What’s The True Secret to Happiness? Scientists May be About to Find Out
Researchers are hoping to uncover the elusive secret to happiness in the biggest study of its kind to date
(PositiveNews, Robin Eveleigh) -- While some people get their highs from a brisk run, others swear by sharing a cuppa with a friend or spending time in nature for a wellbeing boost.
Now those behind the Global Happiness Megastudy hope to recruit tens of thousands of…
Make Your Plans Now! UNC Eye Symposium is Next Month
Registration Open for the UNC Eye Symposium, April 12, 2025
Location: The William & Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education
Hosted by the UNC Department of Ophthalmology every spring, the UNC Eye Symposium is designed to update Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Technicians, and Photographers on the latest evidence-based diagnostic and medical/surgical approaches to…
Duke Study: Less Invasive Lung Cancer Surgeries on the Rise
Lung cancer surgery is shifting to less invasive procedures
(Duke News, Shantell M. Kirkendoll) -- Lung cancer surgery is shifting toward less invasive procedures, particularly for younger and healthier patients, according to a new study led by Duke University School of Medicine analyzing two decades of data.
Traditionally, removing an entire lobe of the lung – lobectomy—was the gold…
NC DHHS: Register Now For Community Partners Webinar on Medicaid
Community Partners Webinar – An Update on Medicaid
The Community Partners webinar series is designed to provide updates on NC Medicaid and key Medicaid initiatives.
Join us Wednesday, March 19 from 3-4 p.m. for the next session in our ongoing webinar series. The webinar will provide an informational overview on Medicaid.
To register for the webinar, simply click on the registration…
UVA: Discovery Leads To New Way to Prevent Cold Sores
Scientists have discovered how the herpes virus reactivates by hijacking the immune system, opening the door to new treatments.
(Rebecca Shavit) -- Scientists have uncovered a surprising strategy used by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) to rewaken in the body. A new study from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has identified a viral protein, UL12.5, that plays a key…
NC Medicaid Annual Health Disparities Report Released, Needs Your Feedback
Please take a moment and complete this brief survey.
North Carolina Medicaid’s Program Evaluation Team recently released the 2022 NC Medicaid Annual Health Disparities Report (Link) which highlights health disparities identified within quality measures for the NC Medicaid beneficiary population. We are reaching out to you to see if you would be willing to review the 2022 NC…
NCMS at Work: 2025 Advocacy Summit Explores Economic Trends, AI, and Legislative Impact
NCMS holds crucial summit on the future of healthcare in NC
Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry experts gathered for a crucial summit addressing the future of healthcare in North Carolina. The event featured discussions on healthcare economic trends, legislative policies, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical and administrative settings.
The summit…
NIH Study: New 4D Brain Map Reveals Potential Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. The National Institutes of Health is out with a new study on potential early warning signs.
New 4D Brain Map reveals potential early warning signs of multiple sclerosis
NIH study reveals key players underlying disease onset and repair.
Using an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)…
Dr. Jack Allison to Give Lecture at ECU. “The Convergence of Emergency Medicine and Public Health: To Brody via Africa and Beyond”
"The Convergence of Emergency Medicine and Public Health: To Brody via Africa and Beyond"
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 3:30pm
Presented by Jack Allison, MD/MPH, FACEP, FACPM
The in-person lecture will be held in the Evelyn Fike Laupus Gallery, fourth floor of Laupus Library.
You may also attend the event virtually through this link. Please be aware that while streaming is available…
Capitol Chronicle: NC Neurologists Go To Capitol Hill
February 26, 2025
North Carolina Neurologists go to Capitol Hill
Over the dates of February 23-25, 2025, neurologists from across the country traveled to Washington, DC for the annual congressional advocacy event of the American Academy of Neurology. Attendees from North Carolina participating in 2025 Neurology on the Hill included:
Zahra Cain-Akbar, DO
Cape Fear Valley Health / Wade,…
DHHS: 1 Dead in NC from Listeria Outbreak
A Listeria outbreak linked to recalled frozen supplemental shakes has resulted in one death in North Carolina and at least 12 deaths nationwide
(WRAL, DHHS) -- One person in North Carolina has died from a listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplemental shakes, the Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday.
DHHS confirmed two cases in the state so far.
Nationwide, there…
Sen. Thom Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Rural Healthcare
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis, alongside Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), introduced the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to increase the number of doctors working in rural and medically underserved areas.
“Too many rural areas in North Carolina and across the country lack the health care…
NCMS Joins Long List of Medical Societies and Associations to Urge U.S. Congress to Include Changes to Forthcoming Bill on Medicare
The following is a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer.
