MARCH 30 | 2023

We Appreciate You!

Doctor's Appreciation Day 2023

Message from the NWMS President:

Dear Colleagues and NWMS Members,

As we enter the 3rd year of the COVID world (BC can now mean Before Covid), the NWMS is getting back its regularly scheduled programming.

Due to fewer in-person events, NWMS was able to save money, but finances are not robust. For years, NWMS has operated on a budget of less than $100,000 a year. Since 2017, the membership has doubled. For greater financial security the board has created a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship with Chuckanut Health Foundation. This allows NWMS to accept tax-deductible donations to further our mission to the Physicians and PAs in our community. 

Having a 501(c)(3) will also allow NWMS to apply for grants. The "ratio of member participation" is a metric requested by donors and is a significant consideration when reviewing grant applications. Greater participation means we are more likely to get funding. So, it's important that we can verify your engagement.

You, the members, can help boost our participation rates by voting

 on the proposed amendments to the NWMS foundational documents.

The board and I spent time updating the language and streamlining the bylaws. Our goal is to have at least half the membership vote. Vote now, because if you don’t, we all know what will happen.  Here is the link to vote:

Another way for you to participate is to donate, however small, to the 501(c)(3).  Independent physician members pay $910 to join NWMS and WSMA each year and we appreciate their continued loyalty. The PeaceHealth physicians’ dues are paid by PeaceHealth Medical Group. Since individually we don’t have to pay anything, I am hoping you will donate a minimum of $50 to support the work NWMS does on your behalf.

I will match the first $1000 in donations before April 3, 2023

Here is the link to donate. Enter NWMS in the blank box:

NWMS wants to continue to host its annual events and expand programming with networking, socials, advocacy, and community outreach. Our annual meetings with elected officials are off to a great start with meetings with Rep. Alicia Rule and Sen. Sharon Shewmake. Watch your email for more to come including Mayor Seth Fleetwood and Co. Ex. Satpal Sidhu. All local representatives have been invited and will be published through the NWMS email communications.

Below is the work we have helped support in the last year:

• WSMA HOD Accepted Resolutions written by Dr. Jeffery, DO, FAAFP & Dr. Dunne, MD
• Thousands of pounds of medical supplies were donated to physicians in the Ukrainian conflict.
• 2023 Women Physician Luncheon
• 2022 Bells Baseball Game and BBQ
• Largest attendance at the Annual New Physician Dinner in society history
• Creation of the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship
• 2022 Trackside Happy Hours hosted with Medical Staff
• Revised Bylaws and Constitution for membership ratification
• NWMS WWU Scholarship supported pre-med student Ivan Bullocks
• North Sound Race Health Equity Conference Sponsors and Scholarship Donors
• 2023 Finances for Physicians Event
• Conversations with Local, County, State, and National Representatives

Finally, I also want to take this time to acknowledge the NWMS Board of Directors who voluntarily give their time to make this society so impactful, as well as all our participants and committee chairs! Let me know if you would like to be more involved and we will find a place for you.

Dina Levin, MD

Megan Ellingsen, MD

Kim Koyamatsu, MD

Garrett Jeffery, DO (VP)

Ken Bachenberg, MD

John Dunne, MD

Joy Makdisi, MD (incoming Sec/Treas)

Gary Goldfogel, MD

Edward Bloom, MD

Laura Baker, MD (Past-President)

Marta Kazymyra, MD

Cari Matthews, MD

Thank you for your continued participation and I look forward to seeing you at the next NWMS event!

Dina Levin, MD

NWMS President

Obstetrics and Gynecology - PeaceHealth Medical Group

It's Time to Talk . . .

Meeting with the elected officials who represent the 40th and 42nd districts, which encompass Whatcom and San Juan counties, is part of NWMS's community connection. In the last 2 weeks, the 14 members have met with Representative Alicia Rule and/or Senator Sharon Shewmake.

Rep. Rule discussed the legislation focused on helping with mental health patients and developing plans for community facilities to help with patients suffering from mental health issues. Sen. Shewmake spent time discussing the housing options being put forward by the legislature. Both women extended the meeting time to answer all questions posed by the physicians and PAs in attendance.

Upcoming Meetings:

April 20, 2023 @ 6:00p

Mayor Seth Fleetwood

St. Joseph PeaceHealth

May 18, 2023 @ 6:00p

Co. Ex. Satpal Sidhu

Location TBA

Leadership Development Opportunity

May 19-20, 2023 | Chelan, Washington

The Leadership Development Conference features a truly outstanding lineup of speakers, all experts in their respective fields, and interactive sessions designed to enhance your leadership skills. You'll leave Chelan with concrete ideas and skills that you can immediately put to use in your professional life.