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.…
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…
NCDHHS Announces First Pediatric Flu Death of Season
NCDHHS Urges Flu Vaccination for Children Ages 6 Months and Older
NCDHHS recently reported two pediatric flu-related deaths, the first for the 2024-2025 flu season. According to the Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, North Carolina has seen a rise in flu cases in combination with continued COVID-19 activity.
Flu vaccinations are especially important for children who are at higher…
‘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…
Get your REAL ID – Deadline: May 7, 2025
Get your REAL ID – Deadline: May 7, 2025
The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is May 7, 2025. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a reminder that, as of that date, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a commercial…
FEMA Extends Application Deadline for North Carolinians Affected by Tropical Storm Helene
At the request of the state of North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene survivors now have until March 8, 2025, to apply for assistance with FEMA.
With the extended deadline, FEMA still strongly urges survivors to apply as soon as possible. After the deadline of March 8, you may still submit documents, update your contact information and stay in contact with FEMA regarding your…
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…
Bird Flu Cases Confirmed in North Carolina Waterfowl
Cases rise across nation as NCDHHS speak out
A bird found dead at a Hendersonville lake has tested positive for bird flu, according to local officials.
The Henderson County Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that on February 8, officials were notified of five dead birds at Osceola Lake, a privately owned lake in Hendersonville. One of the birds was submitted to the state…
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…
AMA Honors NC Public Health Official with Government Service Award
AMA honors North Carolina public health official with Government Service Award
The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Cumberland County (N.C.) Public Health Director Jennifer Green, PhD, MPH., with the AMA Award for Outstanding Government Service. Having served in her current role since 2019, Green has overseen the delivery and promotion of public health services, strategies,…
UNC Study: Some Viruses ‘Freeze’ Their RNA to Replicate
(Left) cryo-electron micrograph of the Zika virus and an electron density map of Zika RNA structure (ZIKV xrRNA1). Credit: Thompson et al., 2025.
Researchers have discovered that RNA in Zika virus can freeze itself in time to further its spread in the body, revolutionizing how researchers study disease-causing viruses.
(UNC Health Newsroom) -- They say that change takes time. Well,…
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…
Michael Jordan Opens Another Health Clinic in Home State of North Carolina; Four Clinics Now Serve the Uninsured
Michael Jordan Celebrates Opening of New Health Clinic in North Carolina – Credit: Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic
The latest clinic in Wilmington will start seeing patients this week
(Goodnewsnetwork) -- After donating tens of millions of dollars, Michael Jordan is celebrating the opening of another vital community health hub—the fourth ‘Michael Jordan Family Medical…
NC’s New Health Leader Wants to Build on Recent Successes
(Photo: NC Department of Health and Human Services)
Dr. Devdutta "Dev" Sangvai is secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He is also a former president of the NCMS.
(The Charlotte Post, Lynn Bonner) -- North Carolina’s top health officials start their jobs at the beginning of each new administration…
Company Says It Received Conditional Approval for Bird Flu Vaccine from USDA
Zoetis Says Scientists Began Updating Avian Flu Vaccine in 2022
(CNN, Dakin Andone) -- The US Department of Agriculture last week issued a conditional license for an avian flu vaccine for use in chickens, amid an outbreak ravaging poultry flocks, contributing to the sky-high price of eggs.
Zoetis, the manufacturer behind the vaccine, announced the conditional approval Friday, saying in a news…
NC Medical Society Members Advocate for a Medicare Payment Fix and More
NC Medical Society Members Advocate for a Medicare Payment Fix and More
Over the dates of February 10-12, 600+ participants gathered in Washington, DC for the 2025 National Advocacy Conference hosted by the American Medical Association.
Fixing the 2.83% Medicare Payment Cut that went into effect on January 1st was the primary focus of the meetings with each office of our…
STI Testing at Home? Survey Finds Many Young People Are For It
Many Young Adults Prefer Privacy When it Comes to STIs
(HealthDay News) -- When it comes to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), many young adults prefer the privacy and convenience of at-home testing, a new survey suggests.
Fully 91% of survey participants aged 14-24 said they would use free STI self-collection kits, the survey showed. STI home kits involve collecting a…
It’s Valentine’s Day! What Happens When Love and Science Double Date?