The North Carolina Medical Society has been added to the list of national medical societies, state medical societies, and medical associations.
Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Leader…
11 Dead After Supplemental Shakes Linked to Listeria Cases in 21 States Including NC
(photo: FDA)
(WTV), FDA) -- Frozen shakes sold to nursing homes and other institutions are being recalled after a listeria outbreak in 21 states that has caused 11 deaths, according to the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
The shakes have made at least 38 people ill, with 37 hospitalizations, the FDA said Friday.
Frozen supplemental shakes under the…
Beyond the Horizon: The Changing Landscape of Rare Disease Treatments
Help celebrate Rare Disease Day this year!
On Friday, February 28th, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Center of Excellence and the Program for Precision Medicine in Health Care (PPMH) will be hosting a Symposium, “Beyond the Horizon: The Changing Landscape of Rare Disease Treatments.” During this symposium, speakers will address:
The past, present, and future of rare…
NCMS Foundation Partner Alliance Medical Ministry is Seeking a Full Time Physician, MD, or DO
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN SOUGHT BY ALLIANCE MEDICAL MINISTRY
Position: Primary Care Physician AMM is seeking a full time Physician, MD or DO, to work closely with the Medical Director to carry out the mission of Alliance Medical Ministry; provide compassionate, culturally appropriate holistic care; and grow the capacity to serve the eligible uninsured population. The physician provides…
‘A Real Game Changer’: UNC is Part of a Groundbreaking Food Allergy Study
Credit: Illustration via DALL-E 3
Their work showed that a treatment that has helped asthma patients for more than two decades could lessen — or even prevent — acute allergic reactions to foods.
(NC HealthNews, Jennifer Fernandez) -- Kristen Bush remembers the first time her firstborn suffered a severe allergic reaction.
Braylon was 7 months old, and he had just started eating…
ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers Phase 2 Kick-Off is February 25
NCCPRW is looking to have every NC health system and hospital partner on statewide initiative
The North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium, in collaboration with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, launched ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers. This initiative is dedicated to supporting healthcare organizations across North Carolina in…
NCMS at Work: Medical Care Commission
North Carolina Health Commission Meeting
Key Updates
The North Carolina Health Commission recently convened to discuss major healthcare initiatives, funding, and regulatory updates affecting the state. NCMS staff attended this event to keep you informed and advocate for member voices. Find details from the meeting here:
New Appointment to the Commission
Michelle F. Jones, MD, a family…
Deadline for Providers to Submit for BCBS Settlement Claims is July 29
In 2024, a settlement was reached in a long-running class action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) brought by physicians, hospitals, large health systems and provider organizations. The lawsuit alleged a range of antitrust violations by BCBS, including price fixing and allocating markets using exclusive service areas. In addition to $2.8 billion in damages, the Settlement…
Measles Cases Are Rising in US as Texas Outbreak Grows
A measles outbreak in Texas has grown to 48 cases, all of whom are unvaccinated.
CDC: No cases reported in NC yet.
(ABC News, Mary Kekatos) -- Measles is continuing to spread across the United States as an outbreak in Texas rapidly grows and cases are confirmed in nearby states, according to health officials.
In western Texas, a measles outbreak doubled from 24 confirmed cases on…
NCMS at Work: NC Public Health Commission
North Carolina Commission for Public Health
February 2025 Update
The North Carolina Commission for Public Health met on February 5th to discuss key public health concerns and initiatives across the state. NCMS staff attended the meeting to monitor outcomes. Here are the key takeaways for NCMS Members:
Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise
Cases of RSV and flu-like illnesses are…
Learning Opportunity: Long-COVID: Select Updates on Definitions, Burden of Disease, and More
Pfizer Vaccines Offers Webinar on Long-COVID
The Pfizer Vaccines US Medical Affairs Team is holding an educational webinar, Long-COVID: Select Updates on Definitions, Burden of Disease and More
Date and Time: Thursday, 20 February 2025: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm ET
Speaker: Jenny Boucher, PharmD
US Medical Director, Pfizer mRNA Vaccines, Medical and Scientific Affairs
Click here…
Achoo! Flu Season in U.S. is Most Intense it’s Been in at Least 15 Years
If it feels like everyone you know is wheezing all over the place, you’re probably right.
(AP) -- The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure is the most intense in 15 years.
