It’s Tuesday and time for your
NCMS Morning Rounds.
May 19, 2020
NCMS Board of Directors Meet
On Saturday, your NCMS Board of Directors met as originally scheduled prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, although they gathered virtually to attend to the Society’s business. To start the meeting, NCMS President Palmer Edwards, MD, DFAPA welcomed the class of 2020 Leadership College participants. Board members all introduced themselves, answered questions from the leadership scholars and offered their insights and expertise as the class completes their year-long individual projects. Learn more about NCMS Foundation’s Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership programs.
In addition to discussing various aspects of the NCMS’ response to the pandemic, Board members also reviewed survey results and member feedback on how to ensure a valuable LEAD Health Care Conference experience in October. The Board asked the LEAD Conference planning committee to make recommendations on how to plan and execute a successful virtual meeting or series of virtual sessions while also respecting the traditions and history of the organization in these unusual circumstances.
Chair of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, Timothy J. Reeder, MD, MPH, FACEP reported there has been considerable interest in serving on the Board of Directors. The deadline to submit an application for an open seat on the Board of Directors, the AMA delegation of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee was yesterday, Monday, May 18. Dr. Reeder reported that the committee had received applications from a “good, diverse group of people” for all open positions on the Board of Directors, some seats have multiple applicants, he said. The committee will begin the interview process on May 30. Watch your NCMS Morning Rounds for information on the slate of candidates and how you can cast your vote for the leadership of your medical society.
Board members reiterated their ongoing desire to receive your feedback on how the NCMS is addressing the issues you are facing and are open to your ideas and suggestions. To propose a policy, please use the Board of Directors online feedback form accessible here and on the NCMS website under About NCMS, Board of Directors. All forms are reviewed by the Board, the policy making entity for the NCMS. For non-policy related suggestions and comments, simply respond to this email.
COVID-19 Updates from NCDHHS
NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, is offering this quick, 30-second public service announcement describing the 3 W’s – Wear. Wait. Wash. – as a way to remind the public of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. View the PSA and feel free to share with patients and staff.
Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS officials continue to monitor the data as they weigh whether to move the state to Phase 2, lifting more of the restrictions designed to contain the spread of the virus. That could come as early as 5 p.m. this Friday, May 22. Last week, Governor Cooper and Sec. Cohen reported that the key COVID-19 data indicators remain stable. Review the data.
The key metrics are:
• Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days: North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
• Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days: North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is slightly increasing.
• Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days: North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive has been decreasing and is starting to level.
• Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days: North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
• Laboratory Testing: North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate from approximately 2,500-3,000 to more than 6,000.
• Tracing Capability: The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has already hired close to 100 new contact tracers adding to the 250 already working at our local health departments.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.
Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators remain stable, state officials said.
Kudos to These Exceptional Physicians
Even during these dark times, there are still bright spots to celebrate. We offer our congratulations to:
NCMS Foundation Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership alumnus and now faculty member Roy E. Strowd, III, MD, has been named Editor of the Resident and Fellow Section of the American Academy of Neurology’s Green Journal.
Longtime NCMS member and New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society’s immediate past president, Clarence L. Wilson II, MD, who, at the county society’s inaugural 2020 meeting in February, received the 2019 Community Service Award and a $1,000 check to the Good Shepherd Center. The center is the largest provider of homeless services in the Wilmington region.
Hannah Masoud, MD, resident physician at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, who won the National American College of Physicians (ACP) abstract competition in the Quality Improvement division. Dr. Masoud examined “Antimicrobial Practices for Acute Bacterial Pharyngitis.” You may listen to her presentation here.
Congratulations to all!
In the News
Life as a COVID-19 Contact Tracer: Sleuthing, Stress and Veering Off-Script, STAT, 5-18-20
Learning Opportunity
This Friday’s NCMS Foundation’s Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership Power Hour will focus on ‘New Human Resource Challenges Arising during COVID-19 and How to Address Them.’ Tune in for this virtual gathering from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 22, when Kevin Ceglowski, JD, Kelsey Mayo, JD, and Steve Shaber, JD from Poyner Spruill will address the many workplace related challenges associated with the current national public health emergency and how best to address them. The conversation will be moderated by Franklin Walker, MBA, NCMS VP of Rural Health System Innovation. Learn more and register.