniel A. King, PA
Shannon B. Kinlaw, MD
Michael D. Kwong, MD
Laura C. Politte, MD
William O. Renfroe, Jr., MD
Dorothy F. Scifres, PA-C
John M. Shepard, PA-C
Norman R. Sloop, MD
Stacy C. Thiedeman, PA-C
Peter W. Bailey, MD
John M. Cecchini, MD
Brian M. Curtin, MD
Peter B. Engber, MD
John K. Farrington, MD
Thomas L. Knorr, Jr., MD
Frederick G. Kroncke, Jr., MD
Inam Rashid, MD
Thomas V. Scarritt, Jr., MD
Mark E. C. Shogry, MD
Martin Van Cleeff, MD
Jerry F. Watson, MD
Walter R. Whitworth, MD
Ryan S. Anderson, PA-C
Carlos F. Bendfeldt, MD
Susan M. Berendzen, MD
C. Peter Chang, MD
D. Patrick Currie, MD
Megan A. Daw, MD
Scott M. Everett, DO
Jenny L. Hinson, MD
Travis C. F. Honeycutt, MD
Henry Izurieta, MD, FACP
Carol A. Johnston, MD
Paige N. Luck, PA-C
David R. Maynard, MD
Ashley M. C. Medina, PA-C
Lanning R. Newell, MD
Madeeha Saeed, MD, FACC
Patrick J. Simpson, MD, FACC
Aliana P. Sindram-Trujillo, MD, PhD
Sanjay Tomar, MD
Barton G. Williams, MD
Clearly Sprite is Ready to be Environmentally Responsible
(CNN BUSINESS) -- In an effort to improve it's impact on the environment, Coca-Cola announced Wednesday it will change Sprite packaging from green to clear. The move is a big step in reducing plastic waste.
The green bottle has polyethylene terephthalate(PET) which cannot be recycled into new bottles.
The change begins Monday and will be followed by other Coca-Cola products Fresca, Seagram's, and Mello-Yello.
More on the decision is available here.
New Bern Eye Doctor Seeks Rehearing of Case Challenging NC Certificate of Need
NEW BERN, NC -- Doctor Jay Singleton is asking the North Carolina Court of Appeals to reconsider its decision rejecting his challenge of state certificate-of-need requirements.
Singleton is an NCMS member and his lawyers are saying that the court's opinion "made fixable errors with grave consequences."
The petition was filed Monday after a unanimous three-judge Appeals Court panel dismissed Singleton's lawsuit on June 21, 2022.
The Carolina Journal has an in-depth look at the case with what could come next. Read the full article here.
Manchin, Schumer Deal Could be Good News for Medicare Drug Plans
(CNN) -- After a year of negotiations, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin have a deal on a health care and energy bill that could change how Medicare negotiates medication prices.
The bill still faces an uphill battle with many in the GOP firmly against it. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to halt passage of the semiconductor bill if Democrats pursue a party-line bill on climate and drug prices.
If passed Medicare would be able to negotiate the price of costly medications administered in doctors' offices or purchased at pharmacies. By 2029, 20 drugs per year could be negotiated. It also would redesign Medicare's Part D drug plans so that seniors and certain people with disabilities would not pay more than $2,000 per year for medication.
Overall, the drug provisions would reduce the deficit by $288 billion over a decade, according to the CBO.
The bill could also be a big win for climate provisions with reductions in carbon emissions and clean energy tax credits.
To read the full story with more details click here.
UNC Researchers Looking at Why Black Women Die of Uterine Cancer More Often than White Women
CHAPEL HILL -- A group of researchers and clinicians at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are looking at why black women die of uterine cancer at twice the rate of white women.
Currently, endometrial (uterine) cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in the US. It is expected to pass colorectal cancer by 2040. Mortality rates among women with uterine cancer are on the rise as well and it remains mostly a risk for women who are post-menopausal and obese.
Researchers are now looking at a statewide study and need people willing to be part of the process. To suggest this to your patients or for more information click here.
NC Testing Wastewater for Monkeypox
Across the state of North Carolina, labs are testing wastewater for monkeypox. So far, the Department of Health and Human Services says there as been none detected.