One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. Last week, that number was clearly higher than the peak of any winter flu season since…
Registration open for the UNC Eye Symposium, April 12
Hosted by the UNC Department of Ophthalmology every spring, the UNC Eye Symposium is designed to update Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Technicians, and Photographers on the latest evidence-based diagnostic and medical/surgical approaches to comprehensive eye care and treating ocular disorders and disease. Mark your calendars to join us at this annual conference on Saturday, April…
Health Cuts Temporarily Blocked as Scientists Warn of Crippling Impact, NC is One of 22 States Suing to Stop Cuts
Temporary Block Means NIH Will Continue to Grant Payments
(DailySkim Health) -- What's going on: A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's plan to slash billions in research funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Monday just hours after 22 states sued to stop it. The NIH had planned to cap “indirect costs” — funds that cover essentials like lab equipment and…
Mood Swings are Like Clockwork. What is Best Part of Day?
New Study: Mental Health is Better in the Morning
(Nice News) -- “Never go to bed angry” is an oft-repeated piece of advice directed toward couples. But a recent study might suggest otherwise.
To explore how mental health and well-being fluctuate throughout the day, researchers from University College London analyzed data from nearly 50,000 people surveyed over a dozen times in a two-year…
NC Diabetes Advisory Council Publishes New Guide to Prevention and Management of Diabetes
In North Carolina, 12.4 percent of the adult population have diabetes and 34.6 percent are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The state is 11th in the nation for diabetes-related deaths. To address the complexities of diabetes, the NC Diabetes Advisory Council has developed the third edition of the Guide to Prevention and Management of Diabetes.
The Guide is organized…
Register Now! Collaborative Care Model 2025 Learning Collaboratives
NC AHEC is announcing six (6) Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Learning Collaboratives for primary care providers, behavioral health professionals, and others who have implemented or are implementing CoCM for integrating behavioral health in a primary care setting. Independent primary care practices, FQHCs, and rural health clinics may find CoCM especially helpful for meeting some of the…
Rewind: NC Crisis Services Tele-Town Hall
"You are valued"
Last week, NCDHHS hosted a tele-town hall to discuss how people can support their mental well-being, find resources and get help for themselves or someone else experiencing a mental health crisis.
The tele-town hall included:
• Ways to support and improve mental well-being;
• When to get help for yourself or a loved one;
• What NC crisis services are and how to…
Today is World Cancer Day. How to Support Employees Affected by Cancer.
Companies can help support employees affected by cancer through awareness initiatives, workplace accommodations, and inclusive practices.
(Ashley Campanella) -- Every year on February 4, the world comes together to observe World Cancer Day, an international day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, promoting prevention, early detection, and treatment, and advocating for better support…
NC Commission for the Blind Call for Nominees
The NCMS has the opportunity to appoint a new member to the NC Commission for the Blind. Learn more about responsibilities of the NC Commission for the Blind here.
The commission serves in an advisory capacity on issues relating to services for persons with disabilities, especially independent living programs and services. The council also develops and submits a state plan to…
Appointment Opening for NC Radiation Protection Commission
The North Carolina Medical Society has the opportunity to nominate a member to be appointed by the Governor to the NC Radiation Protection Commission. Learn more about the NC Radiation Protection Commission here.
As described by the N.C. Radiation Protection Act (G.S. §104E), the Radiation Protection Commission is empowered to promulgate rules to be followed in the administration of…
NCDHHS, Trillium Health Resources Announces New Crisis Centers
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Trillium Health Resources will award $13.15 million to four providers to open community crisis centers and behavioral health urgent care centers (BHUCs) in Lenoir, New Hanover and Pitt counties. The funding was made possible through a historic $835 million investment in North Carolina’s behavioral health system to…
Capitol Chronicle: Medicare Pay Fix Legislation Introduced
Medicare Pay Fix Legislation Introduced
Congressman Greg Murphy, MD lead sponsor
Among the important unresolved congressional issues that were pending at the conclusion of 2024, the fight to reverse the cut in Medicare payment has resumed. Congressman Greg Murphy, MD (NC-3), along with a bipartisan group of his House colleagues, has introduced new legislation to stop the 2.83% cut in…
Happy Birthday to Our Members Celebrating This Month!
Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!
Elizabeth Acquista, MD
Amer Adam, MD
J. Wellington Adams, MD
Andrew J. Adamson, MD
Satish P. Adawadkar, MD
Ira N. Adler, MD
Deborah G. Agisim, MD
Sukaina Ahmad, MD
Farhan Ahmed, MD
Richard E. Akers, Jr., MD
Rozita Akhbari, MD
Shereen A. Alavian, MD
Catherine M. Alexander, MD
Eslam G. K. Ali, MD
David R. Allen,…
Melatonin Isn’t Always the Best Solution for Restless Nights
(image credit: MSN)
Many of us struggle to get a restful sleep each night. Whether you've tried taking melatonin or bought a new mattress, it can take a lot of trial and error to improve sleep quality. While it may not happen overnight, natural sleep aids, like GABA supplements, may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep.
