In This Issue
Featured news
SCMA advocacy reps (delegates) needed
COVID-19 vaccine clinics continue in June
Pediatricians can now bypass MyTurn
Newest vaccination incentive program kicks off
Other highlights
Bay Area Health Equity
Speaker Series
Free 2021 HR manual
Live drive-in celebrations for healthcare heroes!
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From the desk of Wendy Young, Executive Director
Happy Spring/almost Summer to the Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake County medical community! The sunshine and our ability to enjoy the fresh air with friends and family again is healing in itself.
The SCMA/MLCMS have been working to connect our communities, creating one big family of physicians. Our Merger and Consolidation Resolution has been submitted and will be heard during the 2021 House of Delegates. If approved, we will become the Sonoma Mendocino Lake County Medical Association. One Board of Directors, with regional 'Council's' to meet the individual needs of the regions within the same component. Now that everyone is experienced in the art of virtual meetings, it makes this opportunity even more appealing. I am looking forward to us being ONE. I hope you are too!
Soon we can gather as a community and celebrate thriving during one of the most challenging times in the history of your chosen profession and your unwavering dedication to the community. Until then, SCMA/MLCMS is here if we can be of service to you!
Yours in health and service,
Wendy Young, Executive Director
Sonoma County Medical Association
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SCMA/MLCMS seek advocacy delegates for 2021 HOD |
How do everyday California physicians make a difference in county and state laws? They join the California Medical Association's House of Delegates as a regional delegate representative. SCMA is seeking not just one, but eight delegates and alternates to complete our local representation for CMA's House of Delegates! Without data analysts and advocates, critical avenues for success may be easily overlooked or ignored. Join the strategic discussions that help shape the future of the practice and business of medicine by saying Yes! to being an SCMA/MLCMS advocacy representative.
Please consider joining District X Chairman Dr. Brad Drexler and SCMA's HOD delegation. Your voice matters! Please contact Wendy Young at exec@scma.org or 707-620-0808 for more information and to sign up to represent your community!
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COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC UPDATES |
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Please share this link with patients, family and friends
SCMA Vaccine Clinic Appointments:
Second-dose vaccine appointments available
You may make an appointment at the SCMA vaccine clinic that matches your first vaccine (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna). We can give you your second dose if you missed your appointment or it wasn't scheduled—even if we did not provide your first dose. We have Moderna and Pfizer vaccine clinic dates not listed on the websites, so call us if you are seeking that second dose.
Call 707-525-4375 for an appointment.
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SCMA and SRCH continue community outreach |
SCMA’s vaccine clinic at the Grace Pavilion is now available for walk-ins and appointments—with focus on age 12 and older. New strategies have also been employed to reach those not yet vaccinated: several SCMA clinics at the Pavilion were scheduled for later in the day to accommodate working families and after-school visits, and the last week in May, SCMA took clinic operations to brewpubs in Rohnert Park and Windsor.
As the vaccine rollout winds down, SCMA continues to consult with Santa Rosa Community Health and the County for collaborative outreach efforts. We aim to support this initiative as long as necessary.
It's officially Summer 2021! In an effort to help our community safely enjoy friends and family this summer, we are taking it to the streets! You can now receive your Covid-19 vaccine at one of SCMA's outdoor pop-up vaccine clinics this week:
Wednesday, June 2nd | 2pm - 6:30pm | Pfizer and J&J | Location: Wicked Slush, Healdsburg - 13840 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA | Free Pip Squeek slush when you receive your vaccine at the SCMA/Wicked Slush pop-up!
Thursday, June 3rd | 11am - 6:30pm | Pfizer & J&J Walk-up Vaccine Clinic Location: Courthouse Square, Downtown Santa Rosa, CA | Discounted beverages, food and merchandise from downtown businesses when you receive your vaccine at the SCMA/Downtown Merchant's vaccine clinic on this date!
More clinics are added weekly! - Call us at (707) 525-4375
Website: www.scma.org - Visit the Covid-19 page.
Pictured above: Winnie, an emotional support friend for guests receiving COVID-19 shots at the SCMA vaccine clinic. Winnie helps put kids (and adults) at ease!