For two weeks, 25 locations have been tested, but it is still not clear how much of the virus needs to be present to be detected.
This follows two years of testing wastewater for COVID-19. Testing for Coronavirus is helping state health officials monitor different strains. The News & Observer has an in depth look at what is being done and if it matters. To read the full story click here.
We Are Never Gonna Give It Up! Rick Astley Celebrates 35 Years of His Biggest Hit!
(CNN) -- Wanna feel old? The Rick Astley hit song 'Never Gonna Give You Up' is 35 years old!
The song hit the milestone Wednesday. It has famously lived on with the now famous 'Rickrolling' phenomenon, an internet bait-and-switch using hyperlinks to the song.
The song was a number one hit in 25 countries. I has now been certified five-times platinum.
Astley has also never given up. He just finished his 'Mixtape Tour' with New Kids on the Block, Salt-N-Peppa, and En Vogue that visited 56 arenas across North America.
More Pregnant Women Are Seeking Emergency Department Care
RALEIGH -- New research shows that more and more pregnant women are seeking care at emergency departments. It is a trend that has caught the eye of UNC's Department of Emergency Medicine.
The question for researchers is: Why? The answer is not easy. Disparities by ethnicity and insurance payer were not surprising according to researchers. The results also indicate that gaps in prenatal care could be putting mother and baby at risk.
Major findings include emergency department use is on an upward trend, women on Medicaid are more than twice as likely to use an ED, Hispanic women use ED 1.5 times more than non-Hispanic, and younger women are more likely to seek care at the ED.
The full story with comments from researchers is available by clicking here.
800,000 Monkeypox Vaccines Soon Available for US Distribution
(ABC NEWS) -- Facing criticism for a sluggish response to monkeypox, the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that 800,000 vaccine allocations are ready to be distributed to states.
This comes as cities like San Francisco and New York say they are already out of the vaccine. The US already distributed more than 300,000 doses of the two-shot Jynneos vaccine.
As of Wednesday there were nearly 5,000 cases of monkeypox reported in the US. That is according to the CDC.
US officials announced earlier this month that there are orders for 5 million doses. Most of those are not expected to arrive until next year.
The full story is available by clicking here.
Have You Applied? 2023 KIPL Leadership College Program Deadline is Fast Approaching
RALEIGH -- The KIPL Leadership College Program is ready for you! It is a nationally renowned, project-based curriculum designed to foster your leadership skills drive change in healthcare in North Carolina and build your network in the healthcare community. It will help you lead and impact healthcare in both your workplace and your community.
Several alumni are singing KIPL’s praises.
Yun L. Boylston, MD MBA FAAP
That includes Dr. Yun L. Boylston, MD MBA FAAP of Burlington/Mebane Pediatrics, a Leadership College 2016 Alumna says, “ Leadership College was a transformative experience in my professional journey. The wellness program at our practice was formed as my Leadership College project and continues to engage and benefit our workplace team. Every physician has the potential to be a physician leader. For me, Leadership College helped provide the tools, resources, and community support to start my journey.”
The deadline is August 15, 2022. KIPL wants you to be the next leader! Click here for more information and to register.
International AIDS Conference: 5th Person Likely Cured, Another in Long-Term Remission
MONTREAL -- The International AIDS Conference in Montreal was presented with two new cases which are advancing the field of HIV cure science. Two people are likely cured of HIV bringing the total to five. It's considered a breakthrough which proves it may be possible to rid the body of all copies of the virus.
NBC news is reporting that one of the cases is the result of a stem cell transplant to treat blood cancer and the other is a woman in a state considered viral remission.
The article details the history of HIV therapies and the successes so far.
Click here for the full story.
NC Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting Early Bird Registration About to End
RALEIGH -- Time is running out for the early bird registration for the NC Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting. It is being held this year at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel.
Early Bird prices end July 31. Psychiatry Residents and Medical Students get complimentary meeting registration.
There are incredible speakers including Secretary Kody Kinsley.
For more information and to register click here.
