CCMS President Discusses School Health Initiatives on Healthlinks Podcast
Dr. Kay Durst, Charleston County Medical Society was featured on a recent Healthlinks Podcast discussing what our School Health Committee is doing to improve student health & wellness in the Charleston County School District.
Dr. Kay Durst: Leading with Passion in Medicine and Community
Dr. Kay Durst, MD, is a family physician, mentor, and advocate dedicated to improving healthcare in Charleston and beyond. As president of the Charleston County Medical Society, she supports physician mentorship, leadership scholarships, and community health initiatives. Beyond medicine, she gives back through charitable programs like Closing the Gap in Healthcare, postpartum support groups, and Bee Brave Buddies for children with leukemia. With a passion for preventive care, Dr. Durst is also a culinary health education fundamentals (CHEF) coach, helping patients integrate healthy habits into their daily lives. Her dedication to both medicine and service continues to inspire those [...]
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
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
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
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 [...]
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 [...]
President’s Corner- Focus on Your Health
I hope September is going well for you. This month is the beginning of fall flu season and COVID. Please take care of yourselves. September is women's physician month and physician suicide prevention month. Please focus on your physical and mental health- reserve time to pause and rest. If you or a colleague are struggling, please get in touch with a mentor or the physician's health line. You are an essential part of health care, and we want to uplift physicians and reduce burnout. Thanks to all who worked hard to support the Lowcountry Jazz Festival and Closing [...]
President’s Corner- The CCMS Mentorship Program
August is such an exciting time! We still have a few weeks of summer left and an opportunity to prepare for the school year and football season. I hope you are focused on healthy eating, wellness, and a Personal Health Improvement Project (PHIP). CCMS is spearheading a new mentorship program called Physicians in Training (PIT). The CCMS PIT Mentorship Program Needs You! Register here to become a PIT Mentor or email our Executive Director, Tracey Waring, if you have any questions. CCMS is looking forward to September and the Lowcountry Jazz Festival. There will be a white party at the new [...]
President’s Corner- Enjoy the Summertime
As the end of June comes to a close and we approach the beginning of July, we will never forget what the term JULY 1 means as a resident and an attending. Good thoughts and many wishes to our graduating students, residents, and those who help train future doctors. We are excited about all the work behind the scenes with CCMS. We look forward to our Lowcountry Jazz collaboration with Closing the Gap in Health Care in September. Get ready for the Lowcountry Jazz Festival, more news to come regarding tickets for you. Many thanks to our hard-working Health Committee [...]
President’s Corner – Happy Physician Week
Happy Physician week. Thanks for all you do. Also thanks for all your work. Happy Doctors day March 30th. Did you know that the first Doctors’ Day observance was on March 28, 1933, in Winder, Georgia? It was started by a group of the Medical Alliance. The law was passed on October 30, 1990, designating Doctors' Day as a national holiday on March 30th. Physician week was started in 2017. March 25-31. So thanks for all your hard work and go celebrate you and wish your colleagues Happy Doctors’ Day. Kay Kay Durst, MD, FAAFP [...]
Lowcountry’s Remarkable Women: Dr. Kay Durst
Watch The Interview CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – For many, Dr. Kay Durst embodies the best in service, compassion, and achievement. She has her hands in many endeavors to help heal, uplift, and improve our communities all while continuing a family tradition of improving lives for generations of families throughout the Lowcountry.Coming from a family of doctors, Dr. Durst is a third-generational family medicine physician who has worked in a doctor’s office since her childhood — even now, she shares a practice with her father, Dr. George Durst, on Sullivan’s Island.“I just love helping people and healing, and I love [...]
President’s Corner March 2023
What a great month! We had so much to be thankful for as we celebrated Black History Month, Women’s Physician Day, and Red Heart Healthy Month. We had some great collaboration among our Board of Directors and members. We were able to honor some of the first African Americans that graduated from MUSC medical school. We were also able to collaborate more with Dr. Thaddeus Bell and his Lowcountry Jazz Festival, and Closing the Gap in Health Care which will be a continuing project and we will highlight the jazz festival which is held in September. The money raised [...]
President’s Message November 2022
Dear members, Let me start by giving gratitude for all your accomplishments and dedication to serving others. Thank you for your membership and service to our organization, our community, and the health of individuals. We are so excited of our new version of the Charleston Medical Society. We are excited for all our new ideas and support. We had a wonderful annual meeting. We were able to hear from leaders in their fields and leaders in our organization. Dr. Janice Key ,one of our past presidents, and school leader of our Docs Adopt program and wellness in schools [...]
Dr. Hochman quoted in Marketplace Morning Report
This affects health care workers, too, said South Carolina surgeon Marcelo Hochman. Noncompete agreements can restrict young physicians at the start of their careers. Read the Entire Article
Yaffee and Dr. Marcelo Hochman Discuss Problems in Our Healthcare System
On June 11, 2021, Dr. Hochman was interviewed by Yaffee on WVNN. Listen here
After COVID: 3 things that states can do now to fix health care
To improve health care, there are a number of steps that states should be taking, including tax reforms and getting rid of CON laws. By Dr. Marcelo Hochman and Daryl James (Opinion contributors) Policymakers talk about comprehensive health care reform. They see a broken system and want to fix everything at once. Emergency room workers can relate, but they take a more strategic approach when patients arrive with multiple injuries. Through triage, they prioritize problems and apply isolated but related interventions to save lives. Fixing the health care system can work the same way. COVID-19 has exposed a range [...]
COVID-19 Exposes Pitfalls of SC Certificate of Need Program
Read the Article
CCMS in the News
An SC doctors’ group banded together to crack its PPE problem. The idea caught on. Amid ongoing PPE crisis, doctor-led efforts focus on needs of smaller healthcare entities Charleston County Medical Society Forms Buying Group to Help Doctors Get Essential PPE DOCTOR-LED COLLECTIVE BUYING GROUP ACTIONPPE GIVES DENTAL PROFESSIONALS ACCESS TO NEEDED PPE
End of the Year President’s Message
From the President: As we wind down 2020, this short newsletter is to alert you to some very important information. Again, as with PPE, non-employed Doctors seem to be having trouble figuring out how to get COVID vaccines for themselves and their Staff. We have worked with SCMA to get the information linked in this newsletter. In recognition of CCMS’ effort to obtain PPE for the Doctors in SC and in launching a national project for Doctors around the country, we have been honored as Healthcare Heroes in the COVID 19 response category. The links will take you [...]
Letters to the Editor: Charleston County Medical society denounces racism, violence
Photo by Grace Beahm Alford gbeahm@postandcourier.com Read the Letter
President’s Message January 2020
As you read this, we’ve all recovered from the end of a decade and celebrating the beginning of a new one. The purpose of this short message is to report that 2019 was good for CCMS. I, the Board and our wonderful staff feel that CCMS has turned a corner. We are stronger financially, are increasing in membership and have attracted the attention of the local and state medical community, legislature and the public as a voice for Doctors. This year we will continue to work on the Legislative priorities that you, the Membership, identified as important to [...]
Burnt Toast
I recently heard from a local physician who decided to take a ‘sabbatical’ from the practice of medicine. The ‘bureaucracy’ of daily practice, ‘lack of control’ and ‘feeling disrespected’ all contributed to the doctor’s decision to step away. I quote the email I received - ‘My toast is burnt’. This sentiment, fellow Doctors, is an increasingly common occurrence. Physicians are feeling burdened and increasingly isolated in their places of employment. In fact, the graphic below mimics almost exactly our Charleston Doctor’s complaints: Another sobering fact is that Doctors have higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicide risk than the [...]
