Hello, and thanks for your interest in the Wake County Medical Society (WCMS).  In the organization’s 120 years of existence, there have been plenty of reasons why health care providers have chosen to be involved with the WCMS.  However, there is no greater attraction than the enduring spirit of the original motto, “nurturing the bonds between us.”

At no point in my career have I felt that the bonds between health care providers have been more important.  While there is a consistent barrage of messages on maintaining wellness, we all know that finding purpose and meaning in our work is one of our most effective defenses against burnout.  And a critical piece of our armor is our support for each other.  The WCMS endeavors to find experiences that highlight the purpose and meaning of our work and to build the professional relationships that enhance and sustain our medical careers.

It’s exciting and gratifying to be a member of the leadership team of a revamped Wake County Medical Society.  Taking over for Dr. Ted Kunstling, I hope to maintain the momentum that he has generated.  In addition, I’m appreciative of the work, energy, and ideas of our Executive Council, including that of our new additions, Dr. Karen Bash and Dr. Susheel Atree.  Dr. Vinay Saranga’s work as Secretary/Treasurer and Dr. David Gremillion’s immense efforts revising the bylaws and combing through the history of the organization have given us an appreciation of our trajectory and our raison d’être.  Dr. Sharon Foster and Dr. Bob Munt continue to lead our program committee in finding activities for uncovering the common linkages between us as well as allowing for self-reflection and self-discovery.

During my tenure as president, I hope that our communications, meetings, programs, and activities shine a light on those activities that inspire us.  I do find meaning and pleasure in fellowship.  In addition, I hope to highlight the volunteer activities of those in our Wake County community.  We certainly acknowledge the 216 Wake County physicians who currently volunteer their time to provide care for uninsured patients in their practices through Project Access, an arm of what was previously called the WCMS Community Health Foundation.

As I launch my term as president, I appreciate the support of the NC Medical Society staff and leadership in providing administrative services for our society and look forward to their continued support of our agenda.  It is a relationship where there is much synergy plus where we can celebrate our distinctiveness as well.

Is there a theme for my tenure?  In the last year, the WCMS has provided me opportunities to discuss Shelley’s Frankenstein with colleagues, celebrate the WCMS 120th anniversary and holiday gala held at the governor’s mansion, and speak to a Thomas Jefferson impersonator at Haywood Hall—to name a few.  I hope this type of lineup continues.  At the same time, I hope we can find ways to attract and blend in and support early-career physicians, including providers in training-such as the 15 residents in the WakeMed Internal Medicine Residency Program (the first Wake County residency program in recent history), as well as the 60 medical and PA students from UNC and Campbell who are based in Wake County for their clinical training.  These training programs have certainly added much meaning to my work.

There are great opportunities through WCMS, and I hope you find some that you might enjoy and propose some of your own.  Indeed, there are many ways and reasons for “nurturing the bonds between us.”

Sincerely,

John E. R. Perry, III, MD, MS, FACP
President, Wake County Medical Society