NIH-Funded Research Team Engineers New Drug Targeting Pain Sensation Pathway

Study of CB1 receptor has implications for chronic pain treatment. NIH Media Advisory -- What A research team funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed a medication that shows promise in treating acute and chronic pain. The drug, known as VIP36, targets the body’s cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). It was found to be effective in three different animal models for…

When Will NC’s Allergy Season Peak This Year? What to Know as Spring Approaches

Spring is almost here!  How are you feeling so far? (The Charlotte Observer, Evan Moore) -- Spring is less than three weeks away, which means allergy sufferers should start preparing for pollen season. More pollen in the air means there’s a higher chance of suffering from symptoms like runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes. But peak pollen counts depend on several factors, including the…

Congratulations Blue Devils! First ACC Title Under Coach Kara Lawson

N.C. State guard Aziaha James (10), center, drives between Duke forward Delaney Thomas (12) and Duke guard Oluchi Okananwa (5) during an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) No. 11 Duke beats No. 7 N.C. State 76-62, wins 1st ACC title since 2013 (AP, Central NC) --…

Whooping Cough Confirmed at Wake County Middle School

North Carolina is experiencing an uptick in pertussis cases (The News & Observer, Anna Roman) --- Wake County has confirmed a case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, at Oberlin Magnet Middle School. It’s one of 20 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease in the county this year. It’s one of 20 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease in the county this year.…

Helping the Next Generation! NCHA and NCDPI Partner for Virtual Healthcare Career Day

Gov. Josh Stein welcomes students to Virtual Healthcare Career Day The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) partnered with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to host a Virtual Healthcare Career Day on February 28. This event was developed to inspire middle and high school age students across North Carolina to join the healthcare field.  The program featured…

🎉It’s New Member Monday!🎉

Join us in welcoming these new members to the North Carolina Medical Society!   Adam J. Bennett, MD  Rodolfo Bonatti, MD  Nicholas A. Dallas, MD  Kerry E. Hunt, MD  Ryan D. Machiele, DO  James A. Wrzosek, MD  We are thrilled to have you! Not a member but would like to be? Joining is simple. Visit our membership center here.

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…

NC DHHS: New Data Shows Black Infants Are Dying at Rates Three Times Higher Than White Infants

The 2023 Infant and Child Mortality Data from the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force Report shows non-Hispanic Black and American Indian children have higher mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.   The 2023 Infant and Child Mortality Data from the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force Report shows non-Hispanic Black and American Indian children have higher…

NC Flu Deaths Surpass 360, Highest in 7 Years

Updated Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard Shows Highest Number Since 2017-2018 The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which shows an increase in flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths reported this season to 362. This is the highest number of flu deaths reported since the 2017-2018 flu season.…

Join Us for NCMS White Coat Day – April 30th!

Join NCMS and Bring Your Colleagues to the 2025 NCMS White Coat Day! We are excited to invite you to the NCMS White Coat Day on April 30th from 8 AM - 7 PM at the General Assembly! This will be a full day of important discussions with legislators from across the state about critical issues such as prior authorization reform and scope of practice changes. The day’s events will begin promptly…

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…

Governor Josh Stein Urges Congress to Protect North Carolinians’ Health Care and Oppose Cuts to Medicaid Funding

  Gov. Josh Stein Urges Congress to Change Course on Proposed Cuts to Medicaid Governor Josh Stein sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to change course on proposed federal cuts to the Medicaid program and laying out what’s at stake in North Carolina. “Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 3 million North Carolinians and disproportionately serves our rural population,” said…

Submit Your Nominations for These Upcoming Awards

Award season is approaching! The NCMS is currently accepting nominations for these awards: E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award | John Huske Anderson Award E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award The North Carolina Medical Society is accepting nominations for the E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award. This award is…

Action Alert – Medicare Payment Fix. Contact your member of Congress ASAP!

