COVID hospitalizations in Lee and Collier counties remain high: “The NCH Healthcare System, the dominant hospital system in Collier County, reported 209 COVID-19 patients Wednesday (9/1) afternoon, the same number as Tuesday (8/31). Physicians Regional Healthcare System, also in Collier, reported having 111 patients being treated for the virus on Wednesday (...).” - Naples Daily News

Judge throws out Gov. Ron DeSantis' ban on mandatory masks in Florida schools: “Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on mandatory masks at schools was thrown out Friday (8/27) by a Tallahassee judge who ruled that the governor overreached his authority, misinterpreted state law and ignored scientific evidence in issuing his order.” - Herald-Tribune

100,000 more COVID deaths seen unless US changes its ways: “The U.S. is projected to see nearly 100,000 more COVID-19 deaths between now and Dec. 1, according to the nation’s most closely watched forecasting model. But health experts say that toll could be cut in half if nearly everyone wore a mask in public spaces.” - AP News

U.S. Hospitals Are Running Out Of A Crucial Covid Drug Amid Delta Surge And Worldwide Shortages: “The (WHO) put pressure on Swiss drugmaker Roche to share the technology and know-how needed for others to produce its arthritis drug tocilizumab—one of the only treatments cleared for use in Covid-19 patients—on Wednesday (8/18) after it warned of global shortages amid soaring hospitalizations caused by the delta variant.” - Forbes

In the Know: Naples-Marco Island area plummets from top to No. 43 on Community Well-Being Index: “The Naples-Marco Island metropolitan area has dominated the Community Well-Being Index in the past, at one point garnering No. 1 four years in a row. (In this year's survey,) Collier plummeted to No. 43, (...).” - Naples Daily News

Southern Covid-19 Spike Leaves Some States With Just Hours Of Oxygen: “Surging Covid-19 hospitalizations in the southeastern U.S. have caused oxygen shortages so bad that some states have less than a day’s worth for patients (...).” - Forbes

Collier County parents to push for stricter COVID-19 protocols: “On Monday (8/30), The School District of Lee County announced it would be mandating masks across the district without an opt-out option. Now, parents in Collier County are wondering, some even hoping, if based on the district’s COVID-19 dashboard figures the same will happen there.” - WINK News

Why ivermectin should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19: “The (CDC) has issued a health advisory warning physicians and the public about the rise in prescriptions for the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin for use in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.” - AMA

Pfizer, J&J report strong antibody response from booster shots; heart swelling more likely from COVID than vaccine: “Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson are reporting enhanced disease-fighting response from booster shots, an encouraging development in light of vaccines' diminished effectiveness over time as the delta variant of the coronavirus has turbocharged a fourth wave of infections in the U.S.” - USA Today

- Statement on School Safety from Dr. Alejandro Perez-Trepichio, CCMS Board President

- CDC's latest mask guidance: An explainer for your patients

- COVID Safety Graphics for Download

- Statement from Dr. Alejandro Perez-Trepichio, CCMS Board President

- CDC COVID Data Tracker

- State Government Press Conferences on COVID

- NCH COVID Updates (right-hand column of page)

- COVID-19 Guidelines, Variants, Vaccines FAQs

- Weekly Florida COVID Report

- COVID Testing Site Locator

- Pediatric Physicians COVID PSA | Spanish

- Partial List of Vaccine Appointment Resources

- Vaccine Flyers for Physician Offices: English | Spanish | Creole

- Florida DOH COVID-19 vaccine provider page

- CDC Vaccine FAQ

- Webinar: What Physicians Need to Know: Vaccine misinformation

- Obtaining COVID-19 Vaccination Records

- Employer Mandated Vaccinations, Sample Policy and Procedures Form

- Updates Regarding the Direct Order and Reporting Process for Monoclonal Antibodies

- NCH outpatient for monoclonal antibodies: More Information | Updated Order Set | Pediatric Packet (Providers who do not have NCH ordering privileges contact (239) 624-0940 for a telemedicine patient evaluation and receive patient orders.)

- What's new | COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines (nih.gov)

- Find Monoclonal Antibody Sites

- Lee Health Monoclonal Orders

More updates and resources available online

Invitation to join CCMS Committees: Membership in CCMS committees is open to all CCMS physician members. If you are interested in serving on any CCMS committees, including the new CCMS ad hoc Committee on Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion, please contact April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director / (239) 435-7727.

