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IN THIS ISSUE

Features

Physician authors sought for Sonoma Health magazine


Mini grants for SMLMA member-led events


Delegates still needed for HOD



Other highlights

Residents Corner with Sutter Health


July webinars & presentations

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SMLMA EVENTS

Cognitive Health

Assessment Training

Wednesday, July 17

12:00–1:00 pm | ZOOM

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COMING SOON

NEW! Northern California

Healthcare Symposium

SAVE THE DATE

Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

Santa Rosa, California

Wendy Davies, Executive Director

I hope this message finds you enjoying a terrific summer filled with relaxation and rejuvenation.


As we look ahead to important legislative matters, I want to share some updates from the California Medical Association (CMA) in anticipation of our upcoming 153rd Annual Session of the House of Delegates meeting, scheduled for October in Sacramento.


The CMA Board of Trustees (SMLMA is represented by Brad Drexler, MD, from Healdsburg) met on June 24 to discuss the many topics presented by the various districts (we are in District X) and to decide on the '"major topics" that will be voted on during the October HOD meeting. At the forefront of our agenda are several key priorities that directly impact the medical community across California. These include:


Advocacy for Improved Healthcare Access: Addressing barriers to care and advocating for policies that enhance patient access to quality healthcare services statewide.

Physician Well-Being Initiatives: Supporting initiatives to promote physician well-being, combat burnout, and improve the overall work environment for healthcare professionals.

Telehealth Expansion: Continuing our efforts to expand telehealth services and ensure equitable access for all patients, particularly in underserved communities.

Health Equity and Diversity: Promoting diversity in the healthcare workforce and addressing health disparities through targeted policy initiatives. Continue reading

CMA Mid-Year Legislative Update

NEWS AND SMLMA EVENTS

PUBLISHING OCTOBER 2024

Magazine seeks 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. If you would like to suggest a topic or write an article, email editor-in-chief Alexandra Russell at alexandrarussell@sonic.net. For advertising and marketing opportunities, contact publisher Steve Childs at steve.childs@sonomamag.com.


A robust Medical Advisory Board, primarily comprised of SMLMA-member physicians, will vet all medical content. Contact Alexandra Russell to inquire about serving on the board.

 

SMLMA sends complimentary copies of Sonoma Health to all physicians in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties. SMLMA members also receive bimonthly Sonoma Magazine. If you haven't been receiving the magazines, please contact Rachel Pandolfi at 707-525-4375 or rachel@smlma.org. To view a previous issue, visit issuu.com.

Mini grants for SMLMA member-led events

SMLMA is now 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.


Member-led 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. Organize a gathering and apply for funds to help pay expenses!

Apply for mini grant now

BIMONTHLY FEATURE

Residents Corner with Sutter Health

SMLMA is pleased to present RESIDENTS CORNER, a newsletter section that shares articles* written by Residents in local Family Medicine Residency programs. Our July spotlight is on Sutter Health.


Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency. Founded in 1969, our program is guided by equity and empathy and grounded in relationship and community. The program trains full-spectrum family physicians who provide exceptional patient care and advocate for social justice. For more information, visit the SRFMR website.


Click on the title to read or download the article*.

A Lotus Birth Delivery  

Briga Mullin, MD, MSc PGY3, reflects on her experience assisting with a Lotus birth.

*Article has been reviewed by Sutter program faculty and is intended as informational only. Publication of an article does not represent endorsement or approval by the Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake Medical Association.

SPONSORED BY ALZEIMER'S ASSOCIATION WITH UCSF & HCS

Cognitive health assessment training

The Cognitive Health Assessment (CHA) is a dementia screening approach intended to be used with older adult patients whenever a cognitive screen is indicated. This FREE CME/CEU training is geared for SMLMA practice managers and office staff, but all are welcome to attend. See flier for details and register below.

Wednesday, July 17 • 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

REGISTER HERE for Zoom session

SMLMA physicians still needed for HOD

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. We are seeking 5 delegate representatives and 5 alternates to fill remaining critical seats for SMLMA!


Qualifications: (1) SMLMA physician members who are passionate about advancing the practice of medicine, and (2) willingness to participate in four virtual delegate sessions per year and travel to HOD in October and Leg Day in April. To apply, submit a brief explanation of your interest in healthcare advocacy to Executive Director Wendy Davies at exec@smlma.org. Questions? Call 707-620-0808.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

EVENTS AND CME WORKSHOPS


On July 11–12, 2024, PHC is hosting its second Health Equity Leadership Summit at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. This is an opportunity for physicians, executives, advocates and allies to find community, engage in hands-on trainings and workshops, and hold in-depth conversations about how they are addressing the issue of health equity in California with their care of underserved communities throughout the state.



DONATIONS NEEDED

Blood donors are critically needed in July. Non-profit blood services provider Vitalant is urging all eligible donors to schedule a blood donation for July. Blood donations the week surrounding the Fourth of July are typically among the lowest of the summer season. See press release and list of July locations for community blood drives in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties.

IN THE NEWS

Kudos to retired SMLMA member Dr. Loie Sauer! Every year each of the nine Bay Area counties names a Bike Champion of the Year. The 2024 Sonoma County honoree is Santa Rosa physician Loie Sauer. Dr. Sauer saved the life of biker who experienced cardiac arrest while on a ride in 2023. She also provides volunteer medical aid to Velomed and the Santa Rosa Cycling Club. Read more on the Bicycle Coalition's website.

JULY WEBINARS AND PRESENTATIONS

California Medical Association

Virtual Grand Rounds: Gender-Affirming Care

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE


Workplace Violence Prevention in Ambulatory Care Settings

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

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.


Demystifying Integrative Oncology

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE


Losing Sleep: Insomnia Strategies for Older Adults

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE


Benign Breast Disease

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

SHVGR on-demand library

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

COOPERATIVE OF AMERICAN PHYSICIANS

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*Exclusions Apply.

To learn about becoming a CAP member:

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