November 12, 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, Highlights from the 2026 AMA Interim Meeting, Classified Ads

News Briefs

Physician Groups Give Mixed Reviews on [2027] Medicare Fee Schedule Final Rule: “(…) which included slightly increased pay cuts for doctors who treat Medicare beneficiaries, compared to a proposed rule released in July.” - MedPage Today | Fact Sheet | Final Rule

Number of plaintiffs in vaccine rule challenge grows by two: “An administrative judge has denied the DeSantis administration’s request to limit the number of plaintiffs in the administrative challenge to its proposed rules to eliminate a requirement that children receive four vaccines before entering daycare or school.” - Florida Phoenix

Incoming chair of US Senate panel will seek healthcare overhaul, but unclear on details: “Oregon Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden plans to press for “the boldest” healthcare bill possible after he takes over as Finance Committee chairman next year, but he didn’t commit to Medicare for All, a longstanding policy goal for progressives, during a briefing Monday [11/9].” - Florida Phoenix

Member Notices

2027 CCMS Partnership & Advertising Opportunities

As you plan your 2027 marketing budget, consider the many opportunities to connect with local physicians and increase your organization's visibility through CCMS. Opportunities include the Women's Health Forum, Annual Meeting & Installation, Physician Directory, magazine and e-news advertising. View available opportunities and rates in our 2027 Marketing Brochure.

View 2027 Marketing Brochure >

Physicians Invited to Participate in 5 Min. AI Research Survey

Ashley Eddy, a local high school student, is seeking SWFL physicians to complete a brief, anonymous survey for her AP Research project examining physician perspectives on patient self-diagnosis using AI and internet search engines and its impact on treatment compliance.

In addition, physicians interested in providing further insight by answering eleven additional questions via email are invited to contact Ashley at ashleyeddy0717@gmail.com. Survey Deadline: November 30.

Take the Survey >

Volunteer for an Email Interview >

More Info. >

Call for Nominations: CCMS 2027 Physician Awards

Collier County Medical Society invites its physician members to submit nominations for the NEW CCMS Future Physician Leader Award, the 2027 CCMS Physician of the Year, and the CCMS Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards honor CCMS member physicians who deserve special recognition for their services.

Please complete the nomination form, noting explicitly why the nominee is deserving of the award. Forms can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to CCMS along with any supporting documentation such as supporting letters, CVs, or news articles. Deadline for entries is February 22nd.

Nomination Form >

New Issue: CCMS Member Magazine

A digital copy of the November/December 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 member's preferred mailing address on file, please contact us if you do not receive your copy.

View Online Magazine >

View Archived Issues >

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.

New 2027 RCC Cards

CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2027 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 2027 RCC Card >

CCMS Physician Wellness Program (PWP)

Article of the Week: Happier Providers Have Better Patient Outcomes

Join a CCMS Fitness/Wellness Group:

Stay active and connect with colleagues! Whether you enjoy tennis, cycling, kayaking, or weekend dining, there may already be a group for you, or you can explore options such as running, fishing, and discussion groups. Email CCMS to sign up and let us know your interests!

Request a PWP Counseling & Coaching Session:

Confidential, cost-free support for all CCMS physician members, via telehealth or in person visits. Request a session online or call (239) 208-3984. Secure online request form: Select “Collier County Medical Society” under “I am using benefits from my Physician/Attorney Wellness Program”, and choose self-pay.

Learn more >

Request Appointment Online >

Foundation of CCMS News

Enter to Win Foundation of CCMS 2028 Masters Tournament Passes!

Support the Foundation of CCMS for a chance to win one-day passes for two people to the 2028 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The winner may choose a tournament day (April 6–9, 2028), and each attendee will also receive a Masters shirt and hat. The suggested minimum donation is $200 per ticket, and a maximum of only 100 tickets will be entered.

More Info >

Enter 2028 Masters Tournament Raffle

Win 2027 Season Tickets for your Favorite Team & Support the Foundation of CCMS!

Support the Foundation of CCMS for the opportunity to win two lower-level season tickets to the NFL or college football team of your choice for the 2027 season. (Be sure to select "Foundation of Collier County Medical Society" from the list of charities on the Tix for Good page).

