IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
From our county health officers
Influenza Order
SMLMA Membership Gala
Thursday, Dec. 8
CMA House of Delegates
Sonoma Health focus on cancer care
Other highlights
Medical Board seeking physician reviewers
Health Careers Scholarship campaign
November events:
Financial Health dinner
Shriners webinar
Women in Medicine
CME webinars
Community Bulletin Board
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As we move into November, I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for all that you do in service to our community.
Your SMLMA Team is finalizing details for the annual Membership and Awards Gala on Thursday, Dec. 8. The 2022 award recipients were selected from an outstanding slate of nominees. See details below and join us in congratulating this distinguished group of medical professionals.
You don’t want to miss the Annual Membership Gala festivities! We are literally rolling out the red carpet for you. I love a good theme party, so in the spirit of of the evening, please join me and wear festive holiday RED attire to the Gala! What a great picture this will be!
I hope our newsletter finds you well. If there is ever anything we can do to assist you, please contact the SMLMA Team at 707-525-4375 or smlma@smlma.org. We are here to support you.
Yours in health and service,
Wendy Davies, Executive Director
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FROM OUR COUNTY HEALTH OFFICERS |
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Sundari Mase, MD, MPH
As we head into the middle of fall, our COVID-19 numbers continue to remain low. We are currently seeing around 6 to 7 new cases per day per 100,000 residents with a test positivity rate around 5%. However, those numbers are somewhat misleading and do not necessarily reflect the current state of the pandemic.
First, as COVID-19 symptoms are less severe than at the beginning of the pandemic, many people are not getting tested, or are not reporting positive cases to the county. Thus, our case rate does not give a full picture of how the virus is circulating in the community. Continue reading
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Andy Coren, MD
We are enjoying some lower COVID numbers and hospitalizations. Mendocino continues to be at low community risk level, even while schools are in full swing. We hope to remain low through the winter, despite the threat BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7 which appear to be increasing on the horizon. State modelers predict an increase in cases and hospitalizations in mid November. Continue reading
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YOU'RE INVITED TO THE CELEBRATION
Break out the holiday RED attire!
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The 2022 Contribution Awards will be presented at the 38th Annual SMLMA Membership Gala on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Vintners Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa. The Gala is shaping up to be a festive evening—including a welcoming champagne reception, delicious multi-course seated dinner, presentations, VIP guests and the annual passing of the SMLMA leadership gavel. In the spirit of collaboration and celebration, please wear your holiday RED to the Gala! Theme parties are the best!
Tickets $110 SMLMA members and guests • $150 nonmembers
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OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY
Paula Dhanda, MD
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL MEDICINE
Paul McAdams, MD
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SCMA
Patricia Hiserote, DO
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OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MLCMS
Jay Joseph, MD
RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT
Kim Eisert
PRACTICE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Robert Laurie
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Healthcare Worker Influenza order |
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Summary: This Order of the Health Officer requires specified direct care workers, and healthcare and congregate care facilities to establish an influenza vaccination program requiring personnel to receive an annual influenza vaccination, subject to medical exemptions and disability and religious accommodation.
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Effective date and duration: This Order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2022 and shall remain in effect until May 31, 2023.
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Medical Board seeking physician reviewers |
The Medical Board of California is expanding its pool of expert reviewers: licensed physicians in a variety of specialties who provide independent, authoritative and unbiased reviews.
Among other requirements, reviewers must possess a CA medical license in good standing, board certification and an active practice of at least 80 hours per month in direct patient care. Reimbursement begins at $150 per hour, with opportunities to increase compensation to $200 per hour.
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The 151st annual session of the California Medical Association's House of Delegates was held Oct. 22-23 in Los Angeles. See the CMA news page for HOD details.
Discussed at HOD were the physician workforce and healthcare reform. As you are well aware, these are topics that will not be resolved in one weekend of debate. Conversations will be ongoing as we grapple with solutions for a long time! Unfortunately, we are unable to report news about how we solved healthcare reform or the physician workforce crisis during our weekend connection.
Attending on behalf of SMLMA were Drs. Brad Drexler, Warren Chin, Patricia May, Matt Olsen, Rich Powers, and SMLMA Executive Director Wendy Davies.
