IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
From our county health officers
Data from UCLA health interview survey
COVID-19 communications tool kit
Mpox testing guidance
Sonoma Health: SMLMA partner magazine
Other highlights
LAST CALL: nominations for contribution awards
Women in Medicine Sept. 14 at Juice Beauty Farm
Medical Arts Sept. 29 at Fulton Crossing
California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers
Bay Area Physician Wellness Collaborative
Webinars and CME events
Community Bulletin Board
16 for 12 membership dues now available
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Colleagues,
As summer wraps up and we transition to fall, we mark the third school year living with COVID-19. I’m relieved that our numbers are decreasing in Sonoma County and that our current Omicron variant is less lethal than its predecessor. Our community has done an exemplary job getting vaccinated and following safety measures, like masking, and it reminds me how grateful I am to live in this community.
The deadline for the 2022 Contribution Award nominations is Sept. 30. Please make time to nominate your deserving colleagues. We’ve not yet received a single nomination! We have so many incredible candidates, and it’s easy to nominate someone. Just click the nomination link or call Rachel Pandolfi at 707-525-4375. We’re planning a Gala reception and dinner on Thursday, Dec. 8. Please save the date and help SMLMA celebrate achievements of our local medical community.
A busy fall kicks off with the SMLMA strategic planning retreat scheduled for Sept. 10–11. Our leadership group will be refining mission and vision statements for the SMLMA and creating a new five-year action plan. We are at a pivotal time in our organization and have much to consider throughout our expanded tri-county service area.
I’m excited to announce SMLMA’s collaboration with publishers of The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine to produce the second annual issue of Sonoma Health magazine in December. As our official partner magazine, Sonoma Health furthers the Medical Association’s role as a leading advocate for quality healthcare. Continue reading
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FROM OUR COUNTY HEALTH OFFICERS |
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Sundari Mase, MD, MPH
Students in Sonoma County are back in classrooms, and this marks the third year that the school year has started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that we have seen a decline in the case rate for the county recently, and the current variant of the virus is not causing severe illness as in past surges. We have learned many lessons over the past few years to keep classrooms safe and students in desks. This is also the first school year in which we have a vaccine available for everyone 6 months and older, so we may better protect students and their families as they return to classes.
While we continue to manage COVID, we are also dealing with another public health emergency – the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak. Sonoma County’s mpox case numbers have remained relatively low, but we are increasing our messaging as we respond to concerns from the community.
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Andy Coren, MD. As we come to the end of the summer, our communities are facing several important challenges. COVID cases and hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant are decreasing, and soon we will have a booster vaccination that targets the original COVID and Omicron variants (Bivalent). At the same time, INFLUENZA season is approaching and this year may be the worst in many years. Please encourage everyone to GET BOOSTED and to MASK in indoor public places.
The other infectious agent is MPOX. Mendocino County has seen no positive cases yet, but our neighboring counties have, so it won’t be long. There is a vaccine (Jynneos) and a treatment (TPoxx) for those most at risk and vulnerable people. Please consider this new diagnosis for anyone with a rash, especially those at highest risk. Testing suspect cases is now available through private labs and through the Health Dept. Be sure you and your staff are protected with full PPE and careful handling of fomites in suspect cases.
Finally, we are not out of danger from excess Heat and Fires, so be sure to remind people to drink fluids, have their go-bags ready and to Keep Smiling! ◊
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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS & UPDATES |
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UCLA CENTER FOR HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH
More than 40% of unvaccinated Californians
went maskless in May 2022
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About 2 in 5 (41%) unvaccinated adults in California said they never wore a mask when leaving their house in May 2022, compared to about 1 in 5 (19%) fully vaccinated adults, according to preliminary data collected from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research’s California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).
These findings, made available to the public through the 2022 CHIS COVID-19 Preliminary Estimates Dashboard, include responses from nearly 3,000 Californians in May 2022, building on previously released data collected in February, March, and April this year.
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Sonoma COVID-19 communications toolkit
Visit the SoCoEmergency.org for weekly updates to COVID-19 vaccine and testing information. Encourage patients to report their at-home antigen test results using this online form. Quick links included below for fliers to share with staff and patients.
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Save these links in your browser for quick reference. The county websites contain frequently updated information for COVID-19 that you can share with patients.
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Want to keep up-to-date with the latest Sonoma County COVID-19 information and guidance? Visit the County's sign-up page to have a weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox
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SONOMA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH LAB
Orthopoxvirus testing guidance
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See Sonoma County DHS website for information regarding mpox. Links below provide documents for testing through the Sonoma County Public Health Lab. (LabCorp, Quest and others also offer orthopox testing and have their own processes; please refer to their instructions for specimen collection.)