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Vaccination news
The California Department of Public Health announced a new vaccine incentive program as part of the larger Vax for the Win program that includes $15 million in prizes and $50,000 Fridays.( SCMA may have vaccinated some of the winners!) The newest addition to the incentive program encourages Californians who have not yet been vaccinated to get started. The first 2 million Californians who start and complete their COVID-19 vaccination process beginning May 27 will be eligible for a $50 incentive card. See information pack for details.
For providers
To share with your patients
• CDPH fliers showing vaccine risks and benefits: English or Spanish version.
• SCMA/SRCH fliers to help explain what patients can expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccination: English or Spanish version.
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Click the button above, then please share links with your patients.
Appointments are open to residents of Sonoma County
who are 12 years of age or older. Dates and locations are updated regularly.
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Click the image above to support SCMA clinics and donate online.
Prefer to send 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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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS AND UPDATES |
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CMA PPE Relief Program closing soon |
Last chance to order! The free CMA PPE Relief Program is concluding since CMA is no longer receiving additional supplies. All inventory must be distributed, so remaining PPE is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at www.ppereliefdirect.org.
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HONORING HEALTHCARE WORKERS
"My Hero" drive-in performances start June 4!
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It’s almost showtime! SCMA is proud to be a medical sponsor for Transcendence Theatre Company’s 2021 outdoor concert season. Please join SCMA and TTC in June for a spectacular evening of musical theatre honoring front-line healthcare workers (including two SCMA vaccine clinic volunteers).
“My Hero” live performances and entertainment for families is designed to be enjoyed drive-in style. Bring a blanket or folding chairs! Your ticket provides your car a spot for the live show under the stars. Once in your spot, you can enjoy the performance on a blanket, from your own folding chairs, or from your car.
Call SCMA at 707-525-4375 for a sponsor discount code before you purchase your tickets. Then click here for details and tickets. Buy a ticket for your car or donate one to a healthcare hero.
Physician volunteers needed for SCMA's first-aid tent
COVID-19 safety precautions will be strictly monitored at each site, and SCMA will provide a first-aid tent staffed by a volunteer physician. To volunteer for drive-in performances in June or outdoor theatre shows in August and September, click the button below.
My Hero (live at the drive-In)
Petaluma Fairgrounds JUNE 4–6
BR Cohn Winery JUNE 11–13 and 18–20
Broadway Under the Stars
Jack London State Historic Park AUG. 6–SEPT. 19
Benefits for volunteer physicians and their guest include two show tickets, VIP parking, and dinner. Don't wait, slots are filling up fast!
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Add your name to new SCMA physician speakers list |
SCMA is compiling a list of physicians (active and retired) who would enjoy talking to various community groups. Great opportunity to create interest in the subject matter and visibility for your practice or specialty! To sign up, email susan@scma.org or call 707-481-8995.
If you are seeking a speaker for your community group meeting, please contact Susan Gumucio at susan@scma.org or 707-481-8995.
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New way to donate with Amazon app
Sign up to generate donations while you shop! Follow the instructions below and select Medical Society of Sonoma County as your charity when you activate AmazonSmile in the app. Amazon will donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to MSSC.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone.
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features.
3. Select "Medical Society of Sonoma County" as your charity.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app.
MSSC was formed in 2017 to expand the Sonoma County Medical Association’s access to resources and ability to serve our community. The 501(c)(3) public charity 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, contact Wendy Young at exec@scma.org or 707-620-0808.
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JUNE WEBINARS AND CLASSES |
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CMA and Bay Area Medical Societies
CMA Virtual Grand Rounds: Ethics in a Pandemic and
the State of COVID-19 in California
Hear from experts about medical ethics and how ethics relate to the individual and collective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Erica Pan, MD, California State Epidemiologist, will give updates on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic nationally and in California, as well as the evolving public health guidelines as the state moves toward
fully reopening.
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Bay Area Health Equity Speaker Series, a program developed by Bay Area medical societies in collaboration with the Ethnic Health Institute, offers three Tuesday evening sessions in June. For questions or registration assistance, contact Jenn Mullins at jmullins@accma.org or 510-654-5383. See flier for details and REGISTER HERE.
