April 17, 2025

CCMS Mission:

Serve the needs of our physician members so they can better serve the needs of the community

In this Issue

News Briefs, Member Notices, Events, Member Spotlights, CCMS 2025 Physician of the Year Announcement

News Briefs

Three Health Care Headlines You Need to Know from Tallahassee: Sixth Week of Legislative Session: “Every week, Fraser Cobbe and Joe Daraskevich break down the three most important healthcare headlines coming out of Tallahassee in a concise and insightful podcast. This resource ensures you stay up to date on key legislative developments affecting physicians and patients.” - Cobbe Consulting & Management

CCMS Empowers Community at Successful Women’s Health Forum: “CCMS and the Foundation of CCMS were pleased to host the 16th Annual Women’s Health Forum, “Take Control of Your Health and Wellness.” - CCMS

Recent Florida laws face undoing in legislative session U-turn this year: “Just a year ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Live Healthy Act into law (…). Now, the House’s proposed spending plan that passed through its Budget Committee on Wednesday (4/2) removes much of that funding." - USA Today

US measles cases surpass 700 with outbreaks in six states. Here’s what to know: “(…) Last week, U.S. measles cases topped 700 as Indiana joined five others states with active outbreaks.” - AP News

Just Released: The CCMSA Connection April Newsletter: "Stay updated on their latest events, member highlights, and community initiatives." - CCMSA

Member Notices

Win The Ultimate Disney Experience and Support the Foundation of CCMS

Enter to Win the Ultimate Disney Experience Sweepstakes!

Support the Foundation of CCMS for the opportunity to win 5 Tickets for the Ultimate Disney Vacation. (Be sure to select "Foundation of Collier County Medical Society" from the list of charities on the Tix for Good page).

Event: August 21–26, 2025

Enter By: 11:59pm July 4, 2025

Winner Selected: 10:00am July 7, 2025

Enter Now

CCMS Physician Members: Workforce Housing Support Available

Many CCMS members have shared that housing is a barrier to hiring staff for their practices. These resources from Collier County can help connect potential homebuyers/renters to area housing, secure assistance with loans, and more. This brochure contains contact information to get you started.

Collier County Resources >

Learn More >

View SHIP Program Brochure >

Calling all Physicians with Talent!

This year’s Physician Community Talent Show is officially set for Sunday, November 16th at the Sugden Community Theater in downtown Naples, Reception 3:30 - 5:00 pm and Performance 5 - 7 pm. This year, we are proud to support the Foundation of CCMS and Cancer Alliance Network (CAN) as our beneficiaries. To volunteer as a performer, fundraiser, or event staff, please contact Dr. Rebecca Smith and/or Dr. Erik Hiester.

Volunteer Opportunities with the Foundation of CCMS

Know anyone looking for non-profit or healthcare-related volunteer opportunities this spring or summer? We are always accepting volunteer administrative/office support. Volunteer hours can count for Bright Futures scholarship requirements. Please call (239) 435-7727 or message us.

Contact FCCMS >

CCMS Members: Request for Resolutions for FMA Annual Meeting

The Florida Medical Association 2025 Annual Meeting is July 25-27 in Orlando. Business is introduced into the House of Delegates through the presentation of resolutions.

To submit resolution proposals to the CCMS board for county sponsorship, follow the example and email your resolution to CCMS by Wednesday, May 7th. For tips on writing a resolution, refer to pages 5-8 of the Procedures of the House of Delegates.

More Info. >

CCMS Physician Directory Deadlines Approaching

Advertising space is still available for the 2025-26 CCMS Physician Directory. Return your order form by May 12th to reserve an ad and reach your healthcare audience and members of the public across SWFL.

Practicing CCMS members receive a complimentary practice listing in the Directory. To update your listing and/or photo, email CCMS by May 30th. Members can verify their current information on file at ccmsonline.org/find-a-doctor.

Deadline Tomorrow: Help Shape Community Healthcare: Take the Survey!

The FL DOH in Collier County and local partners are conducting a community health survey to identify gaps in services and improve access to care. Survey data directly influences the development of programs and resources to better meet the needs of our community. Deadline: Tomorrow, Friday, April 18.

Please share—more responses mean better results!

Take Survey (English) >

Take Survey (Spanish) >

Take Survey (Creole) >

Physician Wellness Program

Article of the week: "The 10-Minute Weekly Habit That Supercharges Physician Leadership"

Join a CCMS Fitness/Wellness Group to stay active and connect with colleagues! Whether you're into tennis, cycling, kayaking, or weekend dining, there’s already interest—or you can explore options like running, fishing, and discussion groups. Email CCMS to sign up!

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person) are open to all CCMS physician members. The PWP member-only appointment line is (239) 208-3984.

Learn more / Schedule a session >

Upcoming Events*

Spring General Membership Meeting

Wed., April 23, 6:00PM, Physicians Regional Pine Ridge

The agenda features a reception followed by CCMS updates and an educational presentation on "Advancing Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery in Collier County". Complimentary for CCMS physician members and one guest each.

