IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
Letter from Mendocino County Health Officer
MICRA legislation signed into law
Deadline extended to July 15 for pediatric vax grants
SMLMA June 9 mixer postponed
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Other highlights
COVID-19 communications toolkit
Mental health resources
Monkeypox testing guidance
Welcome new Endorsed Business Partner: Synergy One Lending
Webinars and CME events
Community Bulletin Board
Celebrating our members
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Summer Volunteer Sign-up for First-Aid tent at Transcendence performances at Jack London State Park
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Unfortunately, the Bay Area is again experiencing an surge in COVID-19 cases, and our leadership has asked that we hold off on in-person gatherings for the medical community who may already be overwhelmed with patient care and trying to stay healthy themselves. Therefore, the Physician Appreciation Mixer scheduled for June 9th will be rescheduled for a date later in 2022. While we were so looking forward to seeing everyone again, the SMLMA Leadership Team felt this was the appropriate response to the evolving COVID-19 situation. Dr. Andy Coren, Mendocino County Health Officer, discusses current COVID-19 concerns in his message below.
Please scroll through the entire newsletter. You’ll find valuable resources and updates regarding COVID-19 developments, extension of the pediatric vax grant program, and a Sonoma County COVID-19 Communications Toolkit. We’ve also included links to mental health resources and support. Additionally, our longstanding (SCMA) SMLMA members who have reached 20-, 30-, and 40-year milestones are honored in this issue.
I want to personally welcome our new Endorsed Business Partner, Synergy One Lending! We appreciate their support of the medical community and look forward to working together. More details below about Synergy lending services and SMLMA benefits.
As always, thank you for all you do to care for our communities. If you need support or assistance of any kind, please contact the SMLMA Team at 707-525-4375 or smlma@smlma.org. We’re here to serve YOU!
Yours in health and service,
Wendy Davies, Executive Director
Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake Medical Association
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FROM MENDOCINO COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER |
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We are “done” with COVID. But it is not “done” with us just yet. In the last six weeks we’ve seen a 500% increase in cases and tripling of hospitalizations. Thankfully, this variant is not as virulent as prior ones. However, BA2.12.1 is more contagious and upcoming BA4 and BA5 are spreading faster with some early indicators they may be more virulent and have more Immune escape, though it is too early to be sure.
We should continue to recommend COVID vaccines and boosters, including upcoming vaccines for children. Though there is almost daily news about vaccine escape, this largely pertains to risk of infection. The vaccines and boosters are still the most effective at keeping people out of hospitals and morgues. In addition to the preventive power of vaccines, we now have very effective treatments including Paxlovid and Molnupiravir when started within five days of symptom onset for higher risk individuals.
More and more sites are available to get tested and treated at the same time for those who need it. And for the highest risk individuals, keep in mind the PRE- exposure prophylaxis, Evusheld. Masks are still required in healthcare facilities and congregate settings. Free, over the counter tests are widely available and should be recommended for people going to gatherings or returning. Gatherings are safest if held outdoors.
Life has given us a new surprise: Monkeypox (a relative of smallpox), usually found in animals, especially in Central and East Africa, but recently jumping to human-human transmission, is causing small outbreaks across many continents. In Africa it has a case fatality of 1-10%. Physical contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated object, or travel to endemic areas is required for transmission. We are investigating several cases in California. Anyone presenting with a new rash of hard vesicles or pustules, usually after flu-like symptoms, fever and/or lymphadenopathy should be investigated. Report to your local health department for instructions on sampling and advice regarding contact tracing and Isolation.
Andy Coren, MD
Health Officer, Mendocino County
1120 S. Dora Street • Ukiah, CA 95482
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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS & UPDATES |
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COVID-19 boosters available for 5 and older |
With the recent federal approval of COVID-19 booster shots for younger children, anyone 5 and older is now eligible to receive a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late in May granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech booster for 5- to 11-year-olds who have waited at least five months since their second vaccine dose. The pediatric vaccine is one-third of the dose given to adolescents and adults.
In Sonoma County, anyone eligible for a booster can receive a shot wherever COVID-19 vaccines are administered, including primary healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics. A list of vaccine providers can be found at SoCoEmergency.org/vaccine. Appointments for boosters for 5- to11-year-olds can be made through MyTurn.ca.gov.
To date, roughly 15,500 Sonoma County residents 5 to 11 years old, or 42 percent of the roughly 37,000 in that age group, have been fully vaccinated and are eligible to receive boosters.
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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 (PHC) 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 now be accepted through July 15, 2022.
