The North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Health Access Study Group discussed the state’s health care workforce during a meeting held April 21, 2010.  Presentations were made on workforce data at the state level, UNC System and Community College System plans for workforce development, and health professional training plans for workforce development. The Study Group was formed after the NC General Assembly directed the NCIOM in 2008 to study issues related to health care access and affordable health care for all North Carolinians.

Maggie Sauer, NCMS Foundation Associate Executive Director and Director of the Community Practitioner Program, made a presentation on how the NCMS Foundation helps address workforce-related issues. John Price, Director of the Office of Rural Health and Community Care, discussed federal funding for health professionals in underserved areas.

Other presenters included Tom Ricketts, PhD, MPH, Deputy Director of the NC Health Professionals Data System; Alan Mabe, PhD, VP for Academic Planning, UNC System; R. Scott Ralls, PhD, President of the NC Community College System; Tom Bacon, DrPH, Director of the NC AHEC Program; and Pam Silberman, JD, DrPH, President and CEO of the NCIOM.

The Study Group is co-chaired by Senator Doug Berger, JD (D, Franklin); Representative Hugh Holliman (D, Davidson); and Allen Dobson, MD, VP for Clinical Practice Development, Carolinas HealthCare System. In addition to Ms. Sauer, former NCMS President and NC Secretary of DHHS, David Bruton, MD; and NCMS EVP, CEO Robert W. Seligson also serve on the Study Group.  Other physician members include Graham A. Barden III, MD, FAAP; Representative Bob England, MD, (D, Rutherford); John Perry III, MD, MS; and Steve Wegner, JD, MD. Click here for a complete listing of Study Group members.