Dr. Charles Edwards, II
Hawthorne Cardiovascular Surgeons

     Cardio-thoracic surgeon Chuck Edwards brought a less-than-positive message to Charlotte Rotary Tuesday that unless changes are made in the nation’s medical delivery system the level of quality care Americans have come to expect will decline.  He predicted the very likely possibility of the emergence of single payer system, rationing of care, inhibited innovation and a two-tiered system where those who can afford care get what they need.  “There will always be those who can pay for all they need.” The Hawthorne Cardiovascular partner said there are many causes to this crisis in medicine – most of which revolve around funding.   First of all, he said, American “expected level of care” is “unaffordable, pie in the sky.” Declining reimbursement and diminished status besets physicians. (“We’re now known as providers.”)  It’s easier to talk about cutting funding for a provider than a doctor, he said. Excessive malpractice awards have caused defensive medicine and skyrocketing malpractice insurance. (He noted his on malpractice rates had doubled this year.)  Doctors in the prime of their career years are retiring early or leaving the profession because of disillusionment.  Medicine just isn’t as attractive today to young people.  Dr. Edwards cited reduced competition for, even unfilled spots in medical schools.  It’s no better for nurses.  Salaries are still not commensurate with their responsibility and their status has been undermined by the use of licensed practical nurses and technicians.  Advancement is limited.  Severe shortages result in patient overload.  Burnout is epidemic.  Thousands more nurses leave the profession each year than graduate from nursing schools.  Hospitals too face declining reimbursement, he said.  The constriction in revenues can be traced to the beginning of Medicare in the 60s.  By the late 80s the government couldn’t afford the system so it began to severely restrict what it paid for services.  That led hospitals to shift costs to the private sector and that led to HMOs and PPOs and limitations on what they pay.  But the Charlotte native did offer some possible solutions, all of which will need broad community even national consensus.  Dr. Edwards said we might need to establish priorities for the system.  We need to assume more individual responsibility for our health care.  (Those who can afford to pay for their own health care should not receive public benefits such as Medicare, he said.)  We must find ways to nurture caregivers, those that work in the health care system.  And, he said, we need societal changes to ensure that people, regardless of economic status, receive good health care.  “When we start talking budget cuts in the states, where’s the first place we cut?  Medicaid.  That’s not right.”

     John Snyder introduced our newest member, Kelly Pharr, a financial planner with Merrill Lynch.  Fred Griffith and Cristy Lee, representing the Sheraton Four Points, announced a special B & B rate of $65 for all Rotary Club members in Charlotte.  Among the visitors was Bill Beck, District 7680 Governor-elect.

     Head Table: David Anderson, Jeff Triplett, Paul Betzold, Tony Lathrop, Jim Kelley, Benton Bragg;     Invocation: Tony Marciano

     Visitors & Guests: Pete deWitt; Health & Happiness: Tom Hutchins; Song: Henry Lafferty.

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Did You Hear…

è Polio Eradication Update

Club Pledge:               $54,000
Received To Date:    $46,690
Representing:            184 members

èWelcome to new member Kelly Pharr.

è 41^st International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians will be played in Charlotte May 17-21, 2004.

è Thomas Moore had an article in the Charlotte Observer that addressed the challenges of low-income parents and the school system.

è If you have not submitted payment for your 3^rd Quarter Invoice, you’re past due.

è Barnhardt Manufacturing was featured in Charlotte Biz Magazine with an article applauding the remarkable past and brilliant future of the over 100-year-old family owned operation.

è The Four Points Sheraton Hotel is pleased to offer Rotarians and their families a lodging rate of $65.  Just mention you’re a Rotarian.

è Please notify Sandy at chltrot@bellsouth if you would like to be added to the Reporter email distribution list.

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The District Conference
From The ABC’s of Rotary

Most Rotarians have never attended a Rotary district conference.   They have not experienced one of the most enjoyable and rewarding privileges of Rotary membership.  A district conference is for all club members and their spouses, not just for club officers and committee members.  The purpose of a district conference is for fellowship, good fun, inspirational speakers and discussion of matters that make one’s Rotary membership more meaningful.  Every person who attends a district conference finds that being a Rotarian becomes even more rewarding because of the new experiences, insights and acquaintances developed at the conference.

     Make plans now to attend the District 7680 Conference, April 4-6, 2003 at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville.  Registration forms are available in the Rotary office.

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Annual Joint Rotary Meeting

     The Annual Joint Rotary Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at the Adams Mark Hotel at Noon.  Reservations must be made for this meeting no later than February 13^th.

     A sign-up sheet will be provided at the Four Points for out of town Rotarians.  Credit will not be given to members of the Charlotte Club unless they attend the meeting at the Adams Mark.

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Click here for photos of this Meeting