The Leadership College has a positive impact on county and specialty medical societies. Perhaps, there is no better example of the impact that Leadership College can have on a local medical society than the Durham-Orange County Medical Society (DOCMS). Currently, seven board members have benefited from the Leadership College experience. DOCMS has directly supported nine physicians and two physician assistants in the program. A total of 25 members of DOCMS are Leadership College scholars.
“Having the opportunity to network with NCMS leaders during Leadership College gave my specialty society a major boost in its legislative effort to protect children from the dangers of indoor tanning,” said Craig Burkhart, MD, MS, Leadership College Class of 2011. “The ability to speak with individuals from multiple specialty societies in a relaxed setting has been invaluable.” Dr. Burkhart also is the vice-president of the DOCMS and past president of the North Carolina Dermatology Association.
Leadership College allows physicians to work more closely among their colleagues, forming relationships and sharing goals of improving the practice of medicine. “Ultimately, my Leadership College experience improved my ability to work with my peers both within my specialty and in other areas of medicine,” said Merritt Seshul, MD, FACS, Leadership College Class of 2009, during which time he served as president of the North Carolina Society of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. “It also allowed me to meet with legislators and understand their perspectives and concerns. In turn, I was able to more effectively help them understand the issues concerning physicians in North Carolina.”
“Participate, learn and contribute in the program—you will get back many returns on your investment over time,” said Lisa Shock, MHS, PA-C, current Leadership College scholar and DOCMS 2012 Member-at-Large. Ms. Shock also credits Leadership College experiences for her ability to successfully hold an executive leadership position with Cornerstone Health. “This unique and fantastic opportunity allows me to draw on all of my leadership skills and training from the College.”
The Leadership College is proud of our strong partnership with DOCMS members since the very beginning of the College. Many other county and specialty medical societies submit regular nominations and have participants each year. All have benefited from the Leadership College. If you are interested in becoming a Leadership College scholar for 2013, click here or contact Pam Highsmith at 800-722-1350 or [email protected].