March 5, 2025 Action Alert - Medicare Payment Fix Contact your member of Congress ASAP!   Over the past two decades, Medicare physician payment rates have declined by 33%, when adjusted for the cost of running a practice.  The payment cuts for the past five consecutive years have left physicians and practices struggling to manage practice costs while fulfilling the commitment to…

To Solve Doctor Shortages, Some States Ease Licensing for Foreign-Trained Physicians

Zalmai Afzali, an internal medicine doctor in northeastern Virginia, had to complete a residency program in the U.S. after having already finished one in Afghanistan. He supports new state laws dropping such requirements for foreign-trained doctors. Roya Qaemi   The changes involve residency programs (NPR, Arielle Zionts) -- A growing number of states have made it easier for doctors…

CDC Now on the Ground in Texas as Measles Outbreak Grows

Sherry Andrews holds a 13-month-old's hand after giving the child its first MMR vaccine dose in Lubbock, Texas, on February 27. Annie Rice/Reuters CDC says it’s on the ground in Texas as measles outbreak grows to 159 cases (CNN, Neha Mukherjee) -- A measles outbreak in Texas has grown to 159 cases, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is now on the ground in that…

‘Man With the Golden Arm’: Grandfather Whose Rare Blood Saved Millions of Babies Dies Aged 88

At 14, Harrison needed life-saving blood donations after major chest surgery. At 18, despite his fear of needles, he kept his promise to give back (Australian Red Cross Lifeblood)   (The Independent, Maroosha Muzaffar) -- James Harrison, who helped save more than two million babies by donating blood over 1,100 times across six decades, has died at 88. According to the Australian…

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…

NCMS Member Dr. Debra Bynum Elected to Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine’s Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine Council

(photo: UNC Dept. of Medicine) Debra Bynum, MD, MMEL, FACP, has been elected to the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine’s Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine Council. Dr. Bynum is a professor of medicine in the UNC Division of Geriatric Medicine, Vice Chair for Education in the UNC Department of Medicine and the Program Director of the UNC Internal Medicine Residency…

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…

Duke Health and Novant Health Launch Transformative Partnership

Duke Health:  Together, the organizations will expand access to affordable, high-quality care for North Carolina communities   DURHAM and WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Duke Health and Novant Health are working together to develop new campuses across North Carolina that will expand access to affordable, high-quality care. The two organizations share a commitment to developing novel partnerships…

10 Ways North Carolina Health Care Providers Are Harnessing AI

Is NC Leading the Way on Artificial Intelligence? (NC HealthNews, Emily Vespa and Michelle Crouch) -- Co-published with The Charlotte Ledger Faced with a growing health care worker shortage and provider burnout, some North Carolina health care leaders have said there is great promise in artificial intelligence systems. The state’s health care systems have been early adopters of AI tools…

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…

New Study: Blood Test Can Help Diagnose, Track ALS Patients

A blood test looking for neurofilament light chain proteins accurately identified ALS patients more than 80% of the time. The test also can help predict survival for people with ALS, researchers said. (image: HeathDay News)   A blood test can help doctors detect ALS (HealthDay News, Dennis Thompson) -- A blood test can help doctors detect ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and…

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)…

Happy Birthday to All These NCMS Members!

  Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate! Happy birthday to all of these NCSM members! Robert B. Abrahams, DO Yousef S. Abumostafa, MD Ian Adam, MD Mia R. Adkins, MD Amir Aghajanian, MD Mamatha Agrawal, MD Lysle K. Ailstock, MD Raul C. Aizcorbe, MD Muhammad S. Alam, MD Kyle A. Alexander, MD Kimberly A. Alford, MD David J. Allison, MD…

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,…

JAMA Investigation: Medicaid Spending and Health-Related Social Needs in the North Carolina Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program

  Original Investigation February 27, 2025 Medicaid Spending and Health-Related Social Needs in the North Carolina Healthy Opportunities Pilots Program Seth A. Berkowitz, MD, MPH1,2; Jessica Archibald, MSA1; Zhitong Yu, MPH1; et al Key Points Question  Is North Carolina Medicaid’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots 1115 waiver program, which provides nonmedical services to…

Duke, UNC Hospitals Rated Among World’s Best

World's Best Hospitals 2025 (Newsweek, Alexis Kayser) -- Few decisions carry more weight than selecting a hospital for yourself or a loved one. This choice is often made while feeling unwell or after a stressful diagnosis—making it all the more difficult. That's why ready information about where world-class medical care is available can make all the difference in ensuring the best possible…

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…

Save Room For Cake! New Study Sheds Light on Why We Always Seem to Have Room for Dessert

Why Sweets Are Enticing Even After a Big Meal If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve probably said something along the lines of “there’s always room for dessert.” Well, that saying has some real science behind it, according to a recent study. ​ To better understand why it’s so enticing to eat something sweet even after a big meal — sometimes called the “dessert stomach” phenomenon — researchers…

