Sponsor opportunities are available for CCMS annual meeting on January 16, 2025
The Charleston County Medical Society is offering the following sponsorship opportunities for their annual meeting on January 16, 2025 to be held at the Cooper River Room in Mount Pleasant. Get your name in front of Charleston County Physicians at this informative networking event. SIGNATURE SPONSOR $3,000 Benefits Include: 4 tickets to event Exhibit space at event and opportunity to include promotional item in attendee goodie bag Company recognition at the Meeting, on CCMS Website, on social media 10% discounted marketing package over a year’s time BAR SPONSOR $1,000 Benefits Include: 2 tickets to event Exhibit space at [...]
CCMS Welcomes New Executive Director Donna Ramicone
The Charleston Medical Society would like to welcome our new Executive Director Donna Ramicone. Donna has an extensive background in Health Care Finance, Accounting and Business Operations. Her career spans 25 years working with Physician Practices, Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics. Past employers locally include East Cooper Medical Center and Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health in Columbia, SC and HCA Healthcare in Nashville, TN. Donna is excited about using her skills to serve Charleston’s physician and healthcare providers in a different way. Donna has been a South Carolina resident for over 12 years and [...]
Annual Meeting Date, Food Drive, and Health Awareness
Mark Your Calendars! The date of our Annual Meeting has been changed to January 16, 2025, and we can't wait to see you there. It's an excellent chance for networking and idea sharing. Please RSVP here by Friday, January 3, 2025. Community Giving: CCMS is launching a food drive in support of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO). Please consider bringing canned goods to contribute to this effort on the night of the annual meeting. Health Updates November is American Diabetes Month, a period focused on raising awareness about diabetes. I encourage you to discuss preventive care with your patients, especially those at [...]
Prioritize Your Health!
I hope September is treating you well! As fall begins, so does flu season and the continued presence of COVID. Please remember to take care of yourselves during this time. September is a significant month for our community, as it marks both Women in Medicine Month and Physician Suicide Awareness. These observances remind us of the importance of our physical and mental health. If you or a colleague are struggling, please reach out to a mentor or the Physician Support Line. Your well-being is our priority, and we are dedicated to supporting physicians and preventing burnout. This month also [...]
Congratulations to MUSC Students!
Congratulations to the MUSC students on receiving their white coats. CCMS is incredibly proud of you and looks forward to seeing all the fantastic things you will achieve! - Kay Durst, MD, FAAFP
Respiratory Pathogens (COVID and other “Cooties” Continue)
Content provided by CCMS Member: Robert T. Ball. MD MPH FACP The 2020-2024 Tridemics of COVID, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) still require all medical professionals to keep up to date with rapidly expanding legitimate scientific information. Public health/ I.D. experts and official (i.e., CDC websites, not “social media”) can provide accurate information. The collateral epidemic of worsening misinformation (and nefarious dysinformation) is accompanied by an increasing public distrust in medical sciences, public health, and various health care professionals. We must all work hard to remedy these conundra. COVID The 2023-2024 global Omicron XBB sub-variants, [...]
Reflecting on Men’s Mental Health and PTSD Awareness Month
As we approach the end of June, a month dedicated to raising awareness about men's mental health and PTSD treatment, it is important to consider the influence these issues have on our lives. This month has provided an opportunity to educate ourselves, support those affected, and promote a culture of understanding and compassion within our community. The month of June marks the beginning of summer breaks and vacations for many. I hope you are practicing water safety and staying mindful of heat events as you enjoy your summer. Please join CCMS in registering for the SCMA opioid/substance abuse [...]
Mark Your Calendars for “Screenagers Under the Influence”
Mark your calendars! The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC) and Charleston County School District (CCSD) are hosting screenings of the documentary film "Screenagers Under the Influence." This documentary addresses vaping and drug use in the digital age, examining how technology influences substance use among teenagers. Summer screening opportunities will be available in July 2024. Please see below: Dates: Wednesday, July 17 and Friday, July 26 Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: Charleston County School for the Arts, 5109 W Enterprise St B, North Charleston, SC 29405
Congratulations to MUSC’s 2024 Graduating Class!
Congratulations to MUSC's 2024 graduating class! We wish you great success in your career and all your future endeavors. For friends and family members who cannot attend the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, you can watch it via live stream at 10:00 a.m. here. Also, Rose Delores Gibbs, M.D., the first Black woman to graduate from MUSC's College of Medicine, is scheduled to speak at the commencement ceremonies. Read More Here... Again, our thoughts and heartfelt congratulations are with you. - Kay Durst, MD, FAAFP
Call for Physician Involvement in Community Outreach
The City of Charleston Health and Wellness Advisory Committee is eager to engage more physicians in community outreach efforts. It wishes to enhance awareness of the various resources available to the community. Please take a moment to review what options are available from DHEC and Healthy Tri-County. DHEC Resources: Heat-Related Illness Dashboard Prevent Vehicular Stroke City of Charleston Sunscreen Initiative Overdose Biosurveillance Dashboard SC Opioids Trend Dashboard Just Pain Killers Healthy Tri-County Resources: Trident United Way Resources Healthy Tri-County Website Healthy Tri-County: Become a Member
Celebrate Mental Health Month!