VFC providers can apply to receive $10,000 for enrolling in myCAvax between Dec. 17, 2021, through July 15, 2022. Organizations can also apply to receive $15,000 per site for expanding operational hours to provide additional time options for working families (a minimum of 15 hours, outside of normal or existing clinic hours) within 60 days of the application’s approval.
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Download and share or print updated charts and guidelines from Sonoma County's COVID-19 Vaccine Communications Group. For weekly updates to vaccine and testing clinic locations and more information about COVID-19, visit socoemergency.org/vaccine.
See link for updated COVID-19 information for employers and employees from the California Department of Labor. |
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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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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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Monkeypox: Sonoma County testing guidance |
Please note that healthcare providers must contact their local public health department for consultation and testing approval. Specimens that test positive for orthopoxvirus nucleic acid are considered presumptive for an orthopox, and additional specimen(s) may be referred to the CDC for confirmatory testing, as warranted.
Click here for recording of the May 24 CDC webinar. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.
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Governor Newsom signs landmark MICRA bill into law |
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 35 into law on May 23, 2022, and in doing so put an end to a decade-long political battle and ushered in a new era of stability around malpractice liability.
AB 35 passed through the California Legislature with a nearly unanimous vote, demonstrating broad bipartisan support. As part of the agreement reflected in AB 35, proponents of the Fairness for Injured Patients Act have withdrawn the initiative, which cannot be returned to the November 2022 ballot. Learn more at cmadocs.org/micra.
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TO BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE
June 9 Physician Appreciation mixer postponed
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Due to the rising rate of COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area, the SMLMA Leadership Team has decided to postpone the June 9 mixer. We think it best to wait for a later date when the COVID-19 surge has improved. Watch News Briefs for a new date announcement.
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FOR YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS
Mental health resources and support
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Local support and encouragement
The families and providers of NAMI Sonoma County are ready to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. Visit NAMI's website for a wide variety of free mental health support, online groups, resources, and education.
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New mental health resource guide
As Mental Health Awareness Month drew to a close in May, the national Public Health Communications Collaborative developed a new directory of resources to help you communicate about this important public health issue all year long. The guide spotlights resources for public health and health professionals, parents and caregivers, employers and employees, youth, and anyone who is looking for general mental health information and guidance on how to connect with a mental health professional.
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WELCOME SMLMA NEW ENDORSED BUSINESS PARTNER!
Synergy One Lending
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SMLMA is pleased to welcome Synergy One Lending branch manager Dan Ancheta and jumbo loan specialist Aliya Hanson as Endorsed Business Partners. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial service industry, Dan has garnered a stellar reputation with clients and colleagues. As a nationally ranked Scotsman Guide Top Mortgage Originator, he’s helped hundreds of families with their most valuable asset — their home. Living and working in Sonoma County for over 30 years, Dan brings local insight and experience to your real estate purchase as only a North Bay native can.
Together Dan and Aliya ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. They are enthusiastic about offering their high level of service to medical professionals in SMLMA’s tri-county area who are looking to improve the “health” of their debt and real estate investments. See flier for Meet the Team details.
MEMBER BENEFIT: SMLMA physicians receive a no-obligation, individual consultation and customized plan to optimize their debt and pursue their real estate goals. Contact Dan to begin your new home or refinance journey.
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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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Larry Gilbert, MD, of Santa Rosa, Calif., passed away on Nov. 21, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer. Dr. Gilbert was 79 years old. He moved to Santa Rosa in 1973 to start his primary care practice with Dr. Joseph Clendenin. Dr. Gilbert was a longtime member of the Sonoma County Medical Association, taught in the Sonoma County Community Hospital residency program, and participated in leadership roles at North Coast Rehab Center, Community and Memorial hospitals, Leadership Santa Rosa, and on the Board of Directors of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. Read full obituary here.
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Sipsong Spirts and Jendala are hosting Sutter Health's first annual Gin & Genes fundraiser. Kick off your summer with two DJ sets, wine, gin and friends. 100% of live and silent auction proceeds will go to BRCA genetic testing and counseling in Sonoma County. DONATE NOW.
Saturday, June 4, 2022 • 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Jendala Art Studio • 444 Moore Lane, Healdsburg • Event info 707-799-7052
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Advanced practice providers are invited to join Jan Hartigan, PA-C, of Evolve Restorative Center, for an in-depth discussion of Current Advancements for the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Kindly RSVP by Monday, June 13, by emailing jortner@erc.care or calling/texting 707-710-8206. See flier for details and QR code.
Thursday, June 16, 2022 • Reception 6:30 p.m. • Dinner discussion 7:00 p.m.
