WHO WE ARE
Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation
CONNECTING. STRENGTHENING. CARING. ADVOCATING.
WESTERN CAROLINA MEDICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION
Passionate Advocates, Innovators and Collaborators
The Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation connects healthcare professionals with low-income uninsured people in need in our communities, strengthening the health of everyone. Our caring commitment to the well-being of individuals, families and healthcare providers in our region spans more than a century. We are passionate advocates, innovators and collaborators with a deep understanding of our community and a wide network of relationships that support our mission, vision, values and goals.
Goals, Partners & Strategic Plan
Our Key Strategic Partners include Physicians (Employed & Independent), Physician Assistants, Residents/Students, Health System Leaders, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Practice Administrators, Community Leaders, Sponsors/Businesses, Donors/Funders, Patients, Staff/Contractors.
Just a few of the milestones WCMS achieved in 2024 include:
- Over 1,480 Patients Enrolled in our Flagship Project Access® Program
- Facilitated $400,000 in donated specialty care from Project Access providers
- Scheduled 6,723 WIN appointments in over 38 languages through the WCMS Interpreter Network (WIN)
- Screened 461 patients for colorectal cancer and completed 29 colonoscopies through the WNC-CRCSI program.
- Provided 102 therapy and coaching sessions through the Healthy Healer Program
- Provided $5,700 in scholarships to students in the MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program (MMMP).
- Connected with over 1000 community members through outreach events.
Members of the Black Providers Affinity Group .
WCMS is proud to be making a difference in Western North Carolina.
Learn more about our strategies, detailed goals and measures of success for 2022 and beyond.
OUR ORGANIZATION & HISTORY
The Western Carolina Medical Society was established in 1885.
In 1990, the medical society (then Buncombe County Medical Society) incorporated so that it could better advocate on behalf of physicians and our community. Throughout its history, WCMS has been an innovator in supporting and advocating for physicians in the practice of medicine, and working collaboratively with area organizations to address the health challenges facing our community’s residents.
Buncombe County Medical Society in 1885
WCMS Today
The Western Carolina Medical Society is a thriving professional association of 700+ physicians and physician assistants from 16 western North Carolina counties. Some of the services provided by the WCMS include:
- Advocacy: shaping healthcare policy that strengthens the physician-patient bond
- Communications: e-Newsletters and social media to keep members up-to-date
- Networking: special events and affinity groups to connect physicians with one another
- Discounted Services: interpretation, legal, financial, and practice management services
- Education: events, CME opportunities, resources and partnering with MAHEC
- Public Education: articles across WNC news outlets by physicians
WCMS Team
Meet the WCMS team members and learn more about our roles, our community involvement and our passions.
WCMS Board of Directors
Our Board of medical practitioners, business professionals and committed community members guides WCMS and helps us deliver on our mission.
