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Wendy Young, Executive Director
Sonoma County Medical Association
(707) 620-0808 | exec@scma.org
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Hello from the Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. I believe this is our home for the foreseeable future, until our community no longer needs the support to vaccinate. Rachel and I have an amazing support team that helps us to monitor clinic appointments, engage and train volunteers, create and implement clinic processes, document procedures, procure supplies, set and reset the clinic flow, water plants, etc.
Our volunteer MD’s, RN’s, FNP, EMTP, etc. (the heart and soul of the clinic) pull the vaccine into syringes, vaccinate our guests and monitor patient response, have become our work family, we see each other more than we see our home family! Many physicians, RNs and NPs spend almost as much time at the clinic as we do. Their commitment to the community is inspiring. Some have volunteered since the beginning of this outreach in January.
Someday soon I will take a moment to introduce you to each of these amazing people!
We recently added an outstanding team of state traveling nurses who round out the services of the SCMA clinic by stepping in where needed. I believe they could run the show without us if we let them! However, I am committed to the SCMA vaccine clinic being a place where community physicians take the lead in serving the community.
Please consider joining our team of amazing volunteers by contacting us at (707) 525-4375 or emailing volunteer@scma.org. Until then, if you are looking for us, you know where to find us. Come say hello and take a tour. We are very proud of what this team has created.
It takes a village and we have created quite a tribe!
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COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATES |
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Prefer to donate with a check?
Please mail checks payable to "Medical Society of Sonoma County" to
1613 Madeira Circle, Petaluma, CA 94954.
If requested, we are happy to send you a receipt for your tax records.
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A TAPESTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS TO PREVENT HEALTH INEQUITIES
CHI COVID-19 collaborative strategy
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As a member of Health Action’s Committee for Healthcare Improvement (CHI), SCMA also belongs to the COVID-19 Collaborative Strategy workgroup, which has two primary objectives:
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Coordinating and aligning activities of Public Health, CHI Collaborative partners and other community programs to maximize equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and other prevention measures.
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Linking communication strategies with programs and activities to improve coordination and consistency of messaging around vaccination access and hesitancy.
While there are many ongoing efforts nationwide to educate the American public about COVID-19 vaccines, the CHI Collaborative Strategy group addresses local COVID-19 prevention and vaccine strategies—along with developing culturally and linguistically responsive solutions to improve access to care for all.
Physicians, as trusted messengers for their patients and community, play a critical role building public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. As the County transitions vaccine management to the Blue Shield TPA, please encourage patients who have not been vaccinated to (1) register with MyTurn (2) check vaccine clinic information at socoemergency.org and (3) along with all residents, continue masking and social distancing. (Other messages will be forthcoming from the Strategy group.)
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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS AND UPDATES |
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Click the images below for current information and statistics in each county.
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FREE supplies for member and nonmember practices
CMA is collecting only a nominal shipping/handling fee with each order to offset the actual costs associated with managing the program, which include warehousing, packing and freight preparation, and actual shipping costs. CMA will offer this program for as long as supplies are available. ORDER HERE.
You must request PPE through the CMA portal. SCMA and MLCMS are no longer processing orders. For questions, please contact CMA member services at 800-786-4262 or through CMA's contact form.
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Local Physician, Catherine Gutfreund, MD, bids for
CMA president-elect!
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I am running for CMA president-elect because I want to represent and empower California physicians. Our colleagues are suffering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic. We face physician burn-out and scope of practice issues. I will lead CMA in addressing the issues that impact us.
I will work tirelessly on your behalf. Together, we can impact the health and wellness of Californians for generations to come. I would be honored to have your support for the office of CMA president-elect.
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Pictured above: A look back at Sonoma Medicine's summer 2010 cover, when Dr. Gutfreund began her tenure as SCMA president.
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2020 was a year like no other with the global COVID-19 pandemic and multiple wildfires across the West Coast. Sonoma County's medical community was exhausted, and many practices struggled to stay viable.
SCMA supported the practice of medicine and the community in ways never before envisioned, including distributing PPE supplies and operating COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
We are grateful for your membership; together we will continue to represent the interests of physicians and the patients you serve.
Membership is affordable and easy to maintain;
monthly payment plans are available. Call 800-786-4262 or click the button below to join online.
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The Medical Society of Sonoma County was formed in 2017 to expand the Sonoma County Medical Association’s access to resources and ability to serve our community. As a physician-driven public charity and a 501(c)(3) organization, MSSC is eligible to apply for funding and grants that are not available to SCMA—and donations made to MSSC are fully tax-deductible.
MSSC is managed by SCMA leadership, board of directors and staff in tandem with the Medical Association. MSSC is currently seeking sponsorships, grants and funding for SCMA’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and community engagement activities. If you have a program that you would like MSSC to consider, please contact Executive Director Wendy Young at 707-620-0808 or exec@scma.org.