CCMS Physician Member Survey Results: View our updated responses on member physicians who are accepting new patients to help with your referral needs. Member physician who would like to be included, be sure to complete the CCMS Member Survey to help us better connect with CCMS members, and connect members with each other. The survey also offers to collect and share member cell phones with each other for those who provide permission solely for this purpose. To request a list of members who’ve given permission, contact CCMS.

Physician Wellness Article of the week: "The Patient's Problem List is NOT a List of Problems - Physician Burnout is Not A Problem Either"

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person during the COVID-19 outbreak) are open to all CCMS physician members. *Update: CCMS is extending the offer of sessions to non-member physicians during the pandemic. Learn more online.

2021 RCC Cards: CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2021 RCC Card, which provides discounts at restaurants and merchants. Order a card at ccmsonline.org/membership or call CCMS, (239) 435-7727. Cards will be mailed to the office address on file unless otherwise specified.

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

TODAY, Thurs., Sept. 2, 7:00PM

Hosted by one of the CCMS Annual Meeting sponsors, Prudent Financial Planning. Topics include differences between refinancing and consolidating, determining the value of your medical practice, and loan forgiveness qualification. Register

Sat., Oct. 16, 8:30AM, White Mass at St. Agnes Church

Features keynote speaker Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH, panel discussion with the Presidents of the 3 largest hospital systems in the region, and a blessing of the stethoscopes. Includes breakfast and 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Cost: $50 | More Information | Register

This panel-based CME activity shares timely and relevant information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how Florida has and continues to be affected. This course will provide a forward-looking picture of shifting health policy and clinical adaptations being made to get patients back on track to better health. 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Cost: Non-Member Price $250 / Member Price $125 | Register

Calling all golfers and/or auction bidders! Help us raise money to benefit scholarships for future medical professionals and funds for local healthcare programs in need. Your generosity and assistance is what keeps our Foundation thriving. We provided $32,500 in scholarship awards this year alone! We hope you will participate and help sustain our efforts for years to come.

A few golfing spots are still available at the Foundation of CCMS “Docs & Duffers” charity golf tournament on Sept. 18th! Register online as an individual golfer or a foursome, or email us / call (239) 435-7727 for more details. Safety protocols will be in effect.

We are also holding an online auction starting Thurs., Sept. 23rd at 9:00AM and ending Mon., Sept. 27th at 9:15AM. If you or someone you know would like to donate an item or service to the auction, please click here to provide the information or download and complete/return our prize donation form. You can also email us or call (239) 435-7727 by Sept. 21st with a description of the item, its value, a photo(s), and the quantity donated if more than one. Please forward this information to anyone you know who may be interested in helping!

You can view our auction at YourCharityAuction.com/ccms, and save the date for Sept. 23rd when bidding opens (stay tuned for more details). Thank you for your support!

Physician Assistant Student Seeking Internal Medicine Preceptor: In need of an internal medicine preceptor (MD, DO, PA, NP) who is willing to precept for one month. Available months are October-December. If interested, please contact Samantha Isabella at (239) 285-6706.

Board-certified anesthesiologist/pain medicine specialist interested in office space share. Physician with pain medicine/addiction treatment practice in Washington, D.C. looking to open office in Naples area and share space with another physician. More information at dcpaindoc.com. If interested, contact John Dombrowski M.D. FASA at (202) 345-1784.

Busy physician office in North Naples is seeking medical assistant who is highly skilled, motivated and experience is a plus. This is a fast paced, growing practice and candidates must be self-starter, multi-tasked and highly motivated. Please call Jennifer at (239) 591-2803.

Medical Graduate Seeking Externship/Observership: Dr. Tareefe Montaque, medical graduate from the University of The West Indies and Post Graduate Medical Studies candidate for a US Surgical Residency Program, is looking to secure an externship/observership in SWFL to prepare for the 2023 Match. More information & contact details.

Neighborhood Health Clinic is seeking a Part Time Database Assistant to join the Development team as an integral internal representative, working with the donor base, fundraising objectives, donor and volunteer relationships, and independent projects. Contact CDO Keith Maples at (239) 529-2264.

Naples pediatric practice seeking NP or PA for 3 to 5 days a week. Please contact CCMS if interested.

Seeking physician offices who can welcome a high school student for career learning opportunities such as shadowing, scribing, lab work, etc. If interested, please contact CCMS.