Former NCMS Employee Linda Russell Dies from Cancer Complications
GARNER -- Former NCMS employee Linda Russell died Monday, April 25, 2022, at her home in Garner due to complications of cancer, surrounded by her loving children. Linda was employed by the North Carolina Medical Society from 1998 to 2010. She was a valuable part of NCMS Foundation programs, working as Gifts and Programs Coordinator.
Linda was born on April 10, 1957 to John and Cecelia Giuseppetti in North Tonawanda, NY, where she graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1975. She was active in traditional band and marching band during her junior and senior years. Also played in a softball league through St. Joseph’s Church. Linda was a volunteer at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School and Young Marines youth program. Linda enjoyed traveling to the beach, mountains, visiting family and a beautiful trip to Australia to see her son Chuck get married. She was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles, gardening and socializing with friends. Linda loved spending time with her children and caring for her grandchildren.
Predeceased by her father John Giuseppetti. Linda is survived by her loving children; son David and his wife Ashley of Garner, NC; son Chuck and his wife Cassie of Ballarat AU; grandchildren Samantha, Elijah, Ava and Maxwell; mother Cecelia of North Tonawanda, NY; sister Carol and her husband Rob of Niagara Falls, NY; brother John and his wife Judy of Tonawanda, NY; sister Laurie and her husband Paul of North Tonawanda, NY; brother Mike and his wife Maureen of North Tonawanda, NY; all of her loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held privately with her family in NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity in Linda’s honor.
New Studies: Animals Sold at Wuhan Market Most Likely Started COVID-19 Pandemic
(CNN) -- Two totally different studies arrived at the same decision on where COVID-19 began: The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China.
CNN is reporting that the city is the most likely epicenter for coronavirus. Mapping tools and social media reports were used for one study and another study used a molecular approach to determine when the infections crossed from animals to humans. Both had the same conclusion, but it is undetermined which animals may have been sick.
To reduce the chance of future pandemics, researchers say they hope they can determine which animal may have been infected first and how.
The full story is available by clicking here.
Say Goodbye to the Choco Taco
A long time favorite of children and adults is saying adios. Citing “an unprecedented spike in demand across our portfolio,” Klondike parent company Unilever announced this week that it’s killing the Choco Taco to focus on keeping its other ice cream products in stock.
The internet predictably cried a chocolate river for its favorite ice cream taco—even if most people haven’t actually eaten one in 30 years. So how did this confectionary masterpiece come to be? The Choco Taco was created in 1983 by Alan Drazen, a Philly-based former Good Humor truck driver. He explained to Eater why the taco is the superior shape for a cone:
- “When you eat a sugar cone, you generally eat the nuts, chocolate, and ice cream on the top, and then when you get to the cone, you’re eating ice cream and cone. With the Choco Taco you’re getting the ice cream, cone, nuts, and chocolate with just about every bite.”
Some celeb fans agree: Tech entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian tweeted at Unilever that he’d like to buy the rights to the Choco Taco to “keep it from melting away.” Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy (facetiously) pledged to introduce legislation that would allow Choco Taco production to continue.
In response to the outpouring of feels, Klondike said, “We’re working hard to find a way to bring Choco Taco back to ice cream trucks in the coming years."
From Morning Brew 07/27/22
Is BA.2.75 the Next Big Threat?
Will Omicron's newest subvariant be the next thing Americans need to worry about?
An article from Medscape says that although it has been found in more than 15 countries, don't panic yet. The World Health Organization is watching it closely.
It seems that BA.2.75 could peak in the US in September and is the fastest spreading variant yet.
The full breakdown of cases around the world is available by clicking here.
First US Polio Case Since 2013 Reported in NY
The Associated Press has reported a case of polio in Rockland County, NY. Based on available data, health officials there say the person contracted polio via someone who received a live version of the polio vaccine.
The news comes after traces of poliovirus were found in sewage samples at a treatment facility on the outskirts of London.
The last case of polio in the US was in 2013. In the current case, health experts traced the infection to travel.
The full story, along with more detailed information on the current US case is available by clicking here.
More Than 200 Doctors, PAs, and Interns Suspended. Is Your NCTracks Updated?