Sure, your heart thumps, but let’s look at what’s happening physically and psychologically
“They gave each other a smile with a future in it.”
— Ring Lardner
(The Harvard Gazette) -- Love’s warm squishiness seems a thing far removed from the cold, hard reality of science. Yet the two do meet, whether in lab tests for surging hormones or in austere chambers where MRI scanners noisily…
NCMS Alliance Holding Program on Mental Health and Support Services in Wilmington
The North Carolina Medical Society Alliance and the New Hanover Pender County Medical Society invite physicians and their spouses to a program on mental health and support resources.
Speakers include Betsy Gall, author of The Illusion of the Perfect Profession, and Joseph Jordan, CEO of the North Carolina Professionals Health Program.
The event is February 26 at the Pine…
NC DHHS: Two NC Pediatric Flu Deaths Reported
NCDHHS Announces First Pediatric Flu Deaths of 2024-25 Season, Urges Vaccination for Children Ages 6 Months and Older
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting two pediatric flu-related deaths, the first for the 2024-2025 flu season. One child in the Eastern region and another in the Central region of the state recently died due to complications of influenza. To…
Those Plastic Takeout Containers Might Come With a Free Side of Heart Problems
New Study: Eating from plastic takeout containers can increase heart failure risk
(The Guardian) -- Eating from plastic takeout containers may significantly increase the chance of congestive heart failure, a new study finds, and researchers suspect they have identified why: changes to gut biome cause inflammation that damages the circulatory system.
The novel two part, peer-reviewed…
‘E-reporting’ Daily Symptoms Boosts Cancer Patients’ Well-Being
New Study: Cancer Patients Who Check In Daily Gain Better Quality of Life
(HealthDay News, Ernie Mundell) -- Patients with advanced cancers who checked in daily with their care teams electronically gained a better quality of life, a new study concludes.
This "patient-reported outcome" (PRO) strategy did not improve patients' survival, the study found. But it did help their care…
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…
Call for Nominations to the NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees
The NCMS Foundation Board Development Committee Submits:
Call for Nominations: NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees
Overview
The call for nominations for individuals to serve on the NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees is now open. Nominations are due by May 30, 2025 (view NCMS Foundation Candidate Application Form here).
The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) is the…
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…
UNC Researchers Outline New Research Priorities in Neuropalliative Care
Neurologists Winnie K. Lau, MD, and David Y. Hwang, MD, highlight needed research in the emerging field of neuropalliative care
(UNC Health Newsroom) -- Neurological disease, from Alzheimer’s disease to stroke and epilepsy, can impact a person’s life in many ways. It can alter their ability to speak, move, think or lead an independent life. And it can have a significant impact on their families…
New Research: GLP-1 Meds Can Work Wonders for Kidney Health
Benefits of GLP1-RA Therapy Provides Support of the Kidney-Protective Effect
(HealthDay News, Ernie Mundell) -- Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity: These and other GLP1-RA diabetes/weight-loss meds can also boost outcomes for folks battling chronic kidney disease, new research shows.
Compared to another common class of kidney medications, called DPP4is, GLP1-RA medications did better in…
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…
Share Your Prior Authorization Story!
Are you a physician frustrated with the administrative headaches and their impact on your patients?
Have you ever faced denials for a care plan within standard practice for a patient?
Please tell the NCMS how prior authorization has impacted you and your patients.
We are looking for stories from physicians to highlight and draw attention to this issue that is impacting the health of so many…
NIH Announces It’s Slashing Funding For Indirect Research Costs
The agency estimated that it could save $4 billion by capping indirect costs at 15%
(NBC News, Alexandra Marquez and Evan Bush) -- The National Institutes of Health announced Friday that the agency is making cuts to grants that support research institutions by limiting the amount of indirect funding for research projects to just 15%.
In the agency’s announcement, the NIH’s Office of Policy for…
Breast Cancer: Fear of Recurrence Can Haunt Women for Years
Tumor recurrence fear can wreak havoc on a woman's emotions
(HealthDay News, Ernie Mundell) -- A survey of hundreds of breast cancer survivors finds that tumor recurrence fear can wreak havoc on a woman's emotions.
