As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of health care, I want to take a moment to recognize the challenges we face and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for you — the emergency physicians on the front lines — and for the patients who depend on us.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have officially receded from headlines, but its effects remain deeply felt in our emergency departments. Issues such as patient boarding, provider burnout, workplace violence, nursing shortages, reimbursement instability, and scope of practice concerns have only intensified over the past four years. These are not new problems, but they have become more urgent and visible than ever before.
Progress can feel slow at times, especially when the challenges are steep. But we are moving forward. Every conversation, every piece of legislation, every advocacy effort brings us closer to a more sustainable and humane practice environment.
We know there are still many mountains to climb. But we are climbing them — together. And we will continue to work relentlessly to create a better environment not only for our members, but also for the patients we are privileged to care for.
Thanks,
Melanie Artho, MD, FACEP
President, North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians