NCMS President Reports on Board Actions

At the 2013 NCMS Annual Meeting and House of Delegates, I presided over my first open forum, seeking feedback from members on what they want and need from their North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS). One of the comments was that members would like more communication between the Board of Directors and NCMS members, educating them on actions the Board has taken and plans for the future of the NCMS. At that time, I committed to reporting to members via the Bulletin following each Board of Directors meeting.

We held our first meeting of 2013 on January 19 in Raleigh. Here’s a summary of the discussion and actions taken:

Pam Silberman, JD, DrPH, President and CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, made a presentation outlining the overall economic impact of proposed Medicaid expansion, one of the key issues to be addressed by the NC General Assembly when it convenes at the end of the month.

The Board agreed that the NCMS stands ready to assist leaders in the NC General Assembly to expand health coverage for all North Carolina citizens, including an expansion of the Medicaid program consistent with the Affordable Care Act, provided stable financing is identified that is satisfactory to state legislative leaders. We look forward to working with our state legislators to make this a reality.

Board member and Legislative Cabinet Chair John Reynolds, MD, reported the list of legislative priorities recommended by the Cabinet.  Feedback on the priorities included a discussion on preserving professional liability reforms, healthcare benefits exchanges, resident physician training, scope of practice issues, and Medicaid and Medicare financing.

In other Board actions, the following candidates were approved to serve as Trustees for the NCMS Foundation, including:

  • James B. Jones, MD, (Hampstead) for an initial three-year term
  • Gerri Mattson, MD (Chapel Hill) for an initial three-year term
  • Lisa Shock, PA-C (High Point) for an initial three-year term
  • Steven Shaber, JD (Raleigh) for an initial three-year term

 Scott Elston, MD (Holly Springs) was appointed to the Board of the NC Physicians Health Program (NCPHP).

The Board heard reports from NCMS staff on membership goals for 2013 and the renovations underway at the NCMS headquarters building in Raleigh.

Newly-elected Secretary-Treasurer Tim Reeder, MD (Greenville) presented a summary of the NCMS financial position as of the end of 2012. The NCMS budget continues to be favorable with carefully managed expenses.

The Board reviewed NCMS Committee charges and assignments. On behalf of your Board of Directors, I sincerely appreciate the time and efforts of members who participate on our Committees.

We reviewed the 2012 House of Delegates actions and meeting format and began developing the program for the 2013 meeting, scheduled for October 25-26 at the Marriott Raleigh City Center. Please give us your thoughts on the Annual Meeting by completing this short online survey.  

The Board participated in “White Coat Wednesday” on January 30, 2013. Won’t you participate, too? “White Coat Wednesdays” are held each Wednesday during the state legislative sessions, as a way for our members to reach out to their legislators and to learn more about the NCMS advocacy program and how it makes a difference at the State Capitol. As an individual physician advocating for your community or as a group such as county medical society, I encourage you to donate one Wednesday to your profession and to your patients by taking part. For details, contact Will Barnett at the NCMS.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for March. As your NCMS President, I welcome your feedback and concerns. I can be reached by email at [email protected].

 
 

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