July 23, 2026

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, Docs & Duffers Charity Golf Tournament Returns September 26

News Briefs

Florida seniors can now get GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for $50: “Millions of Medicare beneficiaries could save tens of thousands a year as the Feds make a multibillion dollar bet that slimming elders’ waistlines could lighten the burden of Medicare’s costs — eventually.” - USA TODAY

Naples area osteopathic medical school breaks ground: “A ceremonial groundbreaking July 16 marked the start of construction on what will be the first medical school in Southwest Florida, a milestone healthcare leaders hope will help alleviate the region’s physician shortage.” - Gulfshore Business

Haitian workers, SWFL businesses face TPS deadline: “Almost 95,000 Haitian immigrants in Florida are living under Temporary Protected Status, including an estimated 40,000 in Southwest Florida. Unless Congress or the Trump administration takes last-minute action, those protections expire July 24, leaving thousands of workers without authorization to work and employers across the region preparing for the fallout.” - Gulfshore Business

Worried about insurance costs? Florida top state for health care stress: “Florida residents now pay an average of $8,831 a year for employer-sponsored health insurance. What they pay out of pocket has gone up 41% in the last 10 years, according to the findings”. - USA TODAY

Cyclospora: What Your Patients Want to Know: “There are steps you and your patients can take to reduce your risk during this big foodborne outbreak while the systems around us catch up.” - MEDPAGE TODAY

Member Notices

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 >

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 >

Volunteer Opportunities with the Foundation of CCMS

Know anyone looking for non-profit or healthcare-related volunteer opportunities this summer? We are always accepting volunteer administrative/office support. Volunteer hours can count for Bright Futures scholarship requirements. We also have volunteer opportunities available at the Docs & Duffers Charity Golf Tournament on September 26th. If interested, please email or call FCCMS at (239) 435-7727.

CCMS Physician Wellness Program (PWP)

Article of the week: "What if Burnout Isn't the Problem?"

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 >

Upcoming Events*

CCMS After 5 Social July 23

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

Online registration now closed, call 239-435-7727 to inquire.

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.

CCMS Lecture at Mighty Mussels Baseball: "AI, Physician Burnout, & the Future of System Efficiency"

Thurs., Aug. 13, 6:30PM, Mighty Mussels At Lee Health Sports Complex

Educational presentation followed by the Mighty Mussels Baseball Game. Complimentary for CCMS Members. Ideal for employed/group physicians. Food & beverages provided.

Foundation of CCMS Docs & Duffers 2026 Charity Golf Tournament & Raffle

Sat., Sep. 26, 8:00AM, Bonita Bay Club, Naples

Open to the Public. $200/golfer or $780/foursome. Awards luncheon tickets also available to non-golfers. Raffle entrants need not be present to win.

Sponsor Opportunities >

Prize Donation Form >

Save the Date for more CCMS Events: Sept. 17 – CCMS Women Physicians Fall Social | 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 | August Grand Rounds

CCMS Alliance Physician Family Day Pool Party

Sun., Aug. 9th, 11:30AM, Vineyards Country Club

Join them poolside for food and fun in the sun. Appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. Open to CCMSA members and their families.

RSVP >

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Congratulations to Dr. Catherine Kowal, who was installed as President of the Florida Society of Rheumatology at the FSR Annual Meeting on July 18th.

Member Update:

Dr. Cory Lamar of Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC is now accepting outside physician referrals for routine and ambulatory EEG services.

Foundation of CCMS “Docs & Duffers” Charity Golf Tournament Returns Sep. 26

The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society will host their 13th Annual “Docs & Duffers” charity golf tournament and raffle at Bonita Bay Club East in Naples on September 26, 8:00am. The shotgun/scramble includes breakfast, an enjoyable day of golf, hosted on-course beverages, a goodie bag, and an awards luncheon. Sponsorships and a variety of underwriting opportunities are available.

The event is open to the public and rates are $200 per golfer or $780 per foursome. Sponsorships start at $550. The Foundation is also seeking prize donations and event volunteers. Interested golfers, sponsors, supporters, donors, and volunteers can visit the event web page for details, call (239) 435-7727, or email CCMS.

“At Docs & Duffers, every round of golf helps make a difference in the lives of future healthcare professionals and advances quality healthcare in our community,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, board chair of the Foundation. “We are grateful to the generous supporters who make this event possible and help the Foundation invest in the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

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.

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.

Concierge/PCP opportunity: Seeking a local PCP with a loyal, established patient base ready to escape corporate medicine. Enjoy significantly better work life balance by joining an independent concierge practice with partnership opportunity. Control your schedule, patient panel, and workload. Earn about twice your current corporate income with similar hours. Contact CCMS for more info.