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