Happy Mother's Day to all of our members who are mothers! As we step into May, a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and celebrating physical fitness and sports, I find it essential to reflect on how these areas impact our professional and personal lives. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reiterate our dedication to mental health. Mental health, a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, often doesn't receive the attention it deserves in the medical community. Let's use this opportunity to educate ourselves and our patients about the importance of mental health care. [...]
Interview with Dr. Durst
Summary: On the Health Links Podcast, hosted by DJ Thatcher, Dr. K Durst discusses the vital role of the Charleston County Medical Society in South Carolina, emphasizing its long history since 1749, efforts in physician wellness, and initiatives like the "Closing the Gap in Healthcare" program led by Dr. Thaddeus Bell to address health disparities, particularly in minority communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKugJ3Due-k
MUSC Match Day: March 2024
Happy Match Day, and congratulations to all! CCMS stands behind you, cheering you on as you pursue excellence and wishing you boundless success in all your future endeavors. Here's to your continued success! Read more about this exciting day.
SCMA Alert– Important Changes to the Resolutions and House of Delegates Process
Dear Charleston County Medical Society Members, Over the last few years, the leadership of the SCMA has been discussing potential changes and improvements to the process of submitting policy resolutions by the SCMA membership and County Medical Societies. They are also looking at making changes to handling these resolutions at the Reference Committees and the House of Delegates meeting, which takes place each spring at the SCMA Annual meeting. The policy resolutions voted upon and approved at the Annual House of Delegates become the policy guidelines for the SCMA advocacy team's efforts, including our state legislature. Discussions have [...]
$15 billion win for physicians
For doctors in Charleston, SC, the new CMS rule on prior authorization could mean a major reduction in administrative burdens, allowing for quicker patient care. It specifically aims to streamline the prior authorization process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. This could result in significant savings and improved healthcare delivery in Charleston and beyond. TLDR: The CMS rule change on prior authorization could greatly benefit Charleston, SC doctors by reducing paperwork and expediting patient care. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/prior-authorization/15-billion-win-physicians-prior-authorization?utm_effort=DAPSRH
Medical Mingle Update: February 20, 2024 – Taco Boy, Downtown Charleston
MEDICAL MINGLE UPDATE: Location: Taco Boy, Downtown Charleston Date/Time: Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. RSVP: info@charlestonmedicalsociety.org We Are excited to see you there!
President’s Corner- Significant Health Observances
As we bid farewell to the first month of 2024, I trust you've had a joyful and safe start to the New Year, filled with joyous moments and connection with your loved ones. Here's to hoping the year is brimming with exciting possibilities and memorable experiences for you and your family. Thank you to all CCMS members and sponsors, the SCMA, and Dr. Gerry Harmon for attending the 2023 Annual Meeting. We also enjoyed spending time with you at the January Medical Mingle and look forward to more in 2024. Stay tuned for upcoming member events throughout the [...]
Join the Celebration: Medical University of South Carolina’s Bicentennial Year!
We are thrilled to announce that the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is marking a significant milestone - 200 years of excellence in healthcare and education! Please partake in the year-long celebration of MUSC's Bicentennial. To get a glimpse of the exciting festivities planned, we encourage you to explore the Event's Website, where you will find an overview of the various events, milestones, and initiatives that will unfold throughout the year.
Fresh New Ideas: Advocates see SC health Reform Fueling Expansions, Doctor-Driven Projects
The recent reform of South Carolina's Certificate of Need law has brought about a significant change in the state's healthcare landscape. With this reform, physicians can now establish more clinics, increasing citizens' accessibility to healthcare. Read more here.
President’s Corner- 2023 Annual Meeting and Other Updates
Exciting news! Our Annual Meeting on November 16th, 2023, is just around the corner, and we can't wait to see you there. It's an excellent chance for networking and idea sharing. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! We're thrilled to announce the launch of the new CCMS Mentorship Program, Physicians in Training (PIT), where experienced doctors will guide and support medical students. Also, remember to attend our Medical Mingle Socials for some fun and connection. We look forward to a great day on November 16th! Please RSVP by Friday, November 3, 2023. I appreciate your dedication to the CCMS. Please reach out to us if [...]