*South Florida Women Physicians Retreat: "Nurturing Wellness for Women Physicians: Career, Family, and Fertility Conference"

May 2-3, Hyatt House Naples

The event begins with a Welcome Reception on Fri., May 2 and continues on Sat., May 3 with presentations from colleagues, group discussions, lunch, and an evening reception. $25 for medical students & residents, $50 for physicians members of CCMS & participating medical societies, $100 for non-member physicians.

*Update: CCMS Women Physician Members who cannot attend Sat.'s presentations can register to join the Fri. Welcome Reception at no cost, a great opportunity to help welcome visiting colleagues from around the state to Naples. Register online.

CCMS & LCMS After 5 Social

Fri., May 9, 6:00PM, Florida Cancer Specialists

Network with your colleagues from Collier and Lee Counties while enjoying refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Free for CCMS/LCMS physician members & prospective members, and one guest each. Co-hosted by Florida Cancer Specialists.

*Save the Date for more CCMS Events: June 14 - CCMS Annual Meeting | Sep. 27 – FCCMS Docs & Duffers

Partner Events

Click here for information on CME courses online

NCH Grand Rounds (Topics Vary) | In-person or Livestream

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30AM, NCH Lutgert East (733 4th Ave N) 2nd Floor Auditorium

To livestream, contact CME office at (239) 624-2795. 1 CME Credit each. Complimentary to all physicians. No RSVP required. April Grand Rounds

Jaffe Sports Medicine Open House

Wed. April 30, 5:00PM, Jaffe Sports Medicine

Join them for an open house to welcome Dr. Ajai Nemani to their expert interventional pain management team. RSVP by 4/23 by email or text (239) 464-7707.

More Info.>

Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference

May 15-16, 11:00AM-7:30PM, A live CME event via webinar

Limited waivers of virtual conference fee available for physicians who have not attended a prior Neuroimmune Foundation event.

Request a Fee Waiver >

2025 FMA Annual Meeting & CME Mandatories

July 24-27, Hyatt Regency Orlando, (available online live or in-person)

CME sessions to help maintain FL license & address key issues that affect FL-licensed physicians. FMA members save up to $700 on CME. 13 CME Credits.

More Info. >

*CCMS Member Spotlights

Email your news to CCMS to be included in the next issue

*Editor’s note: Correction on 4/3 Elert - Dr. Marc Laufe’s practice name also changed to Precision Healthcare Specialists.

Drs. Santiago Chahwan and Alvaro Zamora were featured in the Gulfshore Business article NCH Rooney Heart Institute performs thoracic branch endoprosthesis procedure.

Dr. Kristen Dimas was featured in the Life in Naples article The Immokalee Foundation’s CEO Leadership Summit Shines a Light on Southwest Florida’s Economic Future. (Online pg. #64 & Magazine pg.#65)

Dr. Svetlana Kogan penned the Life in Naples article The Truth About Supplements: How Functional Medicine Takes the Guesswork Out of Your Health. (Online & Magazine pg.#32)

Dr. Jonas Mansson was featured in the WINK News story The benefits of robotic surgery.

CCMS names Dr. Rolando Rivera Physician of the Year

CCMS is pleased to announce that Rolando Rivera, M.D. is the recipient of the 11th Annual CCMS Physician of the Year Award. This award honors a CCMS member who deserves special recognition for exemplary contributions to the practice of medicine and/or outstanding service to our community. Members of the Medical Society submitted nominations for the award to the CCMS Board of Directors, who this year selected Dr. Rivera, as nominated by Dr. Rebekah Bernard.

Dr. Rivera will accept the award by video at the CCMS 68th Annual Meeting & Installation of Officers on June 14th, Arthrex One Conference Center. Interested attendees can register for the event online or call (239) 435-7727. Sponsorships are also available, please contact CCMS for details. The event is open to the public.

“I have referred him patients for over 15 years and have seen firsthand the exceptional care and compassion he provides,” commented Dr. Bernard in her nomination. “And I’ve been personally inspired by his leadership and dedication to our community.”

Classified Ads

Medical Space Available: Seeking Independent physicians to utilize an established medical practice with locations in Naples and Estero, FL. We have available days for you to see patients in your specialty, offering a supportive environment to grow your practice while serving our community effectively. Flexible scheduling and resources provided. Contact Jared Vandersluis, (417) 693-2303.

Medical office condo for sale in the Edgemont Office Park between Costco and Home Depot. 1,560 square feet. Drive in and park at your front door. New concrete tile roof in 2021. Plenty of windows for natural light and lake view. Call Patty McClimans SVN Commercial Partners (239) 293-4285.

ENT/Allergy and Hearing Care Practice is searching for a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Prefer experienced in Otolaryngology or Primary Care. This is a full time position working 4/10 days with Fridays off. No weekends or call. Send resume to Melissa@drmarkmontgomery.com. For more details, visit their website at www.drmarkmontgomery.com.

Continuum Surgery Centers is inviting surgeons of multi-specialties to credential and join our team in Naples. Expected opening is Spring 2025 with 4 operating rooms & 1 procedure room. We would like to schedule some time to discuss the opportunities to credential and be an equity partner in the ASC. Please contact Marisa at (561) 789-8435.

Bonita Springs, FL Medical spa for sale. Successful medspa opened in 2008, owner has practiced in area since 2002. Owner willing to stay during transition. Contact CCMS for more info.