December 5, 2024

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, Scholarship Applications Due March 31st

News Briefs

DEA and HHS Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities through 2025: “(...) with the end of 2024 quickly approaching, DEA, jointly with HHS, has extended current telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2025." - DEA

Shots anyone? It's that time of year to get vaccines, but Florida lags most states: “Florida is among states where vaccination against COVID-19 is low, according to recent survey results. When it comes to getting vaccinated against flu, the findings are not so good either (…).” - Naples Daily News

*Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Florida. Here’s why: “(…) Floridians are at high risk for lung cancer, and many are waiting too long to get screened.” - Sun Sentinel

*Editor's note: Requires free registration with Sun Sentinel to read full article.

Member Notices

Solicitation for AMA Council Applications

The AMA is seeking applications for 2025 vacancies on AMA Councils and Committees. Applications, including updated biographical materials are due by March 17, 2025. All Council candidates, whether for Councils elected by the AMA House of Delegates or Councils whose members are appointed by the AMA Board of Trustees, must also complete a Conflict of Interest disclosure form by the same date.

More Info. >

Apply >

Call for Nominations: CCMS 2025 Physician Awards

Collier County Medical Society invites its physician members to submit nominations for the 2025 CCMS Physician of the Year and CCMS Lifetime Achievement Awards. 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 28, 2025.

More info. >

Nomination Form >

Now Available: CCMS Nov./Dec. Member Magazine

The Nov./Dec. issue of the CCMS member magazine, The Forum, was mailed to all members last month. Members who did not receive their mailed copy should email or call 239-435-7727 so we can ensure we have your preferred mailing address on file.

CCMS Publications >

Physician Wellness Program

*Article of the week: “‘Being a Doctor Isn’t Healthy’: Train Your Body to Handle It”

*Editor's note: Requires free registration with MedScape to read full article.

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 / Schedule a session >

CCMS Physician Member Directory Correction

Dr. Suyien Zhaz-Leitner was mistakenly listed in the index under Internal Medicine instead of Rheumatology. Please note that the correct listing should be under Rheumatology. Members can view Dr. Zhaz-Leitner’s profile on the CCMS “Find a Doctor” page.

For your convenience, the Rheumatology index in the physician directory can be found on page 101, where we kindly ask members to write in Dr. Zhaz-Leitner’s name.

Upcoming Events*

CCMS Women Physicians Winter Social

Sat., Jan., 11, 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.

CCMS After 5 Social

Fri., Jan., 24, 6:00PM, Blue Martini

Network with colleagues while enjoying refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each. Sponsored by Family Foot & Leg Center.

CCMS Great Wolf Lodge Family Day 2025

Sat., Feb 1, 10:00AM, Great Wolf Lodge Naples

Join CCMS for a day of fun with your family and friends. Admission is $55/person and includes a water park pass, lunch, and parking. Open to CCMS members and their guests; children welcomed. Register by 9am on Jan. 27. Co-sponsored by Advocate Radiation Oncology and CARE Risk Retention Group.

*Save the Date for more CCMS Events: Feb. 20 - CCMS After 5 Social | Apr. 5 - CCMS Women’s Health Forum | May 3 - South Florida Women Physicians Retreat

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 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. December Grand Rounds

*Editor's note: The Grand Rounds Dec. 5th event, TODAY, has been canceled.

TODAY: “Case-Based Updates on Thyroid Cancer”

Thurs., Dec. 5, 6:30PM, Tarpon Bay

This dinner program will be a case-based discussion of the management of thyroid cancer of various stages using a multi-disciplinary approach. Complimentary to physicians.

More info.>

4th Annual Naples Cardio Summit “Advances in Cardiology for Primary Care”

Feb. 21-22, 2025, Arthrex One Conference Center

Two-day summit featuring advancements in the field of cardiovascular healthcare. 13 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Exclusive pricing available until 12/31.

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Dr. Svetlana Kogan Penned the Life in Naples article How to Avoid Illness in the Winter -Practical Holistic Tips. (Online & Magazine pg.#32)

Dr. Cesar De León was appointed to the Graduate Medical Education Committee by the State Surgeon General.

Dr. Robert Pascotto was quoted in the WINK News story Path to freedom: From Cuban prison to NCH operating room.

Dr. Amanda Sacino was featured in the FOX-4 News story Robots are helping doctors operate on your brain and spine in Collier County.

Dr. James Talano was featured in the NBC-2 news story Collier County ends decades-long water fluoridation amid growing health concerns.

Scholarship Applications for Medical & Healthcare Students Due March 31st

Awards from the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society support the next generation of healthcare professionals

The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) board of directors announces the latest call for applications for its two scholarship award programs: the Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students, and the Foundation of CCMS Healthcare Student Scholarships for students enrolled in or accepted to healthcare degree programs. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025.

Since its inception in 2013, the Foundation has awarded over a quarter of a million dollars to exceptional healthcare students from Florida.

The Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students honors the legacy of Neighborhood Health Clinic co-founders Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid, whose visionary efforts provide vital medical care to underserved populations in Collier County. Along with their many contributions to the local medical community, Dr. Lascheid was also CCMS Past President and Mrs. Lascheid was a CCMS Alliance Past President. This scholarship is open to eligible Florida residents enrolled in or accepted to medical school, who have demonstrated excellence in service to their community.

The Foundation’s Healthcare Student Scholarships offer awards to eligible Florida residents enrolled in or accepted as students in healthcare degree programs, such as nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, and more. Awards are based on academic merit and contributions to the community, and, in some cases, financial need.

Applications and requirements are available at ccmsfoundation.org, or may be obtained by calling the Foundation of CCMS, (239) 435-7727 or emailing info@ccmsonline.org. Information about the 2022 Scholarship Winners is also online.

Classified Ads

Full-Time Medical Biller Needed: Dr. Christine Forszpaniak's office is seeking a full-time medical biller. For more information, please contact Olga at (239) 434-7779.

Continuum Surgery Centers is inviting Orthopedic and Pain Management surgeons to credential and join our team of surgeons in Naples. Expected opening in Jan 2025 with 4 operating rooms & 1 procedure room. We would like to schedule some time to discuss the opportunities to credential and be an equity partner in the ASC. Please contact Marisa at (561) 789-8435.

Continuum Surgery Centers is recruiting a CLINICAL DIRECTOR in Naples, expected to open Jan 2025 with 4 operating rooms & 1 procedure room. We would love to schedule some time with interested candidates to discuss the opportunities. Please send a copy of your CV to Marisa@csc-surgerycenters.com.

Are you an internist or family practice physician tired of working exhausting hours for someone else? What if you could do just as well with only 200 patients, spending one to two hours with each patient per visit, and being paid upfront for the year? Unique opportunity: Concierge practice for sale with a loyal patient base. Serious inquiries only. Contact: MedPracticeSale2024@yahoo.com.

Bonita Springs, FL Medical spa for sale. Successful medspa opened in 2008, owner has practiced in area since 2002. Owner willing to stay during transition. Contact CCMS for more info.