Message from SCMA President
This past April 29th was an exciting day for me. I was sworn in as the 162nd president — but also just the second female president — of the South Carolina Medical Association. I am proud to carry this torch since our first female president, Carol Nichols, MD also came from Spartanburg. Spartanburg has a strong history of leadership in the SCMA, and we currently have three members on the Board of Trustees: Fritz Butehorn III, MD as Trustee for District 3; Jeff Cashman, DO as Speaker of the House; and me as your President. No other county has this much representation. We also have, by far, the most active women’s group with SWIM. Other trustees often ask us what the key is to our success with having such an active medical society. In my opinion, it’s from the hard work of the Spartanburg County Medical Society to ensure that we have the proper leadership in place. It’s about engaging people who really try to make a difference and can garner enthusiasm. What’s on the horizon for the SCMA this year? Plenty! Every year our legislative team, headed up by Holly Pisarik, is ever vigilant with any bills that affect physicians in the state. While there are usually hundreds of bills introduced that have medical implications, our main focus this spring is on bills that would expand scope of practice. This year, Senator Tom Davis will try to introduce a far-reaching bill that would expand the practice not only of nurse practitioners, but also physician assistants who have decided to join forces with the NPs. We need your help to fight this. The SCMA believes that the best patient care is delivered by a physician-led team … and for all the right reasons. We also know that patients prefer physician-led care. We may need to call on you to show up to the State House in your white coats when it is time to rally against this bill. You can also donate to our SCMedPAC (Dr. Butehorn is our MedPAC Chair). As my platform this year, I chose Social Determinants of Health. I am so pleased to see that for those of us who practice with Spartanburg Regional Medical System and use Epic that questions relating to Social Determinants are already being addressed. I can now click on the “Social” button and find out that some of my patients, who I may not have suspected of having issues, have problems identified that I need to address. Some issues I have found include safety at home, lack of transportation, lack of exercise and often financial concerns that affect their ability to buy medication. While physicians can’t solve all of these issues, we can at least start the conversation to find solutions. Finally, I’d like to invite you to two fun events. Please join the SCMA Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Fireforge Crafted Beer for an evening of camaraderie. The SCMA will be there 5:30-8:00pm and would love to see all of you! Also, the SCMA will be back in Greenville next year for the 2023 SCMA Annual Meeting from Thursday, Apr. 25 through Sunday, Apr. 28. It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your President of the SCMA. Please call me anytime on my cell.
Helen Stockinger MD
