IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
From our county health officers
COVID-19 vaccines approved for tots
Novavax update and children's vaccination toolkit
New CA health survey
Pediatric VFC grant deadline extended
Monkeypox statement from Bay Area counties
Other highlights
Call for nominations: 2022 contribution awards
Webinars and CME events
Community Bulletin Board
Honoring SMLMA members
CMA health law library
Volunteers needed for
first-aid tent
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Colleagues,
During this time of global pandemic and social unrest, our roles as physician leaders are critical. We are leaders in our communities and are often called upon to lead by example. It’s very easy to watch the news and feel helpless. However, I would encourage us all to leverage our unified voices and join CMA’s grassroots efforts.
The job of physician is truly a path less traveled. With the COVID-19 pandemic, our jobs can feel overwhelming. It’s critical that we take care of ourselves so that we may care for those around us. What brings me joy or builds my wellness may be different than what works for you. Regardless of what brings you joy and meaning in your work, it’s important that you take time to care for yourself. I find a lot of great resources on UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center website. The GGSC’s mission is to study the psychology, sociology and neuroscience of well-being and teach skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. More information may be found on the website.
And despite the negativity that’s all too prevalent, there are “silver linings” all around us. For example, COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for our youngest community members. Please see COVID-19 updates and letters from our county health officers directly below. We’re making progress!
Don’t miss the Call for Nominations for SMLMA’s 2022 Contribution Awards. Now, more than ever, I encourage you to download the form and honor your colleagues with a nomination—we need your help recognizing our colleagues’ incredible work! (Self-nominations are encouraged too). We’re planning a Gala reception/dinner to celebrate the achievements of our local healthcare heroes. So, please save the evening of Thursday, Dec. 8 for this important event!
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FROM OUR COUNTY HEALTH OFFICERS
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Sundari Mase, MD, MPH
We continue to see widespread COVID transmission occurring in our community. But, unlike surges we have seen in the past, we are not seeing an increase in deaths and our hospital capacity is fine.
Since the Omicron variant arrived, and with each subsequent subvariant, we have seen the virus become more transmissible and less severe. While community transmission is widespread and more people are getting COVID now, the disease is less severe and, due to our high vaccination rates, we are not seeing an increase in negative outcomes.
Nevertheless, many people are testing positive and are experiencing disruption in their daily lives, while outbreaks are disrupting businesses and other sectors. This recent wave is a reminder that we are still living with COVID in our community, and likely will be for the foreseeable future. Continue reading letter here.
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Andy Coren, MD
COVID is keeping us on our toes now with the even more contagious Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 predominating. In Mendocino County, cases doubled last month but may be slowing. Our projection is now for cases to peak in mid to late July and then taper off, assuming no new variant surprises.
Public Health continues to recommend vaccines and boosters, as well as wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and trying to keep parties and groups outdoors. Test, and if positive or ill, stay home. Also, please continue to offer COVID vaccines in your offices, including the newly EUA-approved COVID vaccine for children under 5. And provide COVID treatments for those at increased risk.
The Monkeypox cases continue to increase. If you see an unusual rash, cover it up, don PPE and call your health department for instructions. Heat kills more people than all other climate-related emergencies. Heat decompensates those with underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease, but it also affects very active young people. Continue reading letter here.
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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS & UPDATES
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COVID-19 shots approved for infants and preschoolers
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On Tuesday, June 21, immunizations became available for about 19 million children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, the last group of Americans to be afforded this COVID protection. Click links below for information regarding pediatric vaccines.
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Fliers in English and Spanish answer Top 6 Parental Concerns. Written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, epidemiologist, mother of two under age 5, and author of Your Local Epidemiologist. For more information about YLE or to subscribe to the newsletter, visit the YLE website.
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ThisIsOurShot is a national, grassroots movement of healthcare heroes and allies that aims to build vaccine trust and combat misinformation for a COVID-free world—by elevating the voices of healthcare heroes as trusted messengers through stories, photos, and videos.See the website for a toolkit, talking points on the latest news, action of the week, and to sign up for hero alerts.
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New California survey highlights vaccine hesitancy
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Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's full approval of the COVID-19 vaccine, 58.8% of Californians who are not fully vaccinated are still worried about its side effects, according to a new UCLA survey.
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Deadline for pediatric COVID-19 vaccine
grant program extended to July 15
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Physicians for a Healthy California has extended the deadline for its KidsVaxGrant program – which will award grants of up to $15,000 to support Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers providing pediatric COVID-19 vaccines. Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2022.
