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President’s Letter

prescribing pattern does not contribute greatly to this problem. Let me who fought to liberate Europe in World War II. I can take up this fight.
propose this scenario. We have roughly 3,000 practicing physicians/ So, those are my two special resolutions. I hope you find examples
APCs in Mecklenburg County. If we conservatively estimate half
of those do outpatient care and treat infectious diseases, that leaves in your practice, as well. Feel free to share them with me and others.
1,500. If each of these providers writes one less antibiotic prescription Again, Happy 2017! By the way, this is not Déjà vu all over again. I
per week, that works out to 69,000 less prescriptions per year (I gave agreed to a two-year term in order to help with transition of officers.
everyone six weeks off. You’re welcome.) If we reach for the stars and Rest comfortably and know that I also resolve to continue to write.
prescribe one less a day in a four-day work week, the number rises
to 276,000. Sometimes, the smallest effort multiplied can turn the “I shall stick to my resolution of writing about what I think no
largest of ships. As the CDC so eloquently states, “The most important matter whom it offends.”
modifiable risk factor for antibiotic resistance is inappropriate
prescribing of anitbiotics.”1 — Julia Ward Howe

Fortunately, as this problem receives increased public awareness, 1 CDC Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship,
our patients are more willing to question the need for antibiotics. Don’t November 11, 2016.
miss these opportunities. The CDC, Novant and CHS all have excellent
written material to further educate our patients. Trivia question: When was the first recorded use of biological
warfare? Answer on page 10.
I know ensuring proper vaccinations and antibiotic prescribing are
long wars that will last beyond our careers. I also know I will lose
battles and not always be successful in my messaging. But as I sit
here writing this on Veteran’s Day, with President Obama speaking at
Arlington National Cemetery in the background, I think of my father

MMAE

2016 MMAE Holiday House Success Story

2016 MMAE Thank you to:
• Dr. Elizabeth and Mr. Robert Rostan who graciously donated their beautiful home.
Holiday
House • The designers who created a magical “Home for the Holidays” themed experience.

• Our sponsors: Whole Foods Market, Novant Health, Novant Health Rankin OB/
GYN, Horizon Eye Care, Charlotte Magazine, Carolina Skin Surgery Center,
Carroll Financial, Charlotte Radiology, Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat
Associates, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Linden Thomas and
Company, Providence Anesthesiology Associates, Reproductive Endocrinology
Associates of Charlotte and Bragg Financial Advisors.

• Our Board of Directors and members who gave generously of their time and talent
and donated unselfishly.

• The community who served as hostesses and bought tickets.

The 2016 MMAE Holiday House raised nearly $50,000 to further the mission of
building a healthier community. This wonderful volunteer experience also increased our
membership and created a forum to tell the story of the Mecklenburg Medical Alliance’s
good work over the last 84 years.

2017MMAEGrantsandDisbursements

The 2017 Grants and Disbursements Committee of the Mecklenburg Medical
Alliance and Endowment (MMAE) will accept new grant applications beginning
January 2. The application form can be accessed on the MMAE website,
mmaeonline.com. The application process, including rules and guidelines for
submitting a grant request, also can be found on the website. All applications
must be submitted by February 24. Grants will be awarded in May at the annual
meeting. Contact Gina Clegg, vice president of Grants and Disbursements, at
gclegg50@gmail.com with any questions.

6 | January 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine