The conference room at the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Center for Leadership in Medicine in Raleigh was dedicated last week in honor of NCMS Executive Vice President and CEO Robert W. Seligson and in memory of his personal physician Mitchell D. Hardison, MD, who passed away last year.
At a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at the Center on Friday evening, Jan. 8, nearly 150 NCMS members, supporters, family, friends and colleagues of Seligson and Dr. Hardison turned out to honor both men for their commitment to the profession of medicine.
“Bob insisted that the dedication include his late personal physician. Including Dr. Hardison is a fitting way to call attention to the very heart of what the Medical Society seeks to promote and protect – the doctor-patient relationship,” said Robert “Charlie” Monteiro, MD, former NCMS President, in speaking about the dedication. “Emphasizing this central principle also highlights the importance that Bob places on building relationships – with members, with his staff, within the larger health care community, with policy makers and, through his filmmaking, with many individuals unrelated to his role at the Medical Society. Bob is a master relationship builder in any setting.”
Seligson has served as executive vice president and CEO of the Medical Society for 21 years. Over his tenure he has assembled a top-notch staff and has helped mold the NCMS into a progressive, highly regarded and respected organization, wielding considerable clout at the General Assembly and supporting and serving thousands of physicians and physician assistants across the state, Dr. Monteiro noted.
In his remarks, Seligson recalled several funny anecdotes from his time as Dr. Hardison’s patient. He spoke about the importance of physician wellness in the face of the many stresses and challenges doctors must cope with in today’s health care environment.
He also announced the establishment of the Mitchell D. Hardison Fund.
“I am pleased to announce that the NCMS Foundation will establish the Mitchell D. Hardison, MD Fund to support our Institute for Physician Leadership in developing a wellness curriculum and initiatives for physicians and physician assistants,” Seligson revealed at the dedication gathering. “When I spoke with Marianne [Dr. Hardison’s widow] about establishing this fund, without hesitation, she agreed to match my personal gift – providing a $10,000 dollar foundation on which to build and grow this fund.”
If you are interested in learning more about the fund or would like to make a contribution, please contact NCMS Director of Development Pam Highsmith at 919-833-3836, x122.
