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