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NorCal Mutual Stock Conversion - Colleagues Connection |
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Sonoma County Medical Association hosts
Virtual Q&A Meeting re:
NORCAL Mutual Stock Conversion
For NORCAL Mutual members and stockholders. Q&A session hosted by SCMA and financial advisor Russell Van Sistine regarding NORCAL Stock Conversion offer closing April 27. Join the conversation.
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CMA APRIL MEETINGS, WEBINARS AND CLASSES |
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Legislative Advocacy Conference
CMA will host its 47th Annual Legislative Advocacy Conference April 5 - 9, 2021, with an
hour-long virtual program scheduled for April 6.
Telehealth Series for Small and Medium Sized Practices: (Pt. 12)
CMA is inviting practices to bring any and all questions about the future of telehealth. There will be minimal planned presentation – just a review of some of the most commonly asked questions. Come prepared with your most pressing thoughts and questions to hear from CMA’s experts on the issues.
Virtual Grand Rounds: Post-Acute COVID Syndrome – In It for the
Long Haul?
In this grand rounds we will feature physicians working clinically to monitor and care for patients with prolonged sequelae, and a researcher who is investigating the epidemiology and causes of post-acute COVID symptoms.
CME Providers: Accreditation Workshop
This two-part virtual webinar will be a deep dive into the accreditation rules, including the core criteria and new Standards for Integrity and Independence.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 • 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Part 1 AND
Friday, April 16, 2021 • 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Part 2 REGISTER HERE
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Sutter Health Virtual Grand Rounds |
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Sutter Health: The Sutter Health Virtual Grand Rounds is a Continuing Education (CE)* webinar series hosted by Sutter Health Network providers for all medical professionals across Northern California. Learn about the entire series here.
Presented by Christopher Woods, MD, PhD, FHRS
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Shriners Hospitals for Children:
What Every Pediatric Provider Needs to Know
Presented by Nichole Friel, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist
For pediatricians, primary care providers, orthopaedic specialists, emergency medicine specialists, urgent care providers, physical therapists, registered nurses, school-based nurses, and athletic directors and trainers
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hour for each program.
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Congratulations and welcome to our newest SCMA members! We are pleased to have you on board and look forward to supporting your practice and collaborating with you and your colleagues.
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Elizabeth Au, MD
Internal Medicine
Alisa Awtry, MD
Family Medicine
Elliott Brandwene, MD
Emergency Medicine
William Binder, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Autumn Burnes, MD
Family Medicine
Rodney Camp, DO
Gastroenterology
David Chappell, MD
Internal Medicine
Charlotte Carlson, MD
Geriatric Medicine
Glency Sue Marie Caromias, MD
Family Medicine
Jason Cunningham, DO
Family Medicine
Peter Dentone, MD
Ophthalmology
Gabriel Dianes, MD
Family Medicine
William Elder, MD
Family Medicine
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Yolanda Flores-Cueva, MD
Family Medicine
Patricia Glatt, MD
Family Medicine
Robert Hentz, MD
Familyl Medicine
Benjamin Hernandez-Velasco, MD
Internal Medicine
Sahar Jamalyaria, DO
Family Medicine
Tannia Joson, MD
Internal Medicine
Alexander Juhn, MD
Ophthalmology
Zeyad Kanaan, MD
Medical Oncology
Prabpreet Kaur, MD
Psychiatry
Christopher Kim, MD
Radiology
Nicholas Kujala, MD
Radiology
Erica Kumala, MD
Family Medicine
David Maniscalco, MD
Rheumatology
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Demara Miller, MD
Family Medicine
Tamaki Myers, MD
Emergency Medicine
Johnathan Nguyen, MD
Family Medicine
Lisa Nicholson, MD
Family Medicine
Monica O'Hanlon, MD
Urology
Stephen Perry, MD
Family Medicine
Phyllis Rich, MD
Family Medicine
Saverio Roberto, DO
Family Medicine
Steven Rockoff, MD
Radiology
Joseph Rodriguez, MD
Urology
Kristina Rodriguez, MD
Family Medicine
Melissa Seeker, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Karina Silva Atkinson, MD
Family Medicine
Susan Ziolkowski, MD
Internal Medicine
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Health Careers Scholarship - Donate today! |
SCMA is pleased to partner with the Sonoma County Medical Association Alliance Foundation (SCMAAF) to support fundraising for this important program. Although the two organizations are separate entities, we share many common interests, including the annual Health Careers Scholarship awards.
Your donation through the SCMAAF website will help pave the way for the next generation of medical practitioners in Sonoma County. Click on the image below to donate.
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Membership is an investment
The California Medical Association works closely with state and federal leaders to ensure physicians are included in COVID-19 relief programs, and has also ensured payment parity between in-person and telehealth services, including telephonic visits.