RALEIGH -- Since May 2021, NC Medicaid started taking additional steps, as outlined in the NCTracks Changes to Provider Verification Process bulletin, to ensure providers meet their contractual obligation to maintain their credentials on their NCTracks provider enrollment record.
On June 30, 2022, approximately 170 physicians, 31 PAs, and 5 resident/intern providers were suspended due to an expired credential. Are you in compliance?
Providers can update their NCTracks Provider Record through the Manage Change Request Process. NCTracks User Guides and Fact Sheets offer basic instructions for making the necessary updates and can answer any other questions.
You can also call NCTracks Call Center at 800-668-6696.
Today is National Aunt and Uncle's Day
National Aunt and Uncle’s Day on July 26th honors a special set of relatives we look up to throughout our lives. During holidays, family events, and sometimes sleepovers, aunts and uncles often hold an extraordinary place in our hearts. They fill our lives with fun, laughter, love, and incredible memories.
Embolden Psychology says clinical research on aunts/uncles indicates they can provide a buffer against mental health problems and promote attachment during times of trouble or absence of other caregivers.
Call you Aunts and Uncles today and say hi!
Read the full story here.
Feeling lucky? Mega Millions Jackpot Tops $800 Million
RALEIGH -- The Mega Millions will hold a drawing tonight for a jackpot of $810 million. If won at that amount, it’d be the fourth-largest lottery prize in history.
Fidelity Investments says you won’t win the jackpot. You just…won’t. The odds of winning are about 1-in-302 million, which means you’re far more likely to die from a meteorite strike or go to the ER because of a pogo stick injury than win the Mega Millions.
But let’s say you do win (because someone has to). Once you regain consciousness after fainting, you’ll be faced with a decision: Take the lump sum all at once, or spread the payout over decades in what’s called an “annuity.” Here’s how each would work.
- Lump sum: You’ll receive a payment of $470.1 million, after the 24% federal tax withholding takes a ~$113 million bite out of your total winnings. Plus, the 37% top marginal tax rate means you’ll fork over more of your prize to Uncle Sam come tax season.
- Annuity: You’ll receive an immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments over the next 30 years, with each cash infusion increasing by 5% to account for inflation.
So which should you take?
Most people who win the lottery choose the lump sum, and it’s not hard to see why: You can make more money. Thanks to the magic of compound interest, you can invest your lottery winnings right away, and even with a conservative rate of return, make far more over 30 years than you can with the smaller droplets of cash provided by the annuity. Neither you nor your family would ever have to think twice about paying extra for guac again.
That said, the lump sum may not be for everyone. Are you the type of person who invested in dogecoin right before Elon Musk hosted SNL? If so, the annuity could offer some self-imposed fiscal discipline to prevent you from blowing all your winnings—which definitely happens. The internet is littered with stories of lottery winners who squandered their fortune, or otherwise watched their lives fall apart after thinking they had made it. One small study in Florida found that lottery winners were more likely to declare bankruptcy in three to five years than the average American.
Bottom line: You’re not going to win the Mega Millions (because we are), so consider this a lighthearted economics thought experiment and nothing more.
Thank you to our NCMS PAC Investors
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Medical Society Political Action Committee (NCMS PAC) would like to thank some of our investors! We are incredibly grateful for the investment into your profession and patients.
Contact Hannah Rice ([email protected]) to learn more about how you can make a difference.
John J. Meier, IV, MD
Claudius D. B. Jarrett, MD
John R. Mangum, MD
Molly L. Fuller, MD
Banks Anderson, Jr., MD
Darlyne Menscer, MD
North Carolina Medical Society Alliance Celebrates Centennial
RALEIGH -- Next year the North Carolina Medical Society Alliance celebrates 100 years! The Alliance works to improve the health of all people in North Carolina.
In advance of the anniversary, NCMS Alliance is sharing some history and stories of it's history. Here is the first.