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California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers |
California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers is California's initiative to pre-register, manage, and mobilize healthcare professionals to volunteer and help in responding to all types of disasters. The system is part of a nation-wide effort to make sure that volunteer professionals can be quickly identified and utilized in case of need. Anyone with a valid, unencumbered California clinical license can register.
North Coast Opportunities (NCO) is currently recruiting healthcare volunteers to help with future emergencies in Mendocino County. Medical professionals can register through the California Disaster Healthcare Volunteer program or contact the NCO office in Ukiah. See DHV summer newsletter for more details about the California program, including highlights for activities in Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
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Many individuals deserve to be recognized and honored for their service during another difficult year—please help SMLMA acknowledge exemplary contributions to medicine and our community. We can't share these stories without your nominations!
Physician award candidates should be SMLMA members and may be nominated for more than one award. "Recognition of Achievement" nominees do not have to be physicians or members. You do not have to be a SMLMA member to nominate someone for an award. (Self-nominations are also welcome and encouraged.)
Click button below to nominate online
Or save the form, indicate your nominee and provide a short description of his or her accomplishments. Email the completed form to smlma@smlma.org. Or you can just call us with your nomination. It's quick and easy, no matter what method you prefer!
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Questions or prefer to nominate with a call?
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LOCAL HEALTHCARE NEWS AND RESOURCES
Sonoma Health magazine coming this year
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Publishers of The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine, in collaboration with the Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake Medical Association, will produce the second annual issue of Sonoma Health magazine in December. As SMLMA’s official partner magazine, the consumer-focused publication will cover health issues and resources for the community at large. The magazine connection provides an excellent opportunity for SMLMA to further its mission of promoting health and well-being in our community.
Articles are being written by both physicians and freelance journalists. The magazine has a Medical Advisory Board, which vets all medical content and is comprised exclusively of SMLMA members. The 2022 issue will cover a broad array of health topics, including vision and hearing, advances in cancer treatment, medical educational opportunities in Sonoma County, and the science of sleep. This year, Sonoma Health will extend its reach with a new online presence that will contain 2021 and 2022 content and other features to be developed with input from the Medical Advisory Board.
We are pleased to be a partner with this quality, local magazine serving readers throughout our service area. Your advertising support will help make it possible to increase frequency and reach of the publication, thus expanding SMLMA’s conduit to community.
Advertising and marketing opportunities:
Contact Sonoma Health Publisher Steve Childs
To be considered as a physician author:
Contract Sonoma Health Editor Alexandra Russell
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ENVIRONMENTAL + WELLNESS + SKINCARE
Women in Medicine social Sept. 14
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Join us at the exclusive Juice Beauty Farm for our fall Women in Medicine social. SMLMA and Debra Phairas from Practice + Liability Associates invite you to Debra’s sister’s Juice Beauty Farm for a relaxing and fun evening with your medical colleagues. Please RSVP as soon as possible.
In addition to delicious nibbles and wonderful wines from Juice Beauty Farm and Bricoleur Vineyards (and plenty of time for conversation), the outdoor gathering will include:
- Introduction to a stress-reducing yogic breathing technique (led by Deacon Carpenter, founder of Well+Sonoma integrative medical clinic and yoga studio).
- Tips for “Avoiding Practice Management Hypertension” (presented by Debra Phairas).
- Opportunity to play with organic beauty products and learn about "Farm to Beauty" (shared by Karen Behnke, Juice Beauty founder and our hostess).
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 • 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Juice Beauty Farm • 5895 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg
GATE CODE PROVIDED AT RSVP
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Next medical arts workshop Sept. 29 |
Following a well-attended start in August, The Medical Arts Project of Sonoma (MAPS) continues in September. The FREE monthly workshops aim to bolster creative thinking and problem-solving in medical practice, while bringing local physicians together to find connection and meaning in their personal and professional lives. Pictured left: Participants at the Aug. 29 session on Collage with Dr. Jamie Weinstein.
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Creative Writing with Mark Sloan, MD
Dr. Mark Sloan, pediatrician and award-winning author of Birth Day, has led many physicians in creative writing workshops. He will share the art of capturing patient stories.
Thursday, Sept. 29 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Visit the MAPS website for workshop details and to register.
