How many times have we all started an email with the phrase, “I hope this message finds you well”? As I reflect on the members of the Charlotte Medical, Dental, & Pharmaceutical Society and the challenges that we have faced over the past few months, I think this phrase has taken on new meaning for me. I sincerely hope that each one of you are as well as can be during these difficult times. The last few months have been an emotional rollercoaster – from the difficult but necessary decision to close and slow our offices in order to protect patients, to optimism about reopening to serve our communities, and now the constant reminders that it is still a controversial idea to believe that Black Lives Matter.

As Black medical professionals, we are well aware of the ways that racism and systemic oppression effect health outcomes for our patients, families, and communities. Being faced with these challenges can seem daunting, but for many of us, addressing these challenges was the reason we chose to become medical professionals. We embrace the responsibility to care for our community. But as we continue to serve, the CMDPS leaders want you to know we are committed to supporting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The trauma of witnessing the murder of black men and black women repeatedly can cause deep and penetrating trauma, which can manifest as mental health concerns such as anxiety and PTSD or physical health concerns such as elevated blood pressure and pain. We are asking members who may need support to please reach out. While the summer is typically a hiatus period for the CMDPS, we are committed to helping our members and advocating for our community every day. Our membership spans generations; each with a story to tell of optimism and perseverance.

We are all aware of the novel coronavirus that causes clinical COVID-19, a clinical respiratory infection with clinical findings anywhere from asymptomatic carrier to respiratory failure and death. As of this morning, based on data from NCDHHS, North Carolina has 636 cases with 2 reported death. There have been 12,910 patients tested. Mecklenburg County has 218 cases with no deaths. Now that there is community spread, the optimal goal is mitigation to limit the spike in infection and illness. This has been called "flatten the curve". 

We are a small group of African American healthcare providers so it will be important for us to work together to help each other and our community. Please be a role model and follow the recommendations of the CDC of social distancing, frequent hand washing, and to stay home if you feel sick (fever, cough, shortness of breath).

If there is anything we can do to support you, your family, or your practice, please do not hesitate to reach out and we will do our best. We are all in this together.

To The Charlotte Medical Society:

It was an honor and a privilege serving as President for the 2016-2017 term. Last year was very successful. There was renewed positive energy for the organization and an influx of new highly devoted and passionate African American healthcare professionals with talents and skill sets unmatched anywhere in the city of Charlotte. This serves as an indication that the purpose and values of The Charlotte Medical Society are still as important today as they were 117 years ago with the organization’s inception. The Charlotte Medical Society remains the most uniquely positioned organization to drive the delivery of healthcare within African American communities throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. For that alone, we should take great pride.

Despite last year’s accomplishments, we faced some challenges. At the root of our challenges is  a small degree of internal disorganization. Internal disorganization prevented us from operating at our full potential as an organization. In fact, I suggest we dedicate the 2017-2018 term to reorganize and modernize our organization’s operations. With efficient operations, The Charlotte Medical Society will sustain its independence, identity and values.

With our talented human capital and reorganization efforts The Charlotte Medical Society will set the current agenda and serve the healthcare disparity interests of the African American community unlike any other time in history. Given the political climate our community finds itself, the local African American community needs a unified and bold Charlotte Medical Society. Our Founders found themselves in a climate steeped in a false notion of white supremacy ideology and policy. They responded in a major way. Today we find ourselves in such a climate. We shall respond.

I look forward to serving the 2017-2018 term as President. I’m eager to work with the devoted and the passionate. Let’s take this year to get reorganized. Our community needs us. Our community will thank us. I’m grateful for each and every one of you. I cannot serve the office of President without you. Thank you for all you do.

Yours truly:

Dr. Tremain Cooper-Olubukumi, PharmD.,BCACP