Running a successful medical practice today is complex—and you should not have to navigate it alone. The Medical Society of the County of Erie curates credible, non-commercial resources from trusted physician organizations, including the American Medical Association and the Medical Society of the State of New York, to help practices stay current, resilient, and patient-centered in a rapidly changing environment.
Practice Management Committee
The Practice Management Committee is led by:
- Richard Carlson, MD, FAAP – Chair, Practice Management Committee
- Jennifer Carlson, LMSW – Co-Chair, Practice Management Committee
The committee:
- Reviews and analyzes practice management issues submitted by physicians and practice leaders
- Develops educational programming and resources to address emerging practice challenges
- Identifies common payer issues and prepares summaries and talking points for payer meetings
- Collaborates with MSCE leadership and partners to improve the practice environment in Western New York
Payer liaison roles include:
- Michael Terranova, MD – Liaison, Univera
- Michael Merrill, MD – Liaison, Independent Health / MVP
- John Gillespie, MD – Liaison, Univera
These physician liaisons help ensure that real-world concerns from practices are communicated clearly to health plans and that ongoing dialogue remains focused on solutions that support both physicians and patients.

