View as Webpage

April 30, 2026

elertheadersmall.jpg

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, Highlights from the Women’s Health Forum

LTCI Marketplace

News Briefs

House won't consider vaccine exemptions, AI guidelines during special session: “The Florida House won’t be taking up bills to eliminate vaccine exemptions and create artificial intelligence guidelines at this week’s special session, as Gov. Ron DeSantis expected.” - WUSF


Florida Gulf Coast University breaks ground on new health sciences building: “Florida Gulf Coast University took another step toward preparing future healthcare workers this week when they broke ground on a $117 million health sciences building.” - WGCU


Florida Delays Children’s Health Insurance Expansion as Uninsured Rate Rises: “This should go without saying, but you can’t make children healthy again by taking away their health coverage,” said chief strategy and development officer for Florida Policy Institute. - KFF Health News

Member Notices

Apply through TODAY, April 30th: 2026 FRAME Program


The Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program is now accepting applications for 2026 via the FRAMEworks Portal. This program offers financial assistance to qualified health care professionals, encouraging them to serve in areas with limited access to medical care.


Apply Now >

CCMS Physician Wellness Graphic

Wellness Update: New Appointment Requests Online for PWP


CCMS members can now request Physician Wellness Program (PWP) appointments confidentially and securely online. When completing the field “I am using benefits from my Physician/Attorney Wellness Program”, select Collier County Medical Society and choose self-pay. Request Appointment >


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 >


Article of the week: "Physician burnout rate continues to decline, falling to nearly 42%"

CMS.gov

CMS Deadline Approaching: HETS Provider Enrollment Required


All providers must enroll in HETS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to check Medicare beneficiary eligibility. Enroll by May 11, 2026 when CMS will move to the new HETS trading partner management system. Complete the enrollment process to ensure continued access to HETS.


Enroll Now >

CCMS Directory Cover 2025-26

CCMS Physician Directory Deadlines Approaching


Advertising space is still available for the 2026-27 CCMS Physician Directory. Return your order form by May 13th to reserve an ad and reach reach thousands of readers in the local community.


Practicing CCMS members receive a complimentary practice listing. To update your listing with any office updates, new board certifications, and/or headshot, email CCMS by May 27th. Members can verify their current information on file at ccmsonline.org/find-a-doctor.


More Info. >

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 message us or email info@ccmsonline.org. Thank you for supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Forum May-June 2026

New Issue: CCMS Member Magazine


A digital copy of the May/June 2026 issue of The Forum is now available on the CCMS website, read it online today for the latest legislative news, 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 >

Foundation of CCMS News

Win World Cup Tickets or Disney VIP Trip & Support the Foundation of CCMS!


Support the Foundation of CCMS and win amazing prizes! (Be sure to select "Foundation of Collier County Medical Society" from the list of charities on the Tix for Good page).

2026 World Cup

Win 4 Tickets to any 2026 World Cup Game

Event: June 11-27

Enter By: May 24, 11:59 pm

Winner Announced: May 25

Disney World Sweepstakes

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

Upcoming Events*

CCMS & LCMS After 5 Social

CCMS & LCMS After 5 Social

Fri., May 8, 6:00PM, Tacos & Tequila Cantina Estero


Network with your colleagues from Collier and Lee Counties while enjoying refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Free for CCMS/LCMS physician members & prospective members, and one guest each. Co-hosted by Lake Michigan Credit Union.


Register >

CCMS Spring General Mtg

CCMS General Membership Meeting 2026

Wed. May 13, 6:00PM - 08:00PM, Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge


The meeting with the theme, "Meeting the Needs of Women’s Health" will feature a reception followed by CCMS updates and an educational presentation. The event is complimentary for CCMS physician members and one guest each.


Register >

CCMS Lecture Series

CCMS Lecture: "The Medical Practice Ownership Journey"

Two options to attend: Wed., May 20, 7:30-8:30AM or 6:00-7:00PM.


Are you a physician considering starting, buying, or expanding your own medical practice? Lecture features a panel discussion designed to guide physicians through the key decisions involved in medical practice ownership. Refreshments included.


Register >

Save the Date for more CCMS Events: June 20 - CCMS Annual Meeting & Installation | June 22 – After 5 Social & New Residents Welcome | Sept. 26 – Foundation of CCMS Docs & Duffers Charity Golf | Nov. 19 – CCMS New Members Welcome Reception (stay tuned for sponsor information)


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. April Grand Rounds | May Grand Rounds 

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Dr. William Justiz

Dr. William Justiz was featured in the Florida Weekly article Caring for Naples’ caregivers.

Dr. Bryan Murphey

Dr. Bryan Murphey was featured in the Business Observer article Naples medical group embraces the beat of AI stethoscopes.

Stronger Tomorrow: Highlights from the 17th Annual Women’s Health Forum

As part of its ongoing initiative to foster connections between residents, visitors, and quality healthcare in Southwest Florida, CCMS and the Foundation of CCMS hosted the 17th Annual Women’s Health Forum, themed “Stronger Tomorrow: Women’s Health & Vitality.” This free public health education event took place on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM at the Naples United Church of Christ.


The Forum was centered on empowering attendees with the knowledge to enhance their health and vitality for a stronger tomorrow. Presentations covered a broad spectrum of topics, designed to inspire and educate women on their wellness journeys. Key subjects included innovations in women’s health, emerging medical technologies, and the latest developments in preventive care.


“We are grateful for the success of this year’s Women’s Health Forum,” said Dr. Theresa Vensel, Forum Committee Chair. “This event once again served as a powerful platform for delivering valuable medical insights to our attendees. We sincerely appreciate the physicians who shared their expertise and the supporters whose generosity helped us raise nearly $6,500 for the Foundation of CCMS.”


More details on the Foundation’s initiatives can be found at ccmsfoundation.org.


The 17th Annual Women’s Health Forum was made possible thanks to the generosity of title sponsor Apex Brain & Spine, along with other key sponsors including Hobdari Family Health, Inspire Oncology, Life in Naples Magazine, Magnolia Breast Center, McKenney Home Care, Precision Healthcare Specialists, and the Vascular Center of Naples. Numerous exhibitors and supporters were also crucial to the event’s success. Information on participating in the 2027 Women’s Health Forum will be available this fall.


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.

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

Additional Member Benefits

STAY CONNECTED:

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube

FOUNDATION OF CCMS:

FCSContentFilterPatternforI#121694