November 3, 2022

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 Scholarship Renamed in Memory of Nancy Lascheid,

News Briefs

Transgender treatment restrictions for people under 18 backed by Florida medical panel: “A key medical panel on Friday (10/28) signed off on a draft rule — pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration — that would restrict Florida doctors from providing treatments to transgender people under age 18, setting up a final decision next week that likely will lead to a legal challenge.” - Naples Daily News

Another respiratory virus besides COVID is causing some hospitals to run out of beds: “A respiratory virus is surging across Florida and other parts of the country, causing health experts to warn of a potential “tripledemic” during the next several months.” - Naples Daily News

Florida Blue partners with Amazon Pharmacy for home drug delivery: “Jacksonville, Fla.-based health insurer Florida Blue has selected Amazon Pharmacy as its sole home delivery provider for its commercially insured members beginning Jan. 1, 2023.” - mobihealthnews

HHS Finalizes Physician Payment Rule Strengthening Access to Behavioral Health Services and Whole-Person Care: “Today (11/1), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is expanding access to behavioral health care, cancer screening coverage, and dental care.” - CMS

CCMS Member Post-Hurricane Resources Directory: For the full directory visit ccmsonline.org

Member Notices

Legislative Call to Action

On Nov. 8, Collier County Commissioners will vote whether to move forward on a critical aspect of the County’s Mental Health Strategic Plan - the expansion of David Lawrence Centers (DLC) with a new Central Receiving Facility (CRF). The CRF will add 102 patient beds to help alleviate the severe shortage of behavioral healthcare beds in our community and provide integration with DLC’s campus. There is some opposition to the CRF, despite the years of work and support from a variety of subject matter experts. We ask for your help to encourage the commissioners to vote yes on this project. Please see resources below or email CCMS for details.

Contact the Commissioners >

Chamber of Commerce Talking Points >

Chamber of Commerce Letter >

Collier County Mental Health and Addiction Services Strategic Plan >

CRF Presentation to Planning Commission >

Deadline Extended: Women's Health Forum Speakers Applications | Call for Sponsors/Exhibitors

The 14th Annual CCMS Women's Health Forum is Saturday, April 1, 2023, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at Naples United Church of Christ. Members who are interested in participating as a speaker, please complete the interest form and return to CCMS by extended deadline of 1PM, Monday, November 14th. This popular event is an educational forum for the public as a service to our community.

Sponsor/exhibitor opportunities are also available, see our sposnor/exhibitor form for details. CCMS members who are solo practitioners receive an exhibitor discount.

Apply for Speaker Opportunity >

Be a Sponsor/Exhibitor >

CCMS PAC Update: 2022 General Election Support & Dates

The PAC has issued support for the three incumbent school board candidates who will face run-off races in the general election this November: Jen Mitchell, Jory Westberry, Roy Terry. More information: Chamber of Commerce Guest Opinion

Oct. 27-Nov. 5, 9AM.-6PM: Early Voting in Collier County (Subject to change)

Nov. 8, 7AM.-7PM: Election Day

Visit Colliervotes.gov to check your status and ensure everything is correct.

Physician Wellness Program

Article of the week: "How to help physicians cut pajama time, have 'more great days'"

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person during the COVID-19 outbreak) are open to all CCMS physician members. *Please note that CCMS is extending this program to non-member physicians in the community during Hurricane Ian recovery.

Learn more / Schedule a session >

Upcoming Events

Foundation of CCMS Virtual Wine Pull Fundraiser

Now - Mon., Nov. 14

Open to the public; Each entry wins a bottle of wine or a gift card from Naples Wine Collection, valued at $50-$100 or more. Suggested contribution $75/entry or 3/$200. Random bottle "pull" takes place digitally starting 11/15.

CCMS After 5 Social

Thurs. Nov. 10, 5:30PM, Lamoraga Restaurant

Enjoy refreshments & hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues. Sponsored by Advocate Radiation Oncology. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective physician members, & one guest each.

CCMS & CCMSA Topgolf Family Night

Sat., Nov. 19, 5:30PM, Topgolf Fort Myers

Admission is $35/person and includes a buffet dinner and two hours of high-tech golf games and contests. Open to CCMS/CCMSA members and their guests; children welcomed.

CCMS New Member Welcome Reception

Fri., Dec. 9, 6:30PM, Neighborhood Health Clinic, Van Domelen Education and Wellness Building

Free for CCMS physician members and one guest each, as well as CCMS Circle of Friends vendors (two attendees per company).

Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities >

Partner Events

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

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

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30AM, NCH Baker Hospital (Downtown), Classroom #3 Telford Bldg

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

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Dr. Susan Cassidy contributed the Adverse Witness article Health & Wellness Corner: Thriving: Not Just Surviving. (online pg. #8)

Dr. Corin DeChirico was featured in the WGCU news story Vibrio infection can be deadly.

Foundation Scholarship Renamed in Memory of Nancy Lascheid, RN BSN

Foundation of CCMS

The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society is honored to announce the new name of their premier scholarship for future physicians: the “Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students”. This August, we were saddened to learn that Foundation supporter and colleague Nancy Lascheid, RN BSN, co-founder of the Neighborhood Health Clinic and CCMS Alliance Past President, had passed. Prior to her passing, Mrs. Lascheid had provided the Foundation her approval to enact the renaming of this award after she had left us.

In 2014, following the passing of Mrs. Lascheid’s husband and Neighborhood Health Clinic co-founder Dr. William Lascheid, the Foundation announced the formation of the “Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students” to honor and remember his many contributions to the medical community, including as a CCMS Past President, and his tireless efforts to provide care to the underserved in Collier County. Ms. Lascheid was an ardent supporter of the scholarship and participated on the application review committee through the 2022 award cycle.

Eligible Florida residents enrolled or accepted in medical school may apply for this scholarship. The application and requirements for the 2023 award, and the Foundation’s need-based scholarships for students training in any healthcare career, will be available online at ccmsfoundation.org in December 2022, or may be obtained by calling (239) 435-7727. To support the Foundation’s scholarship programs, donate at ccmsfoundation.org or call (239) 435-7727.

Classified Ads

Seeking practice opportunities in Geriatrics/Internal Medicine in the Naples area: Dr. William M. Hasbun, Board Certified in Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, recently relocated to Naples from NJ where he was a practicing Geriatrician, former Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University in NYC, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Geriatrics at Rowan University SOM. For more information, contact him at (856) 577-6627.

Naples, Florida-based Anti-Aging Medical Practice and/or Concierge Practice for Sale: The successful concierge practice was started in 2000, the owner is a board-certified and well-respected internal medicine physician in Southwest Florida. The anti-aging practice specializes in hormone balancing and functional medicine and was one of the first in the area. Listing Price for practices is negotiable; they can be purchased separately or together. Contact CCMS if interested. More info.

Neighborhood Health Clinic is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to join the Development team as an integral external ambassador and representative, managing volunteer goals, cultivating internal and external relationships for volunteer recruitment, as well as managing volunteer goals and independent projects. Contact CDO Keith Maples at (239) 529-2264.

Seeking an experienced medical assistant, LPN or nurse for Concierge Internal Medicine practice located in Naples. Competitive salary and benefits offered. For more information, please contact Christina at (239) 285-6377 or email christina@gcmedicine.com.

Seeking medical office space to rent for 1 full or 2 half days per week. Interested parties can contact AMDG Naples 100 by email, or call the coordinating real estate agent at (410) 916-3470.