CMA and its county medical societies also support California's physicians with a multitude of member services ranging from direct payor intervention to an extensive network of resources and benefit partners.
To learn more, see the flier at the left or call CMA's call center during weekday business hours at 800-786-4262.
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When you renew your membership or join the California Medical Association and SCMA or MLCMS, you add your voice to nearly 50,000 members statewide who are actively supporting the practice of medicine and public health initiatives like SCMA's COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Membership is affordable and easy to maintain; monthly payment plans are available. Call 800-786-4262 or click the button below to join online.
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Congress acts to stop Medicare 2% sequestration cuts
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On March 25, the U.S. Senate voted 90-2 to pass bipartisan legislation to extend the moratorium on the Medicare 2% sequestration payment cut that would have expired on April 1 through Dec. 31, 2021. The bill also included a technical fix to help the California Disproportionate Share Hospitals. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a different bill (HR 1868) that would extend the moratorium through the COVID-19 public health emergency and eliminate a 4% Medicare sequestration cut that is scheduled to take effect because of the House PayGo and Reconciliation rules.
Speaker Pelosi’s office said that the House will take up the Senate bill when the House returns from the Spring/Easter recess on April 12. The House is expected to pass the Senate version. Congressional leadership have indicated that they will re-address the 4% Medicare sequestration cuts later in the year before they take effect in 2022.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have signaled that they can hold the early April Medicare physician claims on the payment floor until the House acts. This payment hold will allow CMS to avoid paying physicians the 2% reduced rate and retroactively reconcile claims. More details here.
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SCMA BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS |
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DONATING CARE FOR THOSE IN NEED
Celebrating National Volunteer Week
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Since 1993, Operation Access has enabled physicians and medical centers across the Bay Area to donate vital surgical and specialty care for low-income and uninsured adults. We’re celebrating National Volunteer Week (April 18–24) with gratitude to volunteer physicians and a special nod to our 2020 Unsung Hero Award honoree—Dr. Robert Haimson of Sutter Health in Santa Rosa.
Patient spotlight: Jorge, a volunteer for his church’s thrift store, badly injured his knee during a fall from the store’s delivery truck. Uninsured and unable to afford medical care, Jorge finally visited his local health clinic, where his primary care provider referred him to Operation Access. We matched Jorge with Dr. Robert Haimson for surgery to repair the meniscal tear. Since the surgery, Jorge’s pain has decreased significantly, and he is looking forward to returning to work full time, volunteering at his church, and playing with his daughters again. FULL STORY HERE.
Operation Access is seeking volunteer physicians for surgical and specialty care patients; you determine the frequency of participation and types of cases you accept. To learn how you can help, please call 415-733-0052 or email info@operationaccess.org. Visit our website at www.operationaccess.org.
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FREE ON-DEMAND WEBCAST
Complying with 2021 employment laws
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Many new employment laws have emerged this year that impact physicians in their roles as employers, especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the one-hour webcast, Complying with 2021 Employment Laws: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, presented by the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP), Alexis James and Renee Noy, Managing Partners at WorkWise Law, PC, discuss new regulations and policies to help physicians avoid costly employment-related lawsuits.
Learn more about CAP's medical malpractice coverage.
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Join Jewish Community Free Clinic for our 6th annual Works of Heart Art Show and Fundraiser. This event is a collaboration between national and local artists and Sonoma County’s only completely free clinic. At this inspiring event, artists come together to show their art and raise much needed operating funds for our free clinic. Art proceeds are shared between artists and the clinic— supporting both the arts and the activities of our safety
net services.
LIVE BROADCAST: Sunday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m. PDT
Virtual art show: April 1–18
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The Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency (SRFMR) is looking for experienced family doctors and pediatricians to teach in our outpatient pediatric clinics as members of the SRFMR Community Faculty. Time commitment is variable and can be worked around your schedule. Volunteer and paid options available. If you have a passion for children's health and for teaching young physicians, please contact Director of Pediatrics Mark Sloan, MD, at markpsloan@gmail.com or 707-536-6105. Learn more on the SRFMR website.
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Operation Access is seeking volunteer physicians to provide surgical and specialty care for low-income and uninsured adults in Northern California. You determine the frequency of participation and types of cases you accept. Please contact us to learn more about how you can get involved. Call 415-733-0052, email info@operationaccess.org or visit our website.
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For updates on future SCMA vaccination clinics and volunteer opportunities, please join our mailing list. When you sign up for our email communications list, you'll receive the latest information and resources from SCMA and MLCMS.
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SCMA and MLCMS members can place FREE classified ads in News Briefs. (Cost for nonmember physicians and the general public is $1 per word.) To place a classified ad or display banner, contact Susan Gumucio at susan@scma.org or 707-481-8995.
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Contact SCMA|MLCMS: exec@scma.org
or rachel@scma.org | 707-525-4375
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