July 9, 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, Foundation Names 2026 Lascheid Scholarship Recipient

News Briefs

How one expert hopes to expand the health span of Southwest Floridians: “On 'The Florida Roundup,' Shawn Felton talked about his efforts to expand health span among Southwest Florida residents.” - WUSF

Walk-in mental health center opens soon at David Lawrence in Naples: “(…) A ribbon cutting ushered in a new 15,000-square-foot complex on the Naples campus of the nonprofit mental health care provider that will offer behavioral health care and primary care services under one roof, among other services.” - News-Press

PolitiFact FL: Will the end of TPS for Haitians lead to a caregiving crisis?: “Of the 350,000+ lawful Haitian TPS holders, roughly 1/3 work in our healthcare system. Immediately shutting off TPS will create a crisis in our hospitals, nursing homes, and in the (intellectual disabilities) community," U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., wrote on X.” - WUSF

Preparing for the primary: “Understanding Florida’s primary election process is essential if you want to make the most of your vote. That’s because the laws governing primary elections in Florida are different from those in most other states.” - Florida Weekly

Member Notices

Host a High School Student – Physician Volunteers Needed

We are looking for Collier County physicians willing to host high school student shadowing experiences. If interested, please email info@ccmsonline.org. Thank you for supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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.

New Issue: CCMS Member Magazine

A digital copy of the July/August 2026 issue of The Forum is now available on the CCMS website, read it online today for the latest legislative news, a CCMS member updates, and more. A hard copy was mailed to each members’ preferred mailing address on file, please contact us if you do not receive.

View Online Magazine >

View Archived Issues >

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. If interested, please email or call FCCMS at (239) 435-7727.

Marketing Discount for CCMS Physicians

Take advantage of 15% off Constant Contact subscriptions, with email, SMS/text, and social media, and events marketing options. Sign up through the CCMS member page for a free trial and details.

Digital Marketing Resources >

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 >

CCMS Physician Wellness Program (PWP)

Article of the week: "4 top factors that drive physicians to give up clinical practice"

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

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.

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. 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

Meet & Greet Fundraiser to Keep Amanda Levy-Reis Circuit Court Judge

TOMORROW, Fri. July 10, 5:30pm, 484, Mooring Line Dr., Naples

CCMS Alliance member Antonija Bhasin invites CCMS members to the Meet & Greet Fundraiser in support of keeping Amanda Levy-Reis as Circuit Court Judge.

More Info. >

RSVP >

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Congratulations to CCMS physician members who were selected by Castle Connolly as Top Doctors of Southwest Florida.

Dr. Rebekah Bernard has a new episode of her Physicians Taking Back Medicine podcast, “A hospital tried to replace them. These Oregon physicians fought back — and won”.

Dr. Edison Valle presented at the World Congress of Shockwave Therapy in Madrid, Spain, on the Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) protocol used at Naples Neuro Care.

Foundation of CCMS Announces Lascheid Scholarship Recipient

The board of directors of the Foundation of CCMS is pleased to announce that Kaitlyn Barnes is the recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students. Ms. Barnes is a graduate of Barron Collier High School in Naples and is in the class of 2028 at Florida State University College of Medicine.

This prestigious, $15,000 award recognizes medical students who are residents of Florida and have demonstrated exceptional community service efforts. It honors the memory of Dr. and Mrs. Lascheid, visionary founders of the charitable Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples and past presidents of CCMS and the CCMS Alliance, respectively.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship recipient. This award represents far more than financial support, it is an investment in my calling to serve others through medicine,” said Ms. Barnes. “The inspiration of the Lascheid Family and the generosity of the Foundation of CCMS will help me continue pursuing my dream of becoming a physician dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care. I look forward to one day returning to Collier County to serve the community that has given me so much, and I am grateful beyond words for this honor.”

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.