“Cancer is all around us. Everything is a trigger," one survey participant said. "Anniversaries, other family/friends’ diagnosis, commercials about drugs, social media,…
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…
Are Eggs Safe to Eat as Bird Flu Spreads?
Here’s what experts want you to know
(New York Times, Dani Blum) -- Bird flu is striking chickens across the country, causing shortages and pushing up prices at retailers and restaurants. Last week, one of the nation’s largest egg producers said that hens at one of its Indiana farms had tested positive for avian influenza.
Researchers have stressed that bird flu still poses a minimal risk…
NCDHHS Invests $3 Million to Expand Child First
NCDHHS Invests $3 Million to Expand Child First, Strengthening Support for Young Children and Families Across North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investing $3 million to expand access to Child First, an evidence-based, early childhood intervention program proven to reduce the risk of child maltreatment and prevent young children and families…
🎉It’s New Member Monday!🎉
Join us in welcoming these new members to the North Carolina Medical Society!
Rozita Akhbari, MD
Maham Ali, MD
Michele M. Gandolfi, MD
Brett L. MacLean, MD
Jose D. Mena Pasquel, MD
Claire Namboodri, MD
Prathna R. Patel, PA-C
Douglas C. Vander Kooi, MD
We are thrilled to have you!
Not a member but would like to be? Joining is simple. Visit our membership…
How Well Do You Know NC State Government? Here’s All You Need to Know
As a new session begins, here’s everything you need to know about North Carolina government
A link to the NCMS Advocacy Team efforts is at the bottom of this article.
(EdNC, Chantal Brown and Ben Humphries) -- Welcome to a comprehensive guide to the North Carolina state government. Below is everything you need to know if you want to understand (and participate in) the process of…
New Study Shows High Burnout in Healthcare Impacting Both Patients and Doctors
Study: 81 percent of doctors can't spend as much time with patients as they'd like
(WITN, GREENVILLE, NC) -- A healthcare group released a new study showing an increase in healthcare burnout in both patients and doctors.
MDVIP is a healthcare group with over 13-hundred primary care physicians nationwide that found that the frustration of long waits for appointments and rushed doctor’s visits…
Medical Education Leadership Opportunities Available at AMA Council
Want to get more involved?
The AMA Council on Medical Education is soliciting candidates
The AMA Council on Medical Education is currently soliciting candidates for nomination opportunities for the following:
American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Stakeholder Council
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology – Psychiatry Director
Accreditation Council for…
Whether you’re a Red Coater or rooting for The Birds, you’re definitely going to be eating on Sunday! NCMS has some ideas for you!
Super Bowl LIX is Sunday at 6:30pm in New Orleans
Whether you're a Red Coater or rooting for The Birds, you're definitely going to be eating on Sunday!
The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping for a three-peat as the Philadelphia Eagles look for payback in New Orleans this weekend.
One way or the other, history will be made at the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX. Either the Chiefs will be the first…
FDA OKs Clinical Trials for Pig Kidney Transplants in People
If successful, these pig-t-human trials could revolutionize organ transplantation, helping address the severe shortage of donor kidneys. Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr.
Two biotech companies have been cleared to begin studies this year.
(HealthDay News, India Edwards) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first-ever clinical trials testing pig kidney transplants in people with…
NCDHHS: Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Surge in North Carolina
Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard Shows Increase in Flu-Related Deaths
(RALEIGH) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which shows an increase in flu activity and flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths this season to 117.
"While fewer flu-related deaths have been reported so far this season…
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…
New Study: High Levels of Microplastics in Human Brains Appear to be Increasing
Study: People Inhale or Ingest Up to 114,000 Microplastics Yearly
(CBS News Healthwatch) -- Human brains contain higher concentrations of microplastics than other organs, according to a new study, and the amount appears to be increasing over time.
In the study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers found microplastics in human…
Duke Named a Global Virus Network Center of Excellence
(Duke University School of Medicine, Dave Hart) -- Duke University School of Medicine has joined the Global Virus Network (GVN) as one of its newest Centers of Excellence.
The GVN, headquartered at the University of South Florida, is a coalition of eminent human and animal virologists from more than 80 institutions in over 40 countries. The organization works collaboratively to train the next…