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January 8, 2026

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CCMS Mission:

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

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In this Issue



News Briefs, Member Notices, Events, Member Spotlights, CCMS Physician Awards - Request for Nominations

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News Briefs

Patients caught in growing conflict between hospitals and health insurers: “Increasingly, patients are caught in the middle as insurer breakups with health providers are becoming more frequent.” - Naples Daily News


Yvette Benarroch files bill to fight the physician shortage: “Rep. Yvette Benarroch filed a bill seeking to help combat the physician shortage by setting a new way for some medical professionals to get the necessary credentials.” - Florida Politics


Flu Cases Rise Across US as Holiday Travel Fuels Spread: “Flu cases are climbing across the U.S. amid holiday travel and gatherings, with infections rising faster than in previous years, according to latest ‌data from the (CDC).” - Medscape


Here’s what to know about the unprecedented changes to child vaccine recommendations: “U.S. health officials made broad changes to childhood vaccine recommendations Monday (1/5), alarming pediatricians and other medical experts who say they will sow confusion and undermine children’s health.” - AP

PROTON

Member Notices

Seeking Sign Language Primary Care Physician:


Seeking a primary care physician for an elderly deaf patient who communicates using sign language. If you or a staff member is proficient, please email us at info@ccmsonline.org.

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Stay Informed with CCMS Member Text Alerts


Members, receive timely text messages with CCMS and Foundation of CCMS event updates and important notices regarding your CCMS membership. Text “Join” along with your email to (239) 610-4796. Messages are sent occasionally.


Sign Up for Text Messages >

Department of Health Collier County

Licensure Update: New Background Screening Requirements Now Apply to All Physicians


While many Florida-licensed physicians have previously submitted to the state’s background screening requirements when applying for initial licensure, physicians licensed prior to January 2013 were exempt from this process. Effective July 1, 2025, HB 975 (2024) removes this exception and requires all physicians to complete electronic fingerprinting prior to their next license renewal.


Read More >

RCC Card

2026 RCC Cards


CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2026 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.


Order a 2026 RCC Card >

Invitation to join CCMS Committees

Invitation to join CCMS Committees


Committee membership is open to all CCMS members. Most committee meetings are virtual and take place in the evenings a few times each year. Highlighted opportunities include CCMS Health Disparities Ad-Hoc Committee, Legislative, Membership, Programs, Women's Health Forum, and Wellness committees. Committee business may also be discussed via email. If you are interested in serving, contact April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director.


Review CCMS Committees >

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Physician Wellness Program



Article of the week: “These physicians are most at risk for social isolation”


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*

After 5 Social

CCMS After 5 Social

TODAY, Thurs. Jan. 8, 6:00PM, Florida Oncology & Hematology


Join CCMS at Florida Oncology & Hematology, where they are thrilled to showcase their new facility! Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues and friends. Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each.


Register >

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CCMS Great Wolf Lodge Family Day

Sat. Feb. 7, 10:00AM, Great Wolf Lodge Naples


Join CCMS for a day of fun with your family and friends. Bundle Day Pass Admission is $60/person and includes a full day access to waterpark available from 10am-8pm, plus unlimited climbs on ropes course, adventure trail, mini golfing, mini bowling, lunch, and parking. Open to CCMS members and their guests; children welcomed. Register by 12pm, Feb. 3. Presenting sponsor Inspire Oncology.



Register >

After 5 Social

CCMS After 5 Social

POSTPONED - NEW DATE PENDING

Thurs. Feb. 27, 6:00PM, Blue Martini


STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE. Join us for a CCMS After 5 Social sponsored by Family Foot & Leg Center. Network with colleagues while enjoying refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each.

Save the Date for more CCMS Events: March 12, 2026 - CCMS After 5 Social | March 28, 2026 - CCMS Everblades Family Outing | Apr. 11, 2026 – Women’s Health Forum | June 20 - CCMS Annual Meeting & Installation



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. January Grand Rounds


Webinar Recording: One Big Beautiful Bill Act - The impact on physicians and patients

What do physicians need to know and how they can help their patients navigate these changes?

