The North Carolina Medical Society Alliance entered the 21st century continuing the well-received symposia series begun in 1999. This series brought nationally known experts to North Carolina to discuss adolescent health issues and became a valued resource for educators, law enforcement and medical personnel. The programs were cited for being ahead of their time in dealing with societal issues related to youth. The series continued through 2007.

Membership remained a focus. Membership chairs suggested “each one call one”, encouraging members to call potential members to make that personal connection, and articulating all the good that the Alliance did to address health issues in the state. Membership climbed to over 1600, making the NCMSA the fourth largest state Alliance in the country behind Texas, Florida, and California.

Other highlights of the 2000s include—

2000: The NCMSA held a second symposium titled ‘What Boys Need”. Speakers included Dr. James Garbarino of Cornell University and Dr. Dan Kindlon of Harvard University.

2001: Almost 200 people attended the third annual symposium, “Childhood Lost” featuring Dr. David Elkind, professor at Tufts University and author of The HurriedChild. The symposium series continued to be guided by VP of Health Affairs, Virginia Scanlan, who brought private and public entities together to work with the Alliance on this important project.

2002: The board of directors proposed new bylaws and a reduction in the number of board positions from 35+ to 16. This was approved by members in October. Seven counties voted to pay federated dues (local, state, and national dues). In April, Beth Wise became the NCMSA Executive Director upon Sybil Pedzwater’s retirement after six years of service. Lou Ann Shepherd joined as paid secretary in May. Rachel Pace served an eighteen-month term as president as the timing of the annual meeting was moved to spring to match the timing of local Alliance annual meetings. SuEllen Fried, author and international speaker on bullying and child abuse was the keynote for the symposium, “Stop the Bully Without Becoming One!”

2003: Gay Bowman, former NCMSA President, was installed as AMA Alliance president, the first person from North Carolina to serve as national president. The NCMSA celebrated 80 years under President Susan Hammer. Following the lead of the AMA Alliance to make the organization more inclusive, the NCMSA House of Delegates voted to include divorced spouses and physicians as members. “Girls in Crisis: The Next Wave of Violence” was the title of the symposium featuring Dr. Prothrow-Stith of Harvard.

2004: The NCMSA raised over $14,000 for the four NC medical schools through the AMA Foundation. That year’s symposium was titled, “Learning Differences: Ensuring Success for Every Mind.” Dr. Melvin Levine, professor at the UNC-CH School of Medicine and founder of All Kinds of Minds ® was the keynote speaker.

2005: The board of directors decided to conduct a membership survey as part of long-range planning. Members had the option to reply on paper or online. Ann Faris served a second term as state president, delivering a speech, complete with costume changes, titled “This is Not Your Mother’s Auxiliary.” After 4 years, Beth Wise resigned as executive director for another job opportunity. The Get Fit Road Race and Fitness Walk project began. The symposium, “Navigating Adolescence” featured social philosopher, family therapist, New York Times bestselling author and founder of The Gurian Institute, Michael Gurian.

2006: Angie Wainwright became the new executive assistant. She held a workshop for members on how to use Power Point. The symposia series continued with almost 200 participants attending “Risky Business: Why Kids Do What They Do.” Keynote speaker was Barbara Strauch, author and Medical and Science Editor for the New York Times. Edward Smart, father of Elizabeth Smart, also spoke. Julie Newman served a two-year term as president.

2007: The last symposium in the series, titled “Working with the New Millennium Adolescent,” was held in November, featuring Michael J. Bradley, Ed.D., nationally recognized counselor and award-winning author. The Get Fit project continued. The NCMSA sold medically themed silk ties as a fundraiser tied to Doctors’ Day, calling it “Tie” One On For Doctors' Day.

2008: The Get Fit NC project continued to grow, focusing on the obesity epidemic in North Carolina, by encouraging people to get out and walk or run. Proceeds from the races funded PE equipment for public schools across the state.