Panel Discussion: Community Resilience Case Study
Physician Leaders of the African American Response Circle (AARC)
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: A Systems Approach Case Study
The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) • Tuesday, June 8, 2021 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Leadership in Action Case Study
Kedran Community Health Center • Tuesday, June 15, 2021 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
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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. Interactive Q&A session takes place with each live event. Learn about the entire series here.
Presented by Barry K. Eisenberg, MD, Ilana Sherer, MD, FAAP, and Jenny Schreck, MD
Presented by Lewis Z. Leng, MD, FAANS
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Shriners Hospitals for Children: Northern California
For GI specialists, colorectal surgeons, pediatricians, PCPs, RNs, school-based nurses
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hour
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Congratulations and welcome to our new MLCMS and SCMA members! We are pleased to have you on board and look forward to supporting your practice and collaborating with you and your colleagues.
Not a member yet? Click the button below to join online.
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Patricia Chico, MD
Family Medicine, Fort Bragg
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Ommar Hla, MD
Radiation Oncology, Healdsburg
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FREE 2021 HR manual for medical practices
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Whether you employ a staff of one or 100, every medical practice needs an up-to-date human resources manual to stay on top of the latest in HR best practices and legal guidelines. The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) is pleased to offer you a free customizable, Word-formatted HR manual adaptable to your practice's specific needs. Written by HR professionals, the 2021 Human Resources Manual has been fully updated to reflect 2021 laws, many of which are new or have changed due to the ongoing pandemic. Download here.
Learn more about CAP's medical malpractice coverage.
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Gail Dubinsky, MD, announces her new office location: 6800 Palm Avenue, Suite I (as in Iguana), Sebastopol, CA 95472. The practice offers orthopaedic medicine, osteopathic manual therapy and yoga therapeutics. Phone 707-829-7596, fax 707-829-7597 and email Dubinnsky@rxyoga.com. For more information, visit www.gaildubinskymd.com or see Dr. Dubinsky's YouTube channel for instructional yoga videos. Full length DVDs can be viewed at www.rxyoga.com.
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Stefan Zechowy, MD, Mark Homicz, MD, Elizabeth Cedars, MD, and Annick Aubin-Pouliot, MD are excited to announce they have joined MarinHealth Medical Network: MarinHealth ENT, Head & Neck Surgery | A UCSF Health Clinic. Their practice in Santa Rosa will retain the same location and the same phone number: 1701 Fourth Street, Suite 120, Santa Rosa, 707-523-7025. The physicians, audiologists, and staff are thrilled to continue to serve the region’s ENT needs under this new name and affiliation. The group greatly values the relationship with local healthcare provider colleagues, and looks forward to continuing to work with you to serve the patients in Sonoma County and beyond. See the MarinHealth website for more information.
AREA NEWS
Digital health company acquires North Bay physicians network: Babylon, a London-based digital health company with an app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide patients with 24/7 access to care, has acquired Meritage Medical Network, a Novato-based network of 700 physicians who provide care for nearly a half-million residents with HMO plans in Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties. Read more in the May 28, 2021, North Bay Business Journal.
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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 needs 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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— IN MEMORIAM —
Stephen Roy Gospe, MD
Stephen Roy Gospe, 85, died peacefully at home in Santa Rosa on Jan. 12, 2021, in the loving company of his wife, children and grandchildren. Dr. Gospe was a longtime member of SCMA, actively supporting the practice of medicine for 48 years.
In 1965 Dr. Gospe and his wife Doris moved to Santa Rosa to raise their family and establish his private practice in internal medicine. He served the community as a master clinician and teacher for more than 55 years, focused on the health and well-being of his patients. Dr. Gospe taught countless residents and nurse practitioners in the County's Family Practice Program, served as assistant professor for UCSF, lectured for the SRJC Nursing Program and as a regular continuing education speaker at all County hospitals.
In retirement, he found great satisfaction as a volunteer rheumatologist from 2006 to 2015 with Alliance Medical Center in Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa Community Health Center's Lombardi Clinic from 2014 until his passing. Read the full obituary in the Press Democrat.
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Contact SCMA or MLCMS: exec@scma.org
or rachel@scma.org | 707-525-4375
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