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Dr. Brad Drexler (pictured above) was elected to the CMA Board of Trustees and Dr. Warren Chin was elected to represent District X on the CMA CALPAC Committee.
We appreciate the time and commitment of Drs. Drexler and Chin as they embark on an expanded journey to support and advocate for physicians in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties.
Visit the CMA news page for updates and photographs as they are released.
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Focus on medical advances in cancer care |
Publishers of The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine, in collaboration with the Sonoma Mendocino Lake Medical Association, are currently working on producing the second annual issue of Sonoma Health magazine. The upcoming issue focuses on the latest medical advancements in cancer care, maintaining healthy eye and ear function, headache relief, and much more. All medical content is vetted by a Medical Advisory Board comprised of our local physicians.
Feedback from the first issue indicated this is a magazine that is read from cover to cover, shared with friends and family, and kept for reference at a later time. We ask that you please consider supporting this important publication with your advertising budget—the magazine will be shared with all Press Democrat subscribers and mailed to all practicing physicians in our tri-county service area. The advertising deadline is Nov. 14, 2022.
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Advertising and marketing opportunities:
Contact Sonoma Health Publisher Steve Childs
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ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN NOW UNDERWAY
Health Careers Scholarships
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The HCS program provides funds to local students pursuing a career in medicine. Your donation helps pave the way for the next generation of clinicians, many of whom may choose to stay and practice in Sonoma County. Most of the scholarship recipients come from low-income households and are the first in their family to attend college.
See details on the SCMAAF website. Please donate to support the Health Careers Scholarship fund for Sonoma County students.
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2023 Bay Area Physician Leadership Program |
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The Physician Leadership Program starts in January with an in-person session in Oakland, followed by four 2-hour virtual sessions led by nationally recognized faculty. Attendees earn a Certificate of Completion and up to 24 hours of CME credit. Click here for details, including session topics.
SMLMA will award a scholarship covering the $1,400 program fee (recipient must be an SMLMA member). To apply, send a letter to exec@smlma.org describing your interest and why you want to attend. Applications must be received by Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.
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Financial Health Dinner and Program
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 • 6:00–8:00 p.m.
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Physicians, nurses and medical staff: Please join SMLMA and Business Partner Russell Van Sistine CFP®, Sonoma Wealth Advisers, for yet another great evening that includes a Financial Health dinner and presentation.
November's topic: "Inflation, Market History & Current Market," wherein Russell will share guide you through an interactive discussion on current economic developments that could impact your finances and ongoing financial planning.
Reserve your seat at this popular dinner series today!
NO COST for SMLMA members, their staff and Residents
Seating limited to first 15 reservations.
If you find you are unable to attend, please let us know
so we can give a seat to someone on the waitlist.
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Women in Medicine Networking Reception
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by: Redwood Empire Dermatology
Address: 301 East Street, Healdsburg, CA
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Redwood Empire Dermatology and board certified dermatologists Dr. Susan Amaturo and Dr. Julie Plante invite SMLMA's Women In Medicine for a tour of their Healdsburg office. Enjoy bevies and nibbles, a cosmetic consult if you are so inclined, and special pricing for on-site Botox treatments to make sure you are holiday ready! Dr. Plante offers this Fun Fact: Studies show that botox helps with depression and the effects last well after the botox wears off. Shed the blues and prepare for the holidays one wrinkle at at time!
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Webinar & Dinner*
Management of Gait Disorders in Children
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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SMLMA and Shriners Children's Northern California are pleased to offer this special presentation for all pediatric providers and clinicians. Among other topics, host Dr. Jon Davids, Director of the Motion Analysis Center, will identify childhood gait disorders and describe when a specialist diagnostic workup is indicated. Click flier link for other topics and details.
Please forward the announcement to staff and colleagues who may also be interested—nurses, physical therapists, and other pediatric providers.
*Have dinner on us!
The first 40 SMLMA MEMBERS to register for the webinar will receive a
$50 DINNER COUPON, compliments of Shriners Children's.
Virtual link will be sent upon registration.
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Medical arts workshops to continue in January |
The Medical Arts Project of Sonoma (MAPS) will resume in January 2023.
The FREE monthly workshops led by physicians aim to bolster creative thinking and problem-solving in medical practice.
