NCMS Member Honored as 2023 Doctor of the Year
In April, NCMS member Dr. Mindy Merritt was selected as the 2023 Physician of the Year in Carteret County.
The Physician of the Year award is given to a physician who consistently achieves high standards in the practice of medicine and is looked upon as a role model by his or her peers.
Merritt leads Carteret Health Care's Breast Program in the Cancer Center. Under her leadership,…
Little-Known REM Sleep Disorder Linked to Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases
A little-known and poorly understood sleep disorder that occurs during the rapid eye movement, or REM, stage of sleep is believed to foreshadow neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
The disorder, known as REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, affects around 1% of the general population worldwide and about 2% of adults over 65.…
North Carolina Medical Board names new CEO
The North Carolina Medical Board has named Thomas W. Mansfield, JD, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Prior to accepting the position of CEO, Mansfield served as the organization’s Chief Legal Officer and has led the Legal Department since 2001. Mansfield was selected by the Board after an extensive executive search in accordance with its bylaws.
“Thom has deep knowledge and…
In Memoriam: NCMS Lifetime Member Dr. James Jones, Sr.
Dr. James Jones, Sr. (image credit: UNC Pembroke)
NCMS Lifetime member Dr. James Grady Jones Sr., "The Country Doctor," passed away on Tuesday, May 16. He was 89.
Jones was well known across the state as an influential family physician and professor of medicine at East Carolina University with a distinguished record of service to the state. He was particularly…
2023 Child Health Report Card: NC Failing in Areas of Youth Mental Health
The NC Child and the NC Institute of Medicine recently released the 2023 Child Health Report Card.
The report shows North Carolina earned failing grades in several key areas: mental health, school health, housing and economic security, and birth outcomes, but made progress in preconception health and maternal health support, and substance use.
Below is a snapshot of the grades in…
NCMS at Work: White Coat Day
On May 23, NCMS teamed up with the North Carolina Rheumatology Association (NCRA) for a White Coat Day.
There were eight physicians, fellows, and residents in attendance, and they were able to meet with six North Carolina Representatives and Senators. We discussed the SAVE Act and prior authorization.
A big thank you to everyone who attended and advocated for the health of all…
Early Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Dementia Risk
New data findings suggest that people who develop type 2 diabetes before age 60 years are at threefold greater risk for dementia compared to those who don't develop diabetes. The data from the prospective Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort also suggest that the previously identified increased risk for dementia among people with prediabetes appears to be entirely explained…
On The Lighter Side – May 26, 2023 – The Unofficial Start of Summer!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
The Unofficial Start of Summer is Packed With Thing to Do:
Events are happening across the state this weekend! Here is a partial list:
An American Celebration: The Music of John Williams in Cary
Mountain Gateway Museum Music Jam in Old Fort
Thomasville Annual Memorial Day…
Study: A Little Exercise Could Reap Big Benefits
A new study looking at the exercise habits of 577,909 adults in the US found that just 10 minutes of regular aerobic exercise (or "cardio") a week can substantially cut the risk of death from flu or pneumonia.
The relative risk of dying from flu or pneumonia dropped by 21 percent on average in this 10-150 weekly minutes group, compared with those who did no exercise at all, based on…
FDA approves Rinvoq for treatment of Crohn’s disease
Patients with Crohn's disease have a new treatment option, following U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of a pill called Rinvoq (upadacitinib). The medication was previously approved for several other conditions, including eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Rinvoq is meant to treat adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who…