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SMLMA is pleased to sponsor this INNOVATIVE PHYSICIAN WELLNESS INITIATIVE, a collaboration between Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, with sessions open to all community physicians, residents and faculty of the residency programs.
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FROM SMLMA AND BAY AREA SOCIETIES
Help us restore joy to the practice of medicine
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The Bay Area Physician Wellness Collaborative aims to bring together medical group leaders, chief wellness officers, wellness committee chairs, and others who have been charged with “fixing the physician burnout problem” and providing them with guidance, tools, and resources.
If you would like to represent your organization or medical group, please complete the invitation request below. You will then be invited to join the Collaborative. A brochure is available with full details about the program.
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The Collaborative will convene on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Gaurava Agarwal, MD, a psychiatrist who is Chief Wellness Officer at Northwestern Medicine and a national leader in CWO development.
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North Coast Opportunities (NCO) is recruiting healthcare volunteers to help with future emergencies in Mendocino County. Medical professionals can register through the California Disaster Healthcare Volunteer program or contact the NCO office in Ukiah. See DHV summer newsletter for more details about the California program.
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Four Providence hospitals in Northern California, including Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, were recognized recently by US News & World Report as "High Performing" for the treatment of a variety of commonly occurring conditions and for multiple medical procedures. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. Click here to learn more about the Best Hospitals rankings.
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Special offer for SMLMA members— 10% DISCOUNT off tickets to Transcendence Theatre Company's Gala performances at Jack London Park Sept. 9–18. To redeem tickets while they last, visit BestNightEver.org and select “The Gala” tickets.* Enter promo code GALA10.
For a preview of TTC's season-closing Gala, click here. It promises to be an evening of Broadway elegance that brings heart-stirring music of the stage to starry skies in the Valley of the Moon. Full of popular stage hits and new surprises too!
*Code not valid for tickets priced at $37 or below in back of the house
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Tickets now on sale for the Council on Aging's annual Boots & Bling fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 24. Annual event benefits Meals on Wheels and other Agency programs. Individual tickets are $250 and a limited number of VIP/sponsor tables are available for $2,500. Barbecue, drinks, auction, raffle, live music and dancing at a private estate in Windsor 5–10 pm! See flier for details or visit www.BootsnBling.com. To purchase a table, contact Lauren Schwing at 707-525-0143 x146 or lschwing@councilonaging.co
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Dr. Rachel Mayorga, an internist in Healdsburg, is looking to hire a nurse practitioner for a part-time position caring for adults in Healdsburg. If you know anyone who is interested, please send a resume to rachelmayorga@gmail.com.
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SEPTEMBER WEBINARS & CME EVENTS |
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California Medical Association
Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 Updates and Cardiac Manifestations of Long COVID | Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE
After an update on the current status of COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases, including monkeypox (MPX) from Erica Pan, MD, MPH, we will be hosting Donald Grandis, MD, a UC San Francisco cardiologist who will discuss the cardiac manifestations of long COVID.
CMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.
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Adventist Health Ukiah Valley
Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Friday, Sept. 9, 2022 • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | RSVP to Bridget Sholin at sholinbl@ah.org or 707-367-3629. TEAMS link provided upon registration.
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Sutter Health Network
The Sutter Health Virtual Grand Rounds is a Continuing Education (CE) webinar series hosted by Sutter Health Network providers for all medical professionals across Northern California. Interactive Q&A session takes place with each live event. Learn about the series here.
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Shriners Children's Northern California
Shriners mission is to improve the lives of children by offering outstanding specialty care education for medical professionals. Our monthly CME webinars are offered at no cost to you.
Gait Disorders in Children with Cerebral Palsy
This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.5 contact hours.
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Congratulations to our new SMLMA members!
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Welcome to the individual physicians listed below and the 12 new Resident Physicians starting at the Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency program. We look forward to supporting you.
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Switch to CAP for great rates and more |
Get an instant quote emailed to you AND learn about unbeatable included services the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) offers its more than 12,500 physician members — like FREE practice management consulting and the option to purchase up to $10,000 in monthly disability benefits and up to $500,000 in life insurance guaranteed with no required health exam.*
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To learn more about CAP's coverage options:
Professional liability coverage for CAP Members is provided by Mutual Protection Trust pursuant to Ins. Code section 1280.7 *Exclusions Apply
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16 months of membership for the price of 12 |
Staring Sept. 1, 2022, new medical organizations that join SMLMA/CMA and pay in full for the next year will receive the remaining months of this year for FREE.
Join nearly 50,000 physicians making a direct impact on the practice
of medicine and the health of California.
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