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The Novavax vaccine
The Novavax vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) is a two-dose, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine for adults age 18 and older. With emergency authorization from the European Union and the World Health Organization, the Novavax vaccine is being used in over 40 countries; however, it is not currently available in the United States. Pending FDA and CDC recommendations, Novavax may soon become the fourth COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S., in addition to Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
In advance of the FDA and CDC’s recommendations, PHCC updated its Answers to Tough Questions with new messaging on the Novavax vaccine.
PHCC’s children and vaccination toolkit
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Save these links in your browser for quick reference. The county websites contain frequently updated information for COVID-19 vaccines and testing locations 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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It's time to remember colleagues who have made exceptional contributions to medicine and/or community. Please nominate your deserving peers and help SMLMA recognize and honor their achievements! Click the image above for more details and a nominations form. Information soon to follow about the Awards Gala on Thursday, Dec. 8.
Gala program sponsorships are now available for businesses and organizations. See sponsorship form and contact Susan Gumucio at 707-481-8995 or susan@smlma.org.
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JOINT STATEMENT FROM BAY AREA COUNTIES AND BERKELEY
Awareness about monkeypox
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As the summer season begins with increased travel and major events and gatherings, Bay Area health officials urge people to protect themselves against the monkeypox virus, which spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluids, such as through crowded settings or sexual contact.
“Although we have been fortunate in Sonoma County so far and have not as yet experienced any cases of monkeypox, we want to let people know how they can take precautions to keep themselves and those around them healthy,” said Dr. Sundari Mase, health officer for the County of Sonoma. “We know how to contain the spread of monkeypox, and we’re asking everyone to be aware of the signs of infection and the ways to prevent transmission.” Read more here.
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First-aid hosts needed for August and September
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SMLMA is providing a first-aid tent for Transcendence Theatre Company’s 2022 outdoor concert season at Jack London Park. Many of the slots have been filled, but we still need tent hosts and backups for several AUGUST and SEPTEMBER dates. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a fabulous show while supporting community and the arts!
Physicians, NPs, Nurses, EMTs and retired physicians are eligible to volunteer via the sign-up link below. We provide everything you need to treat minor injuries to patrons and on-site artists (bee stings, heat exhaustion, sprained ankles, etc.) Help for anything major is only a 911 call away to emergency personnel.
Volunteer benefits: 2 show tickets with VIP seating, VIP parking, and complimentary dinner for you and your guest. Volunteer 3+ times throughout 2022 and receive a $100 gift certificate for the Starks Family Restaurants in Santa Rosa or Healdsburg.
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We're moving in Santa Rosa. Eye Care Institute invites colleagues to an open house and ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 21, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. The new office is located at 3035 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 100, where we are excited to unveil our new state-of-the-art facility. Please RSVP to amy.mower@see-eci.com or call 707-708-2808 and leave a message.
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A new “Providence” sign was recently installed above the front entrance at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital is part of Providence, and the installation of this sign marks the completion of incorporating the Providence name on Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s campus.
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital was part of the St. Joseph Health system, but in 2016, Providence Health & Services came together with St. Joseph Health as one organization. For more information, visit www.providence.org.
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6 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Android tablets with 10.5 in LCD screen and 64 GB storage. $150 each (new $300). Used for a short time by medical/administrative staff for patient check-in and reporting at the SMLMA COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Tablets are perfect for keeping up with email, working on the go, and streaming movies or music.
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We're looking for exceptional people to join our organization. If you want to be part of a strong team with excellent leadership, making a difference in healthcare for the community, check the careers page for Santa Rosa Community Health. Opportunities abound for nurses, medical and dental receptionists, medical assistants, call center supervisor, mental health operations manager, medical director, and dentists—to name just a few.
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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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SNF in Lakeport, Calif. seeks Medical Director/Physician for 90-bed licensed facility. Please contact Kristina, facility administrator, at 530-339-1194 (call or text). See Rocky Point Care Center.
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Sonoma County Indian Health Project (SCIHP) has openings for a Behavioral Health Director and a Supervising Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Click links for full description of job purpose, qualifications, and benefits. SCIHP offers a comprehensive competitive benefits package that includes low deductible medical insurance; medical and dependent flexible spending accounts; employer-paid dental, vision, life insurance, and employee assistance program (EAP); and more. Applications are available online at www.scihp.org/human-resources-2/.
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The newly formed Health Action 2.0 is seeking an Operations Manager. This role will support the launch of Health Action 2.0 with specific focus on developing the Portrait of Sonoma County Agenda for Action — to be developed through an equity-centered process where affected communities outline goals, priorities, strategies, and actions to reduce preventable disparities that exist in the county. Details and application instructions here.
