By popular demand, Dr. Gloria Graham was named NC Doctor of the Year on March 30 in honor of Doctors’ Day. The 80-year-old Graham was presented with the award and a $5,000 check to be used toward her medical or professional mission at her office, Eastern Dermatology and Pathology in Morehead City.
“It’s been a great pleasure and I really think it was a great idea you all had [to start North Carolina Doctors’ Day,]” she said. Dr. Graham, a dermatologist, received the most online votes of the 10 NC Doctor of the Year finalists over the last two weeks of March leading up to Doctors’ Day.
For the first time this year, the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), launched a homegrown way to recognize and honor the state’s physicians. More than 140 patients and colleagues from throughout North Carolina nominated doctors during February. From this group, 10 finalists were selected. Since March 16, the public has cast their votes online at the www.ncdoctorsday.org website for the person they think should be named NC Doctor of the Year.
Dr. Graham, 80, considered a legend in dermatology by many, has practiced medicine for 54 years and still practices three days a week. She intends to use the award money to benefit the Broad Street Clinic, which was founded by one of her personal physicians; the Country Doctor Museum, which contains many articles that were part of her father’s practice and possibly the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University. She also announced at the award presentation she would like to give $1,000 of the award to the Merci Clinic, a free clinic in New Bern, and the workplace of Dr. Mark Heffington, the NC Doctor of the Year finalist she narrowly edged out to win the award.
“Congratulations to Dr. Graham!” said Robert W. Seligson, NCMS Executive Vice President and CEO. “Dr. Graham certainly exemplifies the caring and compassion that distinguishes so many doctors across North Carolina.
“Since most everyone has been or will be a patient at some point, I encourage you to show your gratitude to your doctor not only on Doctors’ Day, but all year long.”