Dear Colleagues,
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society in 2025. As I reflect on why this work matters, I am reminded of two moments from this year that embody two of my priorities.
The first was during our Med Mingle event. After sitting at our first assigned table, we were a bit shy—but as we answered the prompts and shared about ourselves, warmth and connection quickly became palpable. That opportunity to connect and grow a sense of belonging is what our Society has always been about: linking physicians across specialties, generations, and practice settings in support of one another.
The second was listening to the story of a widow of a physician who died by suicide. Her story was heartbreaking, and it underscored the urgent need to strengthen support for physician wellness and to normalize asking in some form, “Are you okay?” Too many of our colleagues struggle silently, and our Society has a responsibility to help.