Event: 2027-2028

Enter By: Feb. 14, 2027 11:59 pm

Drawing Date: Feb. 15, 2027

Enter the Season Ticket Sweepstakes

Upcoming Events*

CCMS Webinar: “Strengthening Your Management Skills"

Mon., Nov. 16, 6:00PM, Virtual location

Join us for our webinar co-hosted by Garfunkel Wild, "Strengthening Your Management Skills to Promote Employee Engagement & Minimize Risk & Liability”. Complimentary for CCMS members and practice administrators.

CCMS New Members Welcome Reception

Thurs., Nov. 19, 6:30PM, Vineyards Country Club

Join us to welcome our new CCMS members! Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and mingling with colleagues. Complimentary for CCMS members and one guest each as well as CCMS Circle of Friends vendors (two attendees per company). Register by Nov. 13, 12:00PM.

Sponsor Opportunities >

CCMS Holiday After 5 Social

Wed., Dec. 2, 6:00PM, Innovation Hotel Atrium

Enjoy refreshments & hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective physician members, & one guest each. There will also be a holiday toy drive. Sponsored by Precision Healthcare Specialists.

CCMS Men in Medicine "Cars & Art" Social

Fri., Dec. 11, 5:15PM, Private Garage

Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, networking and connecting with colleagues, and exploring a private collection of luxury cars and fine artwork. While celebrating and supporting men in medicine, this event is open to all CCMS members and prospective members, and one guest each. Co-hosted by CCMS Member Dr. Gary Swain.

CCMS Women Physicians Winter Social

Thurs., Jan. 14, 2027, 6:00PM, CCMS member home

Celebrate the New Year with your women physician colleagues for an evening of camaraderie & refreshments at a CCMS member home. Free for CCMS women physician members & prospective women physician members. Sponsored by Naples Aesthetic Institute.

Save the Date for more CCMS Events: Jan. 21, 2027 – CCMS After 5 Social | March 19, 2027 – CCMS After 5 Social | April 3, 2027 – Women's Health Forum | April 10, 2027 – CCMS Everblades Family Outing | June 19, 2027 – CCMS Annual Meeting

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. November Grand Rounds

Advances in Brain Health: Early Detection Through Modern Imaging

TODAY, Thurs., Nov. 12, 5:00PM, Baker Senior Center

CCMS member Dr. Stephen Pomeranz, featured speaker, invites CCMS members to attend with one guest.

FMA's CME Mandatories Recorded Courses - Registration Extended

Watch any time through midnight ET on Nov. 30

The encore presentation of FMA Annual Meeting state-mandated CME track. Includes seven hours of mandatory topics for Florida-licensed MDs and DOs – free of charge for FMA members (a $500 value).

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Dr. Svetlana Kogan Penned the Life in Naples article Looking for a Functional Doctor? Read this First.

Dr. Alvaro Zamora was featured in the Gulf Coast News article New catheter system speeds up blood clot removal at NCH.

Highlights from the 2026 AMA Interim Meeting

Pictured (far right) are CCMS members Dr. Rebekah Bernard and Dr. Rafael Haciski with Florida delegation colleagues.

The AMA House of Delegates’ meeting at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, [ran Nov. 6–9]. The AMA Interim Meeting is held each November and wrapped up early on Monday [11/9].

Who can be licensed as a physician? Not AI

The AMA is drawing a clear line between augmented intelligence (AI) as a tool to support healthcare and the practice of medicine. AI—often called artificial intelligence—can help doctors with clinical tasks, but it cannot be granted physician licensure, professional titles or certification to practice medicine, says new policy adopted at the 2026 AMA Interim Meeting.

“Emergency department” means 24/7 physician coverage

Emergency departments (EDs) are a critical and increasingly strained gateway to healthcare in the U.S. They provided more than 155 million visits and accounted for over 17 million hospital admissions in 2025 alone, according to an AMA Council on Medical Service report whose recommendations were adopted at the 2026 AMA Interim Meeting.

AMA takes on downcoding and will push to track it

The AMA has extensive policy on payer downcoding—a practice that inflicts significant financial harm on physician practices that is often concealed by opaque payer processes—and it’s developed a robust advocacy strategy. However, the House of Delegates took steps to sharpen that advocacy by adopting the recommendations of an AMA Board of Trustees report at the 2026 AMA Interim Meeting.

Time to protect physicians from moral injury in healthcare system

Beyond burnout, physicians are experiencing a phenomenon called “moral injury” and delegates say it is time to recognize the threat it poses to physician well-being and take action by developing recommendations to intervene.

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.