May 9, 2025 by matray

In recognition of extraordinary work in support of physicians, physician practices, and patient care, the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) has been awarded the Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL Association) 2025 Humanitarian Award of Excellence. This award is presented to individuals or organizations that have undertaken outstanding efforts to meet the needs of affected people during times of crisis or to affect long-term change to improve the human condition.

NCMS has a rich history spanning more than 175 years and remains fully committed to its mission: promoting the highest standards of medical practice and improving the health of the citizens of North Carolina. The western part of the state sustained massive damage during Hurricane Helene—obliterating several of the small towns, the infrastructure, and much of what made that area so unique. NCMS immediately stepped in to provide relief and recovery efforts to friends and colleagues. The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMS-F) is the philanthropic arm of the NCMS. The NCMS-F was able to activate its Disaster Relief Fund, which is dedicated to helping community practices recover and remain in place for their patients. NCMS and NCMS-F also worked to provide grants to rebuild or repair any damaged practices. Priority was given to any smaller practices with physical damage, loss of supplies, and/or loss of vaccines. The NCMS has also raised more than $550,000 for disaster relief efforts to date.

“The North Carolina Medical Society displayed quick action and a cooperative spirit to assist its members and their patients in the wake of such long-term devastation,” said J. Michael Conerly, MD, chair of the MPL Association’s Board of Directors and president and CEO of LAMMICO. “This award honors NCMS for its work following Hurricane Helene, but also its long-standing commitment to the state’s physicians and physician practices. We commend NCMS for its efforts working directly with impacted healthcare professionals as well as connecting and collaborating with volunteers, first responders, and government agencies to assist the larger community.”

“The North Carolina Medical Society is honored to receive the MPL Association's Humanitarian Award of Excellence,” said NCMS Board Member Ronald B. Laney, Jr., MD. “We are proud to support our members, their patients, and the community as a whole. We, as an organization, will persist in making sure our physicians and their practices recover and remain in place to serve the citizens of North Carolina.”

Laney will accept the award on behalf of the North Carolina Medical Society at the MPL Association’s annual meeting on May 22 in Austin, Texas.