In the beginning
On April 18, 1923, during the 70th Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Medical Society in Asheville, Mrs. Presley McCain (Sadie Lou McCain-pictured), of Sanatorium, NC, presided over the first meeting of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina. She was recruited to this mission in March of 1923 by Dr. John Wesley Long, then the president of the House of Delegates of the North Carolina Medical Society. He had witnessed the establishment of a Women’s Auxiliary at the American Medical Association in St. Louis, Missouri and knew that North Carolina needed such an organization. He felt that Mrs. McCain, whom he knew to be a proven leader with a network of supporters, could spearhead this effort. At this first meeting, the constitution and bylaws were adopted, and Mrs. McCain was elected president.
The first board of the Woman’s Auxiliary consisted of members from around the state. Fifty-three charter members recruited more members and, in 1928, started their first project—the funding of beds at four tuberculosis sanatoria in North Carolina.
Other highlights from our first decade include—
1924 The second annual meeting was held in Raleigh. Dues were set at one dollar per year.
1925 The social side of the Auxiliary was stressed, but members began to promote a role of service, especially related to child health.
1926 The Auxiliary emphasized efforts to establish more county units.
1927 By the fifth annual meeting, 10-12 county units had been established.
1928 The first health project was established. The Auxiliary voted to maintain a bed at the State Tuberculosis Sanatorium near Southern Pines. Doctor’s Day was celebrated for the first time.
1929 One hundred twenty-five people attended the Annual Meeting in Greensboro where the constitution was revised.
For more on the Alliance click here.
Worried About Monkeypox? Here is How to Find Out More
AHEC is sponsoring a webinar on Monkeypox Thursday.
As the World Health Organization declares Monkeypox a global emergency, there are many questions for healthcare providers.
This webinar will update providers on the current monkeypox outbreak and response efforts in North Carolina. Providers will have an opportunity to hear information and ask questions to NC DHHS leaders regarding access to testing, treatment, and vaccines and other issues related to this outbreak.
For information and how to register click here.
Melanoma Monday: Be Safe While You Enjoy A Day at the Beach!
RALEIGH -- All summer NCMS is bringing you tips to enjoy the great Carolina outdoors. Melanoma Mondays run weekly until Autumn with information from your fellow NCMS members. Today it’s Dr. Jolene Jewell, MD from Greensboro Dermatology Associates in Greensboro with how to survive a day at the beach with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
Have fun and stay at the beach!
July is winding down and you may be planning a trip to the beach before school kicks off. A fun day in the surf comes with plenty of risk to your skin. Dr. Jolene Jewell has 3 tips to keep you skin looking it’s best:
- Find cover! There are many beach canopy options to provide shade while at the beach. Not all of them are created equal, however. When shopping make sure you look for umbrellas, canopies, or other sources of shade that have a UPF 50+ rating
- Choose the right sunscreen and don't forget about your scalp. Consider a wash-on sunscreen such as Klenskin. These products can be used for your hair as well. That provides an extra protection for your scalp.
- Be prepared for bites! Be sure to pack some over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone for the beach. With it you are prepared for any sand flea, sea lice, or no-see-um bites. It is safe to treat most bites with hydrocortisone twice daily as needed.
Dr. Jewell is available to talk skin care with you at her practice in Greensboro. To contact her click here.
President Joe Biden has COVID. Should Seniors be Worried?
RALEIGH -- President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he tested positive for COVID-19. He says he has mild symptoms and is isolating at the White House and continuing to work. At 79 years old, the president falls into a high risk category for any disease. He is vaccinated and has had two boosters and the prognosis is that he will be fine.
What about other senior citizens?
AARP has put together a Frequently Asked Questions piece for older Americans as we face rising COVID numbers again. The advice remains the same: Be vigilant about your health.
The full article, with information on the latest strain, is available by clicking here.
Detected at the Cellular Level: New Technology May Make Finding Lung Cancer Easier, Faster
RALEIGH -- Lung cancer is on of the most common cancer types around the world and it is often treatable in the early stages. That is why detecting it as early as possible is a goal of experts.
A recent study published by Nature Communications is looking at a new method for detecting lung cancer at the cellular level. The study still has many limitations, but technology is advancing.
The full article with more comprehensive data is available by clicking here.
North Carolina Medical Society Announces Dr. Charul Haugan New Board Member
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Medical Society is happy to announce the addition of Dr. Charul Haugan, MD, FACEP to the Board of Directors representing region two.
Current Board President Dr. Michael Utecht, MD, FACEP says Dr. Haugan “is a proven leader with more than 20 years of clinical Emergency Medicine and administrative experience in the UNC healthcare system. She has an engaging personality, endless smile, and thoughtful approach to problem solving. All welcome additions to the NCMS team! We look forward to her contributions in advancing the NCMS mission.”
He adds, “The Board is very excited to have Charul as its newest member.”
Dr. Haugan is the Medical Director of Clinical Optimization at UNC HCS, a role she has had since 2019. She is also Physician Co-Lead of the UNC HSC Emergency Services Group, Chair of the UNC HCS Sepsis Care Optimization Committee, member of the North Carolina Medical Society, a NCMS Medical Team Task Force Member, and a Governor’s Appointee to the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council.
Strong Emotions, Contrary Opinions on Race Among Physicians
Medscape: Physicians' Views on Racial Disparities Issues Report 2022 Shows Strong Emotions, Contrary Opinions.
The United States is now divided on many important issues and physicians are part of the conversation. Medscape asked opinions on 10 important social issues that Americans feel strongly about.
More than 2300 physicians in nearly 30 specialties shared their opinions. Here is what Medscape found out.
Of the 10 issues in the survey, racial disparities came in third in physician's importance ratings behind healthcare access and substance/opioid abuse.
Dr. Eva Shelton of Brigham and Women's Hospital says "Inequality when it comes to access to care and treatment by providers often leads to misdiagnosis, delays in treatment, and mistrust from marginalized communities of the healthcare system."
Shelton adds that in regions where physicians tend to emphasize the importance of racial disparities, attitudes and approaches may vary.
"Medical centers with a large diverse population have established strategies to break down these barriers," Shelton says.
About 1 in 5 physicians currently see racial disparities at play in how employees are treated in their workplace.
Shelton says addressing racial disparities in healthcare comes down to changing the way physicians approach people in general. It affects life in and out of the hospital.
Attitudes about the social significance of racial disparities don't seem substantially different by age group.
Black and African American physicians significantly more often report that they or their families have been affected by racial disparities.
A 2020 study in Family Medicine found that physicians of color were routinely exposed to discrimination and microaggressions from their patients, colleagues, and institutions.
A substantially larger majority of physicians things that Americans are treated differently, based on race, than agree that race affects how healthcare providers treat them.
The leading response by physicians who are concerned about racial disparities is to donate money, and another study shows the profession is very generous with volunteerism and teaching.
Eating Healthy and Keeping Costs Down
RALEIGH -- As food prices continue to rise, Americans are looking for more and more ways to eat healthy meals and stay on a budget.
CNN composed 6 inexpensive ways to eat healthy. They include meal prep, creativity in the kitchen, and stocking your freezer. All of them are better than to-go options that are often heavy on sodium and carbs.
The full story is here. Just in time for dinner tonight.
NCMS Board Member Dr. Claude Jarrett talks Healthcare Policy and Medicaid Expansion
RALEIGH -- North Carolina Medical Society Board Member Dr. Claude Jarrett took time to speak on a podcast with Connie Wilson about the recent legislative session. Jarret is an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Wilmington Health. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Jarrett also participates in grant funded research projects addressing rotator cuff injuries, shoulder arthritis, and upper extremity fractures.
In his conversation with Wilson he covers a broad range of topics with particular interest and insight into healthcare policy, Medicaid Expansion and Specialty Care.
Listen to his conversation by clicking here.
NC Opioid Deaths Rising, NC Families Deciding Where National Settlement Money Will Go
RALEIGH -- North Carolina reported 326 suspected opioid overdoses in June compared to 288 in June 2021. Suspected overdose deaths are up 9% between this January and June compared to the same period last year. The numbers have families looking at how millions in national opioid settlement funding will be spent.
The News & Observer reports that Johnston County will get more than $8 million dollars over the next 16 years. To help devise a spending plan, it's bringing together addicts, their loved ones, and others to the table.
It is the same story across the state. Attorney General Josh Stein says the state will receive nearly $20 million to fight the growing opioid crisis. How that money is spent is now being decided and non-elected officials are calling for more treatment and rehab programs. Faith-based groups are looking at housing and vocational options. It all comes with a lot of paperwork and takes a lot of time.
The full story is available by clicking here.
The North Carolina Medical Society is continuing to work with groups across the state to help end the problem. Look for more information on our efforts in the coming weeks.
Who Do You Spend Time With?
From adolescence to old age we change who we spend our time with. Family, children, spouses, and co-workers take big chunks of our time at different parts of our lives.
Our World in Data has a chart that shows how as we grow older we spend more time alone. After 60 you see that family, children, and co-workers drop substantially. Does that mean people are more lonely?
The article says people are alone, but not necessarily lonely after 60.
To read the results of the survey click here.
Somebody Could Have a Really Great Weekend Ahead of Them!
This Friday you could be a multi-millionaire! The Mega Millions jackpot has ballooned to $630 million after there were no winners to match Tuesday’s winning six numbers.
The numbers were 2, 31, 32, 37, 70 plus the gold Mega Ball 25, according to the lottery’s website.
The cash prize is estimated to be $360 million.
Strong ticket sales helped push Tuesday’s prize to its historical rank, which was about $317 million in cash, according to the lottery’s website.
There were four big winners Tuesday who drew the first five numbers, winning $1 million each. Fifty-two winners matched the first four numbers and the Mega Ball, the lottery said.
If you win please remember the North Carolina Medical Society when you start spreading that wealth around!
AMA President Testifies Before Congress On the Dobbs Decision and Impact on Physicians
WASHINGTON -- American Medical Association (AMA) President Jack Resneck Jr., M.D. testified before Congress to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Tuesday on Oversight and Investigations as part of its hearing, “Roe Reversal: The Impacts of Taking Away the Constitutional Right to an Abortion.”
According to a release from the AMA, Resneck discussed the ramifications of the Dobbs decision on physicians and patients. His comments included a warning that the recent Dobbs v. Jackson decision would allow government intrusion into the medical exam room, and the criminalization of medical care." Resneck also stated that because of this Supreme Court decision, " now, physicians in many states are reporting chaos and confusion. Physicians have been placed in an impossible situation, trying to meet their ethical duties to place patients’ health and well-being first, while attempting to comply with vague, restrictive, complex, and conflicting state laws that interfere in the practice of medicine and jeopardize the health of our patients. Physicians are worried about prosecution of their patients and themselves in the midst of significant legal uncertainty and this is dangerous for our patients."
“We have only begun to assess the full impact of the Dobbs decision on our physicians and their patients. At this point, we have more questions than answers. The AMA is committed to its longtime opposition to criminalizing medical practice and will continue to challenge criminal or civil penalties on patients who receive reproductive health services, as well as physicians, other health professionals, health systems, and patient advocates for aiding, assisting, supporting, or providing reproductive health services or referrals to patients. We will also continue to protect the patient-physician relationship and access to evidence-based reproductive health care, including abortion.”
Dr. Resneck’s full testimony can be found at the following link (PDF).
Dr. Anthony Fauci says he expects to see out President Joe Biden’s current term
WASHINGTON -- Dr. Anthony Fauci says he will likely step down before the end of President Joe Biden's first term. The 81 year old director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases did not set a specific date, however.
Fauci has spent years responding to rumors of his retirement. After serving as the top medical adviser to two presidents he now says the end is near.
The "New York Times" says his decision comes and goes in direct proportion to how much criticism he is getting. He now says he has a time frame in mind for the end of his long government career.
If he follows through with his most recent comments he will leave by January 2025, the end of Biden’s current term.
To read the full article click here.
Do not try this at home!
A musician in South Africa is sharing one of the craziest videos on the internet right now. It shows a man trying to "fly" through a car. Honestly, there are so many questions! How did that car get up on bricks? Why would someone try this? What is the point?
Have you seen this yet? What do you think?
https://twitter.com/_Mashudu_M/status/1548576419172982784