Spoonbar Restaurant • 219 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg
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Health Action 2.0 is looking for an Operations Manager to support the launch of HA 2.0 and development of the Portrait of Sonoma County Agenda for Action. The HA 2.0 Operations Manager will partner with the Health Action 2.0 Interim Board, the POS-Agenda for Action Leadership Team, and Collaborative Consulting (HA 2.0 consulting firm) in planning and leading implementation of this new organization and initiative. Resumes with cover messages must be submitted via email to HA2.0OpsManager@gmail.com by June 20, 2022. Full details here.
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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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Eye Care Institute is moving to Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa, and we would like to invite our colleagues to an open house and ribbon cutting on Thursday July 21, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. Our new office will be 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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The Murder of American Medicine: How Medicare Took the Caring Out of Medical Care, by Dr. Richard Powers. The evolution of the American medical system has made caring about our patients increasingly difficult. This timely book documents Medicare’s role in this evolution and concludes with some ideas for how caring can be restored to the system — and thus bring back joy to the practice of medicine. Now available on Amazon.com.
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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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4 iPad 10" (8th Gen.) 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $200 each (new $459)
iPads have protective cases included.
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. These tables are perfect for keeping up with email and work on the go, streaming movies and music.
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JUNE WEBINARS & CME EVENTS |
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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.
Rise to the Occasion: How to Help Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Special Presentation: Monkeypox Infection and COVID Update
Thursday, June 2, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Corrected, Not Fixed: Lifelong Care of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Toward Better Judgement: Unconscious Bias in Healthcare
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Presented by Maria Moreno, MPH and Stephanie Brown, MD, MPH | REGISTER HERE
From PrEP to Treatment: The Latest in Comprehensive HIV Care
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
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Shriners Children's Hospital – Northern California
Chest Wall Malformation: Pectus Carinatum
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Presented by Shin Hirose, MD, Director of Pediatric Surgery and
Gary Raff, MD, Thoracic Surgeon
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hour REGISTER HERE
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CASE OF THE MONTH
Your Med Mal Risk with Independent Contractors
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The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) is pleased to share its latest “Case of the Month,” exploring the legal doctrines1 and rules that could seriously impact your liability exposures if you hire independent contractors. Read about this case here.
Request a FREE COPY of From Exam Room to Courtroom, a publication featuring 10 real-life case studies of physicians who have been involved in medical malpractice legal disputes, summarized by CAP’s former General Counsel, Gordon Ownby.
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To learn more about being a CAP member:
you can save on medical malpractice coverage through CAP.
Professional liability coverage for CAP Members is provided by Mutual Protection Trust pursuant to Ins. Code section 1280.7
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Honoring SMLMA membership achievements |
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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20 YEARS
Frederick Bennett, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
Michael Boyers, MD
Family Medicine
Kim Carlson-Sweet, MD
Dermatology
Edward Chang, MD
Otolaryngology
Robert Faust, MD
Gastroenterology
Donald Green, MD
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Louise Huang, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew Joseph, MD
Family Medicine
Wes Lee, MD
Medical Oncology
Francesca Manfredi, MD
Family Medicine
Michael Tran, MD
Pain Medicine
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(20 years cont.)
Anne Weilepp, MD
Dermatology
Fan Zhang, MD
Medical Oncology
30 YEARS
Andy Coren, MD
Family Medicine
Heather Furnas, MD
Plastic Surgery
Ari Hauptmann, MD
Pediatrics
Ketan Mehta, MD
Pulmonary Disease
Charles Meltzer, MD
Otolaryngology
Ana Pacheco-Clark, MD
Family Medicine
Janet Pulskamp, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Daniel Rich, MD
Ophthalmology
Mark Turrill, MD
Internal Medicine
Noah Weiss, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
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40 YEARS
Thomas Dunlap, MD
Cardiovascular Disease
Gary Mishkin, MD
Emergency Medicine
40+ YEARS
Richard Andolsen, MD
Family Medicine
Frederick David, MD
Radiation Oncology
James Devore, MD
Family Medicine
Richard Powers, MD
Family Medicine
Gregory Rosa, MD
Family Medicine
Stephen Schwartz, MD
Dermatology
Roger Weeks, MD
Ophthalmology
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Congratulations to our new SMLMA members!
We're delighted to have you aboard and look forward to supporting you and your practice. Call SMLMA anytime at 707-525-4375.
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The Permanente Medical Goup
Anesthesiology
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SMLMA/CMA understand the unique challenges facing healthcare providers and offer services, resources and benefits to help you succeed. Members can offset the price of their annual dues when using membership services and discounts. |
When you join SMLMA/CMA, you hire a powerful professional staff to protect the viability of your practice. By protecting your practice from legal, legislative and regulatory intrusions, your membership lets you focus on what’s really important: your patients. Click here to see full list of member benefits and resources.
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