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June 25, 2026

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CCMS Mission:

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

Apex Brain & Spine

In this Issue



News Briefs, Member Notices, Events, Member Spotlights, CCMS Installs new President and Board of Directors

LTCI Marketplace

News Briefs

Florida Attorney General Subpoenas CVS Health, Caremark Over Alleged Anticompetitive Practices: “Florida State Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into CVS Health Corporation and its pharmacy benefit manager, Caremark, over allegations that the company’s business practices may be hurting Florida families, seniors, and independent pharmacies.” - Florida Daily


Largest Medicaid pediatric provider sues DeSantis administration over pay rates: “Florida’s largest Medicaid pediatric healthcare provider is suing the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, alleging it erred when Medicaid officials adjusted the rates the state pays to managed care plans to include the costs of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and special needs.” - Florida Phoenix


As AI Listens to Patients, Physicians Face New Questions: “(…) It works in the background, activated when it receives an external cue, such as when someone speaks. Clinicians and large health systems are quickly embracing a host of competing ambient intelligence applications to “invisibly” record conversations during a patient visit.” - Medscape


JAMA Journal Publishes COVID Vaccine Study Squelched by CDC Leader: “(…) The case-control study showed that the estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) rate during the 2025-2026 COVID season's first 4 months was 50% (95% CI 42-57) against COVID-associated emergency department (ED) and urgent care visits and 55% (95% CI 41-66) against COVID-associated hospitalizations among adults, (...).” - MedPage Today

MarkhamNorton

Member Notices

DGPerry

CCMS Welcomes New Circle of Friends Vendor: DGPerry


DGPerry is a certified public accounting firm that partners with healthcare organizations with strategic accounting, tax, compliance, and advisory services, helping medical practices grow, remain compliant and focus on patient care.


CCMS members receive: Practice Profit Diagnostic ($1,500 value) including a review of tax planning, entity structure, compensation strategy, retirement-plan opportunities, deductions, and quarterly estimate exposure. And Physician Tax Savings - $500 implementation credit toward first-year tax planning, accounting, or advisory services.


Contact: Joseph M. Smith, CPA, MT, Partner

Business Type: Accounting Firm

Phone: (239) 262-2279 Web: dgperry.com

SHIP

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 >

CCMS Physician Wellness Graphic

CCMS Physician Wellness Program (PWP)



Article of the week: "Mid-career physicians report higher burnout rates"


Join a CCMS Fitness/Wellness Group: 
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!


Request CCMS PWP counseling & coaching session: Confidential, cost-free support available to all CCMS physician members via telehealth or in-person visits. Members can schedule appointments by calling the PWP member-only line at (239) 208-3984, or by using the new secure online request form. When completing the field “I am using benefits from my Physician/Attorney Wellness Program”, select "Collier County Medical Society" and choose self-pay.


Learn more >

Request Appointment Online >

Foundation of CCMS News

Disney World Sweepstakes

ENTRY DEADLINE APPROACHING: Enter to Win a Disney VIP Trip & Support the Foundation of CCMS!


Support the Foundation of CCMS for the opportunity to win a 5 Night Stay for 5 Guests in VIP Accommodations at the Disney Park/Cruise of Your Choice! (Be sure to select "Foundation of Collier County Medical Society" from the list of charities on the Tix for Good page).


Win a 5 Night Stay for 5 Guests in VIP Accommodations at the Disney Park/Cruise of Your Choice

Event: 2026

Enter By: July 5, 11:59 pm

Winner Announced: July 6

Kathy Lampl Bernard

APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING: Foundation of CCMS Launches "Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship"


Applications are now open for the new "Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship," endowed by Dr. Rebecca Bernard in honor of her mother, Kathy Lampl Bernard, through the FCCMS. The scholarship supports Florida residents who are aspiring beside nurses and recognizes Kathy Lampl Bernard’s legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to the community. Applications accepted through June 30.


Learn more >

Apply for scholarship >

Upcoming Events*

After 5 Social

CCMS After 5 Social July 23

Thurs., July 23, 6:00PM, Florida Oncology & Hematology – Collier Blvd. Location

Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues and friends. Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each.


