SHARE:  

IN THIS ISSUE



Features

Sonoma Health magazine seeking authors for fall issue


NEW! Mini grants for SMLMA member-led events



Other highlights

Welcome new members


HOD delegates needed


June webinars & presentations


Community Bulletin Board


Take Action—help reform prior authorization and restore MCO Medi-Cal cuts

_______________________


SMLMA EVENTS

SFMMS Addiction Medicine Virtual Symposium

Friday, June 7

9:00 am–12:30 pm | ZOOM


Paint & Sip Social

Sunday, June 9

3:00–5:00 pm

Private home: Guerneville

Rio Crest Winery

SOLD OUT

Wendy Davies

Executive Director



June signals the beginning of long warm days, evening community picnics and concerts, farmers markets, and family vacations. Wherever your summer takes you, I hope you enjoy some self-care and quality time with your family, friends and support system.


SMLMA recognizes that our members are eager for opportunities to socialize, de-stress, and connect with fellow physicians. In an effort to promote connection and aid in the creation of social events, SMLMA is now offering MINI GRANTS of up to $500 to SMLMA members to help fund physician-organized activities around shared interests. The only caveat is that we ask that your events be open to other SMLMA physician members who may have the same interests. What a great opportunity to gather and make new connections! Click here for more info and the grant application form.


Wherever your summer adventures take you, enjoy and please share with us. We would love to include photos of SMLMA members' adventures in the August issue of News Briefs! Send photos to susan@smlma.org and identify people and locations. We will put together a collage of our members' summer travels to share in the newsletter. We look forward to seeing your photos.


Yours in health and service,

Wendy Davies, Executive Director

exec@smlma.org | 707-620-0808


Click the image below to view Physician Wellness Awards photos taken at the April gathering in Petaluma.

NEWS AND SMLMA EVENTS

PUBLISHING IN OCTOBER 2024

Sonoma Health seeking physician authors

SMLMA is collaborating with the publishers of The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine to develop the October 2024 issue of Sonoma Health magazine. This consumer-oriented magazine offers a venue for local physician authors to reach both patients and the general public — and resonates with SMLMA’s mission of physician engagement and leadership shaping positive change in our communities. To view a previous issue, visit issuu.com.

 

If you would like to write an article, email Sonoma Health Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Russell at alexandrarussell@sonic.net. For advertising and marketing opportunities, contact publisher Steve Childs at steve.childs@sonomamag.com.


In addition to its healthcare contributors, Sonoma Health has a robust Medical Advisory Board, primarily comprised of SMLMA-member physicians, who vet all medical content. Contact Alexandra Russell to inquire about serving on the board.

 

NOTE: SMLMA sends complimentary copies of Sonoma Health to all physicians in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties. If you haven't been receiving the magazine, please contact Rachel Pandolfi at 707-525-4375 or rachel@smlma.org.

NEW! Mini grants for SMLMA member-led events

SMLMA is offering mini grants for self-organized events and activities. These grants are intended as a way to encourage members to engage with each other outside of a professional setting. These events may cover a wide range of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it's participating in sports, discussing books, exploring local culture, or simply socializing over food and drinks, these activities can help build a sense of community and support among members. It's important for physicians to have opportunities to unwind, connect with peers, and recharge—which these mini grants can help facilitate.


SMLMA offers rolling applications for grant consideration. This approach ensures ongoing engagement and participation from SMLMA members. We allow members to submit their ideas and proposals whenever they are ready, rather than being constrained by specific deadlines. This flexibility is to encourage more members to take advantage of the opportunity to organize events and activities that promote wellness and camaraderie within the community.


Providing clear criteria for selection and an easy-to-use application process ensures that the grant funds are allocated effectively, and that the chosen events align with the goal of supporting physician wellness and fostering connections among members.

Apply for mini grant now

Congratulations, new SMLMA members!


Welcome new members with The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG).

We look forward to supporting you and your TPMG colleagues.

Sarah Holgren, MD

Emergency Medicine

Sammir Sullivan, MD

Internal Medicine

Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake physicians needed for HOD

CALL FOR SMLMA DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES

Being part of the CMA House of Delegates offers a significant platform to advocate for the future of medical practice. It's a chance to voice concerns, propose changes, and contribute to shaping policies that affect healthcare professionals and patients alike. Your active participation on behalf of SMLMA ensures that a diverse range of perspectives is represented and considered in decision-making processes.


Qualifications or criteria for delegates and alternates: Active SMLMA physician members who are passionate about advancing the practice of medicine. Willingness to participate in approximately four virtual delegate sessions per year and the ability to travel twice a year to participate in Leg Day activities in April and HOD's annual meeting in October.


