Welcome to DOCMS!
The mission of the Durham-Orange County Medical Society (DOCMS) is to foster camaraderie within our professional community; advocate for our profession, our patients, and the public health; cultivate leadership in medicine; and bridge diverse medical communities and the populations they serve.
Message from the President
This year, our vision is to prioritize social and health justice by highlighting the incredible work being done by local providers and leaders in medicine. We are excited to have an inspiring group of speakers join us again (see below). We hope that by learning more about the communities we serve, the policies that impact them, and resources they can access, we can be better advocates for our patients. Understanding the health disparities which exist in our nation, and specificially in Durham and Orange Counties, will also help us advance efforts towards more equitable and patient-centered care. READ MORE...
DOCMS News
You are invited to the June 18 Virtual Meeting on
"Non-Clinical Careers"
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Free Zoom event from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Featured Speakers:
Félix Manuel Chinea, MD: Director, Health Equity & Inclusion Strategy, Doximity. Dr. Chinea is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine with experience in health disparities and health equity research. Seeing the tech industry as a potential solution to inequities, he made his way into digital health. Dr. Chinea’s experience with Black and Latine medical student organizations and health equity work has allowed him to transfer his knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in private industry and digital health.
Drew Cutshaw MD, MBA - Principal and Medical Officer, Pappas Capital. Dr. Cutshaw joined Pappas Capital in January 2020 as a Venture Fellow, where he participated actively in investment opportunity evaluation, due diligence and deal flow management. Prior to joining Pappas Capital full-time, he worked as a resident physician in surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. He completed his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was involved in research projects in otolaryngology, neurosurgery, and medical education. He also completed his MBA at UNC, earning concentrations in both Healthcare and Entrepreneurship/Venture Capital.
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, FACE: Head of Global Medical, Clinical, and Safety, LifeScan. Dr. Holt attended Duke University and earned her MD at Wake Forest University. She is board certified in Endocrinology, and practiced general Endocrinology for many years in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Holt then transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry in Medical Affairs.
Michael J. Utecht, MD, FACEP: Chief Medical Director, Carolina Complete Health Network and Regional Medical Director at FastMed Urgent Care. Dr. Utecht is an emergency medicine physician who worked as an attending physician with Durham Veterans Affairs for nine years prior to his position at CCHN.
Don't miss out on this free learning event! Register now!
Join DOCMS for a Morning of Giving Back!
July 12th from 9:00am – 10:30 am
You're invited to our volunteer workday at the Carolina Community Garden on Saturday, July 12, from 9:00–10:30 AM. The garden is located at 212 Wilson Street, Chapel Hill, just off Cameron Avenue and near the Carolina Inn.
Volunteers will help with a variety of garden tasks—planting, weeding, harvesting, turning compost, and more. Jobs are matched to physical ability to ensure everyone can contribute comfortably.
All the organic produce grown supports low-income UNC Health workers, so your time directly helps our local community. Volunteers under 18 are welcome with a guardian—so feel free to bring the kids!
We hope to see you there!
Past Events
Durham-Orange Medical Society Holds Final Member Meeting of the Year
On December 11, the Durham-Orange Medical Society hosted its final membership meeting of 2024, featuring a dynamic and interactive presentation by Anthony Galanos, MD, PA, a Palliative Care Specialist at Duke. Dr. Galanos’ talk, titled “Communication, Emphasis on Empathy, and Reading the Room”, sparked meaningful discussions as he used role-play exercises to explore effective communication strategies with patients and their families during emotionally charged, end-of-life conversations.
The meeting concluded with heartfelt thanks to Dr. Priscille Schettini for her leadership as the 2024 DOCMS President. The evening wrapped up with congratulations to Dr. Hans Arora, who will serve as the 2025 DOCMS President.
Board members from Left to Right: Marian Cranford, PA-C; Nathaniel Erskine, MD; John Beaudry, PA-C; Keely Godwin, MD; Priscille Schettini, MD; Ronald Laney Jr, MD; Hans Arora, MD; Margaret Champion, MD.
DOCMS members have family night at Durham Bulls game!
On Saturday, September 14, it was a night at the ballpark for the Durham Orange County Medical Society! Members got to take in all the action on the field and enjoy time together as the boys of summer took on the Norfolk Tides. A two run double in the top of the seventh snapped a scoreless game and the Tides took the Bulls 2-1 in front of 8,075 fans. The loss didn't seem to upset the DOCMS members in attendance however! Keep watching for our next exciting DOCMS event!
DOCMS Members Take Part in NC Medical Society White Coat Day and Legislative Reception
The Durham-Orange County Medical Society was represented by several members at the White Coat Day event, held at the NCMS headquarters in Raleigh on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Pictured below from left to right is: Alex Tanas, (UNC student), Priscille Schettini, MD (DOCMS, President), Ronnie Laney, MD (DOCMS Immediate Past President and current NCMS Board member) and Marian Cranford, PA-C (DOCMS Secretary/Treasurer). Unavailable for the photo but in attendance was Liz Holt, MD.
Recent Meeting Recordings
Couldn't make it to our last meeting? Watch what happened below.
Questions about the DOCMS? Email Frank Snyder, fsnyder@ncmedsoc.org.