Many Americans deal with insomnia symptoms,…
Moving Beyond Maternal Mortality: Weighing Solutions to Black Women’s Health Crisis
(image credit: Health Brew)
Black mothers face higher rates of mistreatment and mortality during childbirth, but advocates are working to transform the system.
The US is one of the deadliest high-income countries to give birth in—especially if you’re Black.
A June analysis from the Commonwealth Fund found the country had about 22.3 deaths during or shortly after…
Register Now! Collaborative Care Model 2025 Learning Collaboratives
NC AHEC is announcing six (6) Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Learning Collaboratives for primary care providers, behavioral health professionals, and others who have implemented or are implementing CoCM for integrating behavioral health in a primary care setting. Independent primary care practices, FQHCs, and rural health clinics may find CoCM especially helpful for meeting some of the…
In Memoriam: NCMS Life Member Dr. William Gresham Orrison
Dr. William Gresham Orrison
June 30, 1943 - January 15, 2025
NCMS Life member Dr. William Gresham Orrison died on Wednesday, January 15. He was 81 years old.
Gresham's very full life revolved around family, friends, community, and service to others. A caring doctor and skilled eye surgeon, he took pride in improving, and sometimes saving, his patients'…
NCMS Pushes for Prior Authorization Reform with Bipartisan Support from Lawmakers
RALEIGH -- On Tuesday, January 28, the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) held a press conference at its Raleigh headquarters to support a growing coalition of lawmakers dedicated to reforming the state's prior authorization process. The NCMS is fully committed to driving meaningful change during the 2025 legislative long session.
The event featured Amanda Watson as a guest…
Lace Up for the Annual Spring into Health ‘Healthraiser’ Run
BWC Gears Up for Annual Spring Into Health ‘Healthraiser’ Run
Brunswick Wellness Coalition (BWC) is preparing for its annual Spring Into Health 5k/1m Run on Saturday, March 15. Participants can run, walk, stroll, or roll along the route to raise awareness about living healthy lifestyles. All ages, skill levels, and abilities are encouraged to…
Join NCDHHS Tomorrow for Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: NC Crisis Services — Get Help 24/7
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, January 28, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how people can support their mental well-being, find resources and get help for themselves or someone else experiencing a mental health crisis.
Event participants include:
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director, Division of…
Funding Opportunity Available for Health Disparities Research
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) has released the Minority Research Grant Program (MRGP) 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This grant awards funding to health equity researchers at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) investigating health disparities and improving the health outcomes of minority populations.
As a grantee,…
Study: Eight Psychiatric Disorders Share the Same Genetic Causes
In 2019, researchers at the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Harvard University, and the UNC School of Medicine identified 136 “hot spots” within the genome that are associated with eight psychiatric disorders. Among them, 109 hot spots were shared among multiple disorders, or “pleiotropic”. However, it was not clear at the time how genetic variations within these hot spots…
Registration Open for the 2025 UNC Eye Symposium
2025 UNC EYE SYMPOSIUM
The William & Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education
April 12, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The UNC Eye Symposium will provide the latest updates and insights in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders, including anterior segment, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculoplastic, retina, and pediatric ophthalmology.
Download (pdf) flyer…
Tell the North Carolina General Assembly the Time is NOW to Pass Prior Authorization Reform!
Sign our petition to tell the North Carolina General Assembly, the time is NOW to pass Prior Authorization Reform.
Why reform Prior Authorization?
We've All Felt It. Every one of us, or someone we love, has had a hard time because of something called "prior authorization" in healthcare. Insurance companies use prior authorization to slow down or even stop…
Capitol Chronicle: Telehealth Flexibilities for Medicare Patients Extended – Future Uncertain, Urgency Persists
Telehealth Flexibilities for Medicare Patients Extended – Future Uncertain, Urgency Persists
On December 20, 2024, Congress passed a short-term spending bill for the purpose of keeping the federal government operational through mid-March 2025. Our primary focus in working with our US House and US Senate members leading up to and during the bill’s debate was the inclusion of…
Appointment Opening for the NC Medical Care Commission
The North Carolina Medical Society has the opportunity to nominate a member to be appointed by the Governor to the North Carolina Medical Care Commission.
The North Carolina Medical Care Commission of the Department of Health and Human Services consist of 17 members appointed by the Governor. Three of the members appointed by the Governor are nominated by the North Carolina Medical…
Disaster Energy Assistance Available to 25 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications from the general public for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on January 2, 2025. For the 25 counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding has been appropriated by the NC…