The House of Delegates is the principal policy-making body for the CMA. SMLMA is represented by physician delegates who meet annually to debate, vote, and act on resolutions and reports dealing with a myriad of medical practice, public health, and governance issues. As a delegate, you will represent the interests of your fellow physicians in the Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake service areas. Delegates and alternates serve a two-year term.


APPLY TODAY: Submit a brief explanation of your interest in legislation and advocacy to Wendy Davies, Executive Director at exec@smlma.org. Questions? Call: 707-525-4375.

REGISTER NOW FOR JUNE 7 SYMPOSIUM

Addiction Medicine: Healing and Recovery in a New Era

The San Francisco Marin Medical Society (SFMMS) is co-hosting its annual Addiction Medicine Conference with David E. Smith and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. An all-star faculty will address Treatment Innovations, Public Health Responses, Psychedelics & Addiction, Harm Reduction Approaches, and more. This FREE symposium will be held virtually and is open to all.


Friday, June 7, 2024 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Click here for agenda and to register for the Zoom presentations.

Health Equity Leadership Summit is back

Last year, Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) hosted the first Health Equity Leadership Summit, bringing together California physicians, executives, advocates and allies concerned with achieving health equity in our underserved communities. This popular event is back in 2024, taking place July 11-12 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. Take advantage of the early-bird rate by registering before June 14.


Additional details about the sessions and speakers will be forthcoming. Watch for future emails. For more information and to register, click here.

SMLMA paint & sip social

SMLMA has arranged a private afternoon for SMLMA members: Join us for a wine and paint experience on SUNDAY, June 9. Includes paint supplies, expert guidance, wine, and gourmet food. SOLD OUT.


Come for the creative outlet and community connection and be WOWed by the incredible view and wines at the stunning hilltop home of Rio Crest winemaker and owner, Peggy Brown. See more about this exclusive winery here.

Sunday, June 9, 2024 • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rio Crest Winery, Guerneville, California

SMLMA members No Cost | Nonmembers $60

RSVP to Rachel Pandolfi: rachel@SMLMA.org or 707-525-4375

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

EVENTS AND CLASSES

DID YOU KNOW


Classified ads and notices on the Community Bulletin Board are FREE for SMLMA members. Cost for nonmembers is $1 per word. To place an ad, contact Susan Gumucio at susan@smlma.org or call 707-481-8995.

JUNE WEBINARS AND PRESENTATIONS

California Medical Association

Virtual Grand Rounds: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in California - A New Landscape

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Hear from California Department of Public Health representatives about how new virtual tools can play a vital role in improving the youth mental health crisis in California. | REGISTER HERE


Choosing to Lead (What Now?)

Join a leadership development session hosted by CMA Past President Ted Mazer, MD. Discussion will center on the many faces and forms of leadership, key skills of leaders within our organizations, and the importance of mentorship.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 • 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

Understanding and Addressing Diagnostic Inequity

Friday, June 21, 2024 • Buffet lunch 12:00 p.m. | Presentation 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. 

Presented by Katherine Brooks, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Zuckerberg SF General Hospital. See program flier for details. Registration not required. Livestreamed via TEAMS.

Sutter Health

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.


ALS: Disease-Modifying Therapies and System-Wide Programs

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE


Updates in Atrial Fibrillation Management

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

SHVGR on-demand library

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

TAKE ACTION NOW

Add your voice to help reform prior authorization

and restore the MCO tax agreement

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION. Have you waited days or months for an insurance company to approve a treatment you prescribed? Are you frustrated with administrative headaches and their impact on your patients? CMA wants to know your story!


We are fighting back to ensure California policy puts patients first. Visit cmadocs.org/priorauth to share your experience.

MCO AGREEMENT. Governor Newsom has proposed sweeping funding for the Medi-Cal provider rate increases and graduate medical education funding that were scheduled to go in effect in 2025. This funding is crucial to ensure that the state can take care of its patients and train the next generation of physicians.


CMA and our coalition partners are pushing back on the Governor’s proposal to “sweep” this revenue intended to increase access to healthcare. Click here to urge your legislators to reinstate the MCO Tax agreement to invest in Medi-Cal.

COOPERATIVE OF AMERICAN PHYSICIANS

When failed mental assessments end in tragedy

CAP's recent Case of the Month details how a patient with mental health issues fell through the cracks within the healthcare system, leading to a tragic turn of events . . . and a complex medical malpractice lawsuit. Continue reading here.


Interested in reading more case studies? Request your FREE copy of From Exam Room to Courtroom, a publication featuring ten real-life case studies of physicians who have been involved in medical malpractice legal disputes.

To learn about becoming a CAP member:

Contact Dorine Leong at 650-543-2183 or DLeong@CAPphysicians.com. 

Request an Instant Quote on medical malpractice coverage.