The Future of Healthcare in North Carolina
By: George MacBain
    
                          
We had the pleasure today of hearing from Bob Seligson, Executive Vice President and CEO of the N C Medical Society (NCMS) based in Raleigh. Bob is a graduate of the University of Georgia, earned an MBA from University of North Florida and a Masters of Arts degree from NCSU with a concentration in film. Bob has authored over 50 articles on healthcare and has used his Arts/film education to produce various healthcare documentary films.
 
North Carolina had many skilled and progressive physicians in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; it also had many untrained and unscrupulous practitioners who claimed the title of "doctor." The lay public often couldn't distinguish one group from the other. NCMS began in 1849 when 25 physicians united to advance medical science and to raise the standards for their profession. Today, 160 years later, the 11,500 member NCMS is the largest professional organization in the state, devoting itself to representing the interests of physicians and protecting the quality of patient care.
 
The mission of the North Carolina Medical Society is to unite, serve, and represent physicians in order to enhance physician advocacy for their patients and improve the health of the people of North Carolina.
 
Bob has been on the job for just over 10 years managing the estimated over 200 employees including 70 staff lobbyists and 4 attorneys. He spent the majority of his limited time today speeding through the outcome of a recent 600 responder survey.
 
A summary showed that most folks feel our state in not going in the right direction towards healthcare, 70% have favorable opinions of their physician, greatest surveyor concern is affordability of quality healthcare, high concern Medicare payment cuts to doctors will reduce care, doctors need to have major role in healthcare policy solutions. Bob, also Chair of the NCMS Foundation, shared that NC physicians donate over $300mm annually and the Foundation provides over $3mm in repayment of student loans to encourage doctors to locate in less desirable rural locations.
 
Bob proclaimed several opinions he has about NC healthcare trends: new physician growth will slow as current trends are reducing revenues for doctor’s practices; Medicaid now serves 18% of North Carolinians and trending upwards; the future looks bleak for seniors and baby boomers as costs increase just as the boomers are entering the Medicare program.
 
Bob felt the 3 best outcomes of the recently passed healthcare reform include: the Bill promotes prevention and wellness; expands coverage for more citizens; and children up to 26 years old may stay on their parents’ healthcare plan. Three areas that were not addressed and must be soon include: Medicare system is unhealthy/broken; needs for strengthening the doctor-patient relationship; there was no tort reform. He closed by stating that pharmaceuticals prolong life by decreasing symptoms of what ails us but rarely prevents or eliminate disease. We have a responsibility to eat healthy, workout and be a role model of good health habits for ourselves and others. If we just continue to focus on treating symptoms, the incidence of chronic disease will likely continue to rise. Bob practices what he preaches by getting up at 4:30 most mornings and working out 2 times per day!!
   
 
Head Table: Tom Bartholomy, Hunter Widener, John Snyder, Tod Thorne, Bruce Darden, Denise Hallett; Invocation: Mac McCarley
Visitors & Guests: Sandy Chambers; Health & Happiness: Leland Park; Song: Biff Virkler; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

•  BABY news: Mimi and Brent Royall announce the birth of Stephen Alexander Royall, born at 11:55 am on June 15th. Big sister Mia (4) and mom are doing well; Penny and Steve Eanes are expecting their second child in February. Congratulations to all.
     
• There was a fantastic article in the Observer about Bob Bowler (Marilynn’s husband), who has directed Camp SOAR for ten years. SOAR (Special Olympics Athletic Retreat) gives 330 children and adults a chance to swim, play bingo, compete in soccer, participate in arts and crafts, and much more..
  
• Four North Carolina high school juniors were awarded a $1000 scholarship from Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering to attend a college or university of their choice. All students participate in Project Lead The Way, a national organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. This is the second year of the Pratt Engineering High School Award of Excellence program, which was established in 2009 by David Erdman. One of this year’s winners attends Myers Park High School.

• President John expressed his appreciation to several committees for their service to the club: Chair Henry Bostic and the Reporter committee, Chair Leland Park and the Health & Happiness bunch, Chair Paul Wyche and the Music committee, Chair Will Barnhardt and the Check-In committee, and Chair John Nicolay and the Visitors & Guests committee. John presented a paperweight with the inscription "Service Above Self" to Bert Voswinkel for his work with the photography and to Karen Steffens for her work with the District’s Youth Exchange Committee.

• John Lassiter proudly introduced ten new recipients of the Public Safety Scholarship. Alan Adler further commented that a total of sixty scholarships have been awarded to date. Alan also reminded club members of the Rotary Scholarship Golf Classic that will be held September 28 at the Golf Club at Ballantyne. Registration forms are available on the club’s website.
 
• HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! Plans are underway to host exchange students from Thailand (boy) and Germany (girl) this fall. The students will attend Charlotte Country Day and Myers Park and host families are needed. Please contact Matt Joyner for the details.