Pictured right: Participants at the Oct. 27 Watercolor Painting workshop with Dr. Judith Hong.
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SMLMA is pleased to sponsor the Medical Arts workshops as an innovative PHYSICIAN WELLNESS INITIATIVE. This collaboration between Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency is exactly the type of program that the SMLMA leadership seeks to promote and encourage. Medical Arts Workshop sessions are open to all community physicians, residents and faculty of the residency programs.
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UCSF Champion Providers is recruiting for the 2023 Fellowship Program. This is an opportunity for physicians to participate in a two-year fellowship to become local champions working at policy and systems change levels related to obesity and chronic disease prevention. Interested physicians should request a letter from their county health officer confirming the county’s commitment to provide a Champion Provider Fellow.
Information on how to apply to the program is outlined on the UCSF website. Deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. For more information, or to provide the name of a prospective candidate, contact Nancy Ma, Project Manager, at nancy.ma2@ucsf.edu.
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Physician wellness leaders interested in the Bay Area Physician Wellness Collaborative, please visit the ACCMA website to learn more about the project and complete an interest form. Participation is open to those with wellness roles in their organizations. Next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Session will focus on how to build a wellness team within your organization.
Questions may be directed to Joseph Greaves, ACCMA Executive Director, at jgreaves@accma.org or 510-654-5383.
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Dr. Rachel Mayorga, an internist in Healdsburg, is hiring a nurse practitioner for a part-time position caring for adults in Healdsburg. If you know anyone who is interested, please ask them to send a resume to rachelmayorga@gmail.com.
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For more information or to apply for the positions below, contact Kristine Coyle at 707-578-3000 or cvsolutionsllc@gmail.com.
Office Manager for solo surgeon with 2 excellent part-time employees at office established 7 years ago. Hours flexible, depending on applicant’s experience. Majority of work can be done remotely, but ideal for manager to be on site in Ukiah one day per week. Looking for experienced professional who is responsible, compassionate, detail oriented. Insurance-related claims/issues is a key responsibility. EMR and billing already in place. Excellent pay.
Ultrasonographer who would like to do venous mapping of ultrasound studies one day per week in Ukiah. Per diem payment and flexibility in scheduling. Could develop into a full-time position for other peripheral vascular studies if technician is interested.
Medical Assistant for Ukiah vein clinic and vascular surgery office. No previous experience necessary. Must speak Spanish. Lots of room to grow and flexibility with schedule, 8-16 hours per week.
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Thomas W. Reed, MD, passed away in October 2022 at home with his family. Dr. Reed, who retired in 2000, was a general and vascular surgeon for decades in Santa Rosa. His practice partners were David Fraser, MD, Chris Kosakowski, MD, and Loie Sauer, MD. Dr. Reed completed his surgical residency at UCSF and was a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine. He served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Paradise Ridge Winery. Additional information will be published in The Press Democrat.
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NOVEMBER WEBINARS & CME EVENTS |
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California Medical Association
The Future of Primary Care in California
CMA is hosting with California Quality Collaborative (CQC), an arm of the Purchaser Business Group on Health, and Blue Shield to educate physicians about the California Advanced Primary Care Initiative and how it will help them provide higher quality patient care.
The AAFP has reviewed The Future of Primary Care in California and deemed it acceptable for up to 1.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credits.
Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 and Health Implications of Wildfire Smoke
Learn from experts about the short- and long-term health impacts of frequent particulate exposure. In the past two wildfire seasons, scientists have also looked at the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on patients with COVID-19 infections.
CMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.
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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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Welcome to our newest SMLMA members!
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Welcome to the individual physicians listed below as well as the six new Resident Physicians starting at the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency program. We look forward to supporting you.
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Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
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Group Purchasing program for independent practices:
Up to 20% savings on vaccines and practice supplies
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CAP is making its member-exclusive group purchasing program available to all California independent practices. Save up to 20% on routine vaccines, clinical and office supplies, diagnostic equipment, pharmaceuticals, and more. CAP’s FREE group purchasing program delivers $27 billion in purchasing power, giving you access to the same volume pricing on critical supplies as the nation’s largest health systems, with no strings attached. In most cases, you don’t have to change how you order from your current suppliers.
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To learn more about CAP's coverage options:
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