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…

First Death Reported in Measles Outbreak, First Measles Death in U.S. Since 2015

  An unvaccinated child has died in the Texas measles outbreak (AP, Devi Shastri) -- A child who was not vaccinated has died from measles in West Texas, the first death in an outbreak that began late last month and the first from measles in the U.S. since 2015. The death was a “school-aged child who was not vaccinated” and had been hospitalized last week, the Texas Department of State…

Make Your Plans Now! NC AHEC Medicaid Managed Care Webinar

Medicaid Managed Care Virtual Office Hours NC Medicaid Initiatives & Updates Thursday, March 6 noon - 1pm Please join us on Thursday, March 6 from noon to 1pm to hear about NC Medicaid initiatives and updates, including: Education/Training Transcripts New Ordering/Prescribing/Referring Provider Guidelines Delegated Enrollment & Credentialing Committee Telehealth…

AMA Survey: Physicians Say Prior Authorization Stands in the Way of Medically Necessary Care

Physicians surveyed by the AMA say that PA can cause care delays or force patients to abandon treatment. They warn denials could increase as insurers adopt AI to review claims. (HealthcareDive, Susanna Vogel) Dive Brief: Physicians say prior authorization continues to pose barriers to offering timely and medically necessary treatment, according to a new survey from the American Medical…

UNC: A Fresh Approach to Family-Centered Care for Adult ICUs

Co-led by UNC School of Medicine’s David Y. Hwang, MD, newly released updated guidelines from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) reveal how family centered care for adult ICUs is paramount and an invaluable approach.   Imagine one of your family members being incredibly ill and admitted into the ICU. A range of emotions creep up like fear, anxiety, uncertainty and a…

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…

ICYMI: North Carolina Doctors, Patients, Lawmakers Call for Health Insurance Reform in 2025

An attempt to limit insurers' use of prior authorization is expected to be a top priority this session for a bipartisan group of North Carolina state lawmakers. That's likely to provoke a battle with state health insurers, who say it's an essential tool to help control health care costs. *This report first appeared on WRAL on January 29, 2025, by Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief An…

Family Ties: IDD Caucus finds inspiration close to home

Rep. Zach Hawkins pictured with family family members (Photo courtesy of Rep. Hawkins) Family Ties:  IDD Caucus Finds Inspiration Close to Home (NC Insider, Matthew Sasser) -- When Rep. Zach Hawkins first ran for office in 2018, his two sons were diagnosed with autism. He now co-chairs the General Assembly’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Caucus, which is welcoming new…

As Prior Authorization Burden Grows, So Does Momentum for Change

AMA:  Physicians must show legislators how prior authorization harms patients. Then they need to tell them again—with the data to back it up *Links to NCMS efforts on prior authorization are at end of this article. (AMA News Wire, Andis Roberznieks) -- Through prior authorization, insurance companies create barriers to treatment—and even the sickest patients aren’t spared from this ordeal.……

Rep. Greg Murphy, MD with Updates from Eastern NC and Washington, DC

                     Dr. Greg Murphy Representative Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC District 3) issued his latest updates from Eastern NC and from Washington, DC. They include a visit from a delegation from the NCMS to talk about protecting Medicare for patients and physicians.  Here is the article from Neuse News.   Quote of the Week In honor of President George Washington's birthday this past…

In Memoriam: NCMS Past President Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr.

Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr. August 27, 1929 - February 22, 2025   NCMS Past President Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr. died February 22, 2025 at the age of 95 (Royal Hall Funeral Home) --  Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr., 95, joined his Lord and Savior peacefully from his home on Saturday, February 22, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1929, to the late Meda Iola Spell and the late Henry James…

Duke and Duke-NUS Forge New Frontiers in Climate Health Research with S$1 Million Funding

For the first time in its 18-year history, this year’s Research Collaboration Pilot Project grants initiative is dedicated entirely to climate-related health research, emphasizing the partnership’s focus on making meaningful contributions to this critical global issue. // Credit: iStock The two institutions awarded more than S$1 million to accelerate five promising areas of research…

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…

🎉It’s New Member Monday!🎉

Join us in welcoming these new members to the North Carolina Medical Society! Krishna Chaitanya Alluri, MD  Philip N. K. B. Asamoah, MD  Vanessa K. Bair, PA C  Sabina Custovic, DO  Sunny R. Franken, PA  Byron Gaing, MD  Monika D. Gonzalez Kroll, PA C   Christopher A. Hess, MD   Prarthana P. Jain, DO   Laurence B. Kempton, MD   Charlotte Lanier   Liza G.…