We are currently seeing more than 8 new COVID-19 cases per day per 100,000 residents—the most in two months—with a test positivity rate around 7%. Thankfully, we have gone more than six weeks without a COVID-19 fatality in Sonoma County, the longest period without a pandemic-related death since the summer of 2020. It is a testament to the quality of care provided by the healthcare professionals in Sonoma County and our joint efforts to distribute the vaccine to every corner of our community, with an emphasis on people who face the highest risks. Continue reading

The 2022 Contribution Awards will be presented at the 38th Annual SMLMA Membership Gala on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Vintners Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa. We're pulling out all the stops to make it the most festive Gala ever—including a welcoming champagne reception, delicious multi-course seated dinner, presentations, VIP guests and the annual passing of the SMLMA leadership gavel!

In the spirit of collaboration and celebration, please wear your HOLIDAY RED attire to the Gala! See invitation flier for details.

RSVP to Rachel at 707-525-4375 or rachel@smlma.org

Creator and host of "The Nocturnists" podcast, Emily Silverman, MD, joined the CMA House of Delegates last month to explain why storytelling is an important skill for physicians. Check out this video highlight to learn more.

The SMLMA Board of Directors met on Nov. 15, 2022, led by Dr. Patricia Hiserote. The board discussed 2023 open board positions. Dr. Harjot Bhandal joined to briefly to say hello as he has been nominated for an open board position beginning January 2023. Dr. Warren Chin stepped up as the nominee for the 2023 president-elect position. Additional open regional director positions were discussed including Petaluma, Ukiah, Lake County and an FQHC representative.

This section on the PHCC website provides talking points and answers to tough questions related to COVID-19 and other emergent public health concerns, such as flu and mpox. The message guidance is updated regularly to reflect new developments.

Watch for your complimentary copy of Sonoma Health magazine, which focuses on the latest medical advancements in cancer care, maintaining healthy eye and ear function, headache relief, and much more.

SMLMA collaborated with the publishers of the Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine to produce the second edition of this important community-focused publication—our official partner magazine.

As an additional benefit in 2023, SMLMA members will also receive a copy of Sonoma Magazine every two months. Our aim is to help you keep in touch with local news, activities and events. We hope you enjoy the magazines; please share with others and patients in your office reception area.

The HCS program provides funds to local students pursuing a career in medicine. Your donation helps pave the way for the next generation of clinicians, many of whom may choose to stay and practice in Sonoma County. Most of the scholarship recipients come from low-income households and are the first in their family to attend college.

See details on the SCMAAF website. Please donate to support the Health Careers Scholarship fund for Sonoma County students.

Congratulations to Dr. Georgina Calderon, recipient of SMLMA's scholarship to the 2023 Bay Area Physician Leadership Program, which begins in January. Attendees earn a Certificate of Completion and up to 24 hours of CME credit. Click here for details, including session topics.

For more information or to apply for the positions below, contact Kristine Coyle at 707-578-3000 or cvsolutionsllc@gmail.com.

Office Manager for solo surgeon with 2 excellent part-time employees at office established 7 years ago. Hours flexible, depending on applicant’s experience. Majority of work can be done remotely, but ideal for manager to be on site in Ukiah one day per week. Looking for experienced professional who is responsible, compassionate, detail oriented. Insurance-related claims/issues is a key responsibility. EMR and billing already in place. Excellent pay.

Ultrasonographer who would like to do venous mapping of ultrasound studies one day per week in Ukiah. Per diem payment and flexibility in scheduling. Could develop into a full-time position for other peripheral vascular studies if technician is interested.

Medical Assistant for Ukiah vein clinic and vascular surgery office. No previous experience necessary. Must speak Spanish. Lots of room to grow and flexibility with schedule, 8-16 hours per week.

Addiction Pharmacology: Enhancing Confidence and Comfort in Helping Pregnant Women Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 • 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Free online course to help physicians and other healthcare providers reduce gun violence. Hour-long on-demand training teaches clinicians how to identify at-risk patients and how to intervene according to the type and level of risk of firearm violence. Sponsored by CMA and UC Davis. | REGISTER HERE

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | RSVP to Bridget Sholin at sholinbl@ah.org or 707-367-3629. Meeting link provided upon registration.

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 series here.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Welcome to Dr. Barry Silberg and the six new Resident Physicians at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Family Medicine Residency program. We look forward to supporting you.