Register >

After 5 Social

CCMS After 5 Social Aug. 6

Thurs., Aug. 6, 5:30PM, HSS at NCH

Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues and friends. Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each.


Register >

Save the Date for more CCMS Events: Aug. 13 – CCMS Lecture at the Ballpark | Sept. 17 – CCMS Women Physicians Fall Social | Sept. 26 – Foundation of CCMS Docs & Duffers Charity Golf | Oct. 8 – CCMS After 5 Social | Oct. 24 – CCMS Family Night Out - FC Naples Soccer | Nov. 5 – CCMS Fall General Membership Meeting | Nov. 19 – CCMS New Members Welcome Reception | Dec. 3 – CCMS After 5 Social


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. July Grand Rounds

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Rebekah Bernard, MD
Dr. Rolando Rivera

Drs. Rebekah Bernard and Rolando Rivera were featured in the Florida Weekly article Nursing scholarship applications encouraged.

 Thomas G Caranasos, MD
Robert Cubeddu MD
Robert Pascotto MD

Drs. Tommy Caranasos, Robert Cubeddu and Robert Pascotto were featured in the Florida Weekly article NCH Heart Institute among first to provide special heart procedure.

Dr. Alaa Almallouhi

Dr. Alaa Almallouhi was featured in the Medscape article Continued Insulin Pump Use in the Hospital Improves Outcomes.

CCMS Installs 69th President and New Board of Directors

Glenn Groat MD

CCMS is pleased to announce the installation of its 2026-2027 board president and directors. Dr. Glenn Groat began his one-year term as the 69th CCMS board president at the Medical Society’s 2026 Annual Meeting, June 20th at Arthrex One Conference Center. Dr. Lisa Cosgrove, Florida Medical Association past president, administered the oath of office, and Dr. Jose Baez, outgoing CCMS board president, presented the ceremonial president’s gavel. The event also featured Dr. Bobby

Mukkamala, immediate past president of the American Medical Association, as a guest speaker.


“As President of CCMS, my goal is to strengthen our Society’s role as a source of connection, advocacy, and support for every physician in Collier County, said Dr. Groat. “Regardless of specialty, practice setting, or career stage, we are united by a common mission: providing the highest quality care to our patients and improving the health of our community.”


Read More >

Classified Ads

To place a classified ad: CCMS members and Circle of Friends vendors - FREE up to 75 words (limit 4 consecutive issues). General public - $1 per word, 50-word minimum/75-word maximum, per issue. Email us to reserve your space.

HIRING: Vascular Center of Naples: Seasoned ARNP or PA. Surgical & Procedural: First Assist in our specialized Lab. Clinical Excellence: Manage established patients in office setting, conducting thorough evaluations and interpreting vascular ultrasound to guide critical care decisions. Experience: Proven clinical with either Vascular, Urology or Cardiology preferred. Values: Dependable, honest, hardworking and “patient-first” mindset. Commitment: Strong desire to learn and refine your vascular skills. Mon–Fri: Competitive salary based on clinical and surgical exp. Call Amy or Dr. Becker at 239-431-5884 for more details.

Medical Office Building for Lease: 3,520 SF medical office building at 9160 Galleria court, Naples, FL 34109. Features include two entrances, three private doctor/admin offices, large front office, two waiting rooms, six exam rooms, nurse's station, three restrooms, X-ray view box, server and tech equipment area, storage and medication rooms, utility areas, and a kitchen with a large screened patio, lockers, and storage. For details or questions, email Dr. Badra at dinabadramd@gmail.com or call (239) 249-1694. More Info.

CCMS Circle of Friends Preferred Vendors

Featuring benefits for CCMS members Learn more

Integris Assurance Company

Lake Michigan Credit Union

MarkhamNorton

Attorney Linda Minck

Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy

DGPerry

HUB International

JD Private Wealth Advisors

LTCi Marketplace

Meridian Financial Group

Network Minds

Porter Wright

Regions Bank

Slepcevich Financial Group

Stickboy

Summit Broadband

Wintrust

Additional Member Benefits

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