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SPACE FOR LEASE
Sebastopol medical office space (1,232 sq. ft.) for lease in a prime location.
Please call 707-823-3210.
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JULY WEBINARS & CME EVENTS
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California Medical Association
Virtual Grand Rounds: Updates in COVID-19 and Monkeypox
Attendees will hear from California State Epidemiologist Erica Pan, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD, an infectious disease expert from UC San Francisco. Dr. Pan will share the latest information about COVID-19 and Dr. Chin-Hong will discuss the emergence of monkeypox as a global phenomenon, and as well as the epidemiology, signs and symptoms of this disease.
CMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.
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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.
Current Concepts in Arthroscopic Hip Preservation Surgery
Fibroids: Evolution of Treatment Strategies and Minimally Invasive Options
Red Eye or Red Flag? Serious Underlying Pathologies of Hyperemia of the Eye
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FREE DOWNLOAD FROM CAP
2022 HR manual for medical practices
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Every medical practice needs an up-to-date human resources manual to stay on top of the latest in HR best practices and legal guidelines. The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) is pleased to offer you a FREE customizable, Word-formatted manual adaptable to your practice's specific needs. Written by HR professionals, the 2022 manual has been fully updated to reflect new laws around hourly pay, paid time off, and more.
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To learn more about being a CAP member:
you can save on medical malpractice coverage through CAP.
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Honoring SMLMA membership achievements
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Please join us in thanking these dedicated physicians for their many years of membership and service to the practice of medicine and our community. A special round of applause for all.
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35+ YEARS
Bruce Andich, MD
Internal Medicine
Thomas Cunningham, MD
Cardiovascular Disease
Gail Dubinsky, MD
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Rex Harner, MD
Family Medicine
Donald Hopkins, MD
Cardiovascular Disease
Marshall Kubota, MD
Family Medicine
Lana Nguyen, MD
Family Medicine
Robert Rushton, MD
Family Medicine
30+ YEARS
David Begert, MD
Family Medicine
Peter Bretan, MD
Urology
Deborah Britt, MD
Pediatrics
Dorothy Coleman-Riese, MD
Pediatrics
Paula Dhanda, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
John Gansel, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
David Gorchoff, MD
Family Medicine
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(30+ years cont.)
Caroline Hellings, MD
Family Medicine
Stanley Jacobs, MD
Plastic Surgery of the Face
Mark Jacobson, MD
Ophthalmology
Roger Klein, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
Frank Modic, MD
Diagnostic Radiology
Craig Polson, MD
Diagnostic Radiology
Kenneth Prosser, MD
Pediatrics
Harendra Punatar, MD
Cardiovascular Disease
David Racker, MD
Diagnostic Radiology
Steven Smith, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
Helene Spivak, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Andrew Wagner, MD
Family Medicine
Dale Westrom, MD
Dermatology
Robert White, MD
Surgery
Robert Yohai, MD
Ophthalmology
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25 YEARS
Jason Bacharach, MD
Ophthalmology
Sanjay Bansal, MD
Ophthalmology
Robert Duchynski, MD
Emergency Medicine
Mark Freeman, MD
Family Medicine
Carlos Garcia, MD
Family Medicine
Brad Golditch, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eric Kahle, MD
Ophthalmology
John Mackey, MD
Psychiatry
D. Mills Matheson, MD
Family Medicine
Stephen Meffert, MD
Ophthalmology
Jose Morales, MD
Pediatrics
Lynn Mortensen, MD
Family Medicine
Lucy Oh, MD
Internal Medicine
Mark Popovich, MD
Diagnostic Radiology
Emil Shieh, MD
Ophthalmology
Ann Stinson, MD
Anesthesiology
Doug von Brauchitsch, MD
Ophthalmology
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Congratulations to our newest SMLMA members
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A warm welcome to Drs. Pope, Shumsky and Vu. We're delighted to have you aboard and look forward to supporting you and your practice at Evolve Restorative Center.
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CMA Health Law Library for members
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With new laws and regulations passed every year, running a medical practice can be complicated. The California Medical Association is your best source of knowledge to effectively answer difficult questions about practicing in California.
CMA's online health law library contains nearly 5,000 pages of up-to-date content on a variety of subjects, including specialized information on peer review, payor contracting and many more important topics.
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When you join SMLMA/CMA, you gain a powerful professional staff to protect the viability of your practice. Access to CMA's health law specialists is a FREE, members-only benefit. See library details in the flier. To join, call 800-786-4262 or visit cmadocs.org.
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