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When I joined the North Carolina Medical Board in the fall of 2020, I had no idea how meaningful the experience would become. I was excited about the opportunity to serve, to meet my fellow Board Members, and to get to know the staff of an organization whose mission I deeply respected. But the COVID-19 pandemic had changed nearly every aspect of how we lived and worked, and my introduction to NCMB was no exception. Rather than meeting my new colleagues in person, I began my service virtually.

What I remember most about those early months, however, is not the unusual circumstances but the kindness and encouragement I received. I still fondly recall the thoughtful emails from one fellow Board Member who took the time to reach out and make me feel welcome. Those gestures helped me feel connected to my new colleagues despite the distance between us and offered an early glimpse of the warmth and collegiality I would come to appreciate throughout my tenure.

From the beginning, I was impressed by NCMB's professionalism, resilience, and sense of purpose. Even amid considerable uncertainty, the staff continued to carry out the Board's responsibility to protect the public, adapting to new challenges without losing sight of its mission.

I eventually had the pleasure of working alongside staff and fellow Board Members in person, and we continued to tackle the evolving challenges facing the organization. My tenure coincided with a period of extraordinary change at NCMB, as the Board worked to modernize and strengthen its operations while responding to unprecedented growth and increasingly complex demands.

In previous messages in this newsletter, I have highlighted the transformative work NCMB has undertaken in its licensing and enforcement programs. Yet those efforts represent only part of what has been accomplished. In the past year alone, NCMB has significantly reduced license application processing times, implemented two new license types established through legislation, and rolled out PA team-based practice. The organization also expanded staffing in key areas to accommodate sustained growth and secured approval for a fee increase that will help ensure NCMB has the resources necessary to meet future challenges.

The Board also implemented a comprehensive strategy to expand technology and leverage data analytics across its operations. This investment has strengthened NCMB's ability to identify patterns and trends, anticipate growth and demand, improve timeliness and quality, and make more informed decisions.

I am proud to have served on a Board that recognized the importance of these initiatives and supported the work necessary to bring them to fruition. Their successful implementation is, above all, a testament to NCMB's exceptional staff. Their creativity, resilience, and dedication have enabled the organization to navigate significant challenges without compromising the quality of its work. Their sound judgment and commitment to public protection help ensure that the people of North Carolina, as well as the medical profession, can continue to rely on a regulatory system that is efficient, effective and just.

Looking back, what stands out most is not any single initiative or accomplishment, but the people who made this experience so meaningful. I have had the privilege of working alongside thoughtful Board colleagues and dedicated staff who care deeply about the work they do. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and shared experiences that I will always remember. Along the way, professional relationships became friendships, making my time on the Board more rewarding than I could have imagined.

As my time on the Board comes to an end, saying goodbye is bittersweet. It is remarkable to think how far we have come since those first virtual meetings in 2020. I will miss the conversations, the camaraderie, and, most of all, the people who have made this experience so special. I leave with deep gratitude for the opportunity to have served the people of North Carolina, pride in what we have accomplished together, and every confidence in NCMB's future. It has truly been an honor.