View webinar >


Lee County Medical Society CME weekend

TODAY - VIRTUAL: Jan. 8-9 | LIVE: Jan.10, Doubletree at Bell Tower, Fort Myers

Open to MDs, DOs, ARNPs, NPs & PAs. Cost: $100/day, $250/all 3 days, $25/virtual dates recordings (does not qualify for CE credits).

More Info. >

Register >


Save the Date: Around the World Dinner Fundraiser

Sat., Feb. 14 | Location to be Announced

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a global tasting experience as CCMSA members share their favorite cultural cuisines, both homemade and catered. Interested in sharing a dish or hosting? Email or call (773) 610-8571. Sponsorship opportunities also available. Stay tuned for more details!

More Info. >


The White Coat Safe Space Physician Wellness Retreat & CME

Feb. 19-22, Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach, FL

This curated physician only CME personal and professional development retreat provides ample time for stillness, peace, purposeful movement, keynotes, community, mindfulness, and motivation. Cost $1,997 with Registration Code “Ambassador”.

Register >

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

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Congratulations to Drs. Susan Cera, Michael Collins, Steven Goldberg, David Greschler, James Guerra, H Ross Harris, Leon Mead, Prathima Moorthy, Philip Regala, Gregory Rubin, Brian Solomon, Anthony Vernava, Nisha Warrier, Robert Zehr, and Jeffrey Zimm who were recognized by Newsweek as America’s Leading Doctors 2025.

Dr. Jaime Khemraj

Dr. Jaime Khemraj contributed the Life in Naples article Healthcare, Anywhere: How Telehealth Keeps Families Healthy and Connected. (Online & Magazine pg.#48)

Dr. Svetlana Kogan

Dr. Svetlana Kogan Penned the Life in Naples article New Year Detox and Reset. (Online & Magazine pg.#32)

Reminder, CCMS 2026 Physician Awards: Request for Nominations

Physician Awards 2025

Dear CCMS Members,


Collier County Medical Society is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 CCMS Physician of the Year and CCMS Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards honor CCMS member physicians who deserve special recognition for their services. The Board of Directors of CCMS invites all CCMS physician members to submit nominees for these prestigious awards.


Physician of the Year Criteria:

CCMS Member who has demonstrated exceptional activities over the past year that reflect well on the medical profession, such as exemplary contributions to the practice of medicine, outstanding service to our community as a volunteer or benefactor, or leadership in advocacy efforts.


Lifetime Achievement Criteria:

CCMS Member whose body of work over the course of their career has gone above and beyond their daily role as a physician and serves as an inspiration to colleagues. For example, noteworthy innovations in medicine, significant improvements in access to or quality of care, or leadership in worthwhile causes for our community or for healthcare.


Deadline for entries is February 28, 2026


Thank you for your part in helping us to acknowledge those physicians who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community.


Submit Nomination Form >

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.

We’re seeking a compassionate Concierge Physician to join our independent, physician-run practice focused on patient-centered care. You'll provide personalized medical services to a small patient panel, build lasting relationships, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. Enjoy career growth and a supportive, innovative environment. Requirements include board certification in Internal or Family Medicine and strong communication skills. Benefits include competitive pay, CME allowance, retirement match, and comprehensive coverage. Apply to jmarsh@naplesconciergehealth.com to learn more!

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.

CCMS Circle of Friends Preferred Vendors

Featuring benefits for CCMS members Learn more

Integris Assurance Company

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Markham Norton Mosteller Wright

Attorney Linda Minck

Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy

FineMark National Bank & Trust

HUB International

JD Private Wealth Advisors

LTCi Marketplace

Meridian Financial Group

Network Minds

Porter Wright

Regions Bank

Slepcevich Financial Group

Stickboy

Summit Broadband

Wintrust

Wise River Wealth Management

Additional Member Benefits

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