Dr. Tanya Phares, an experienced physician executive from Reno, Nevada, who has held several leadership roles in health care, was appointed Sonoma County’s new health officer by the Board of Supervisors in November.

Previously a preventative medicine consultant based in Reno, Dr. Phares has served as chief medical officer for St. Mary’s Health Network, chief medical director of a health plan and medical director for a vaccine clinic in Nevada. Department of Health Services Director Tina Rivera said Dr. Phares emerged as the top candidate after a nationwide search. See details on the Department of Health Services website.

Please join SMLMA in welcoming Dr. Phares. She will represent Sonoma County Health Services on the SMLMA Board of Directors, and we look forward to working with her.

After much consideration, SMLMA and SFMMS have decided to move the Wellness Awards dinner from Jan. 24 to a later date in spring 2024. We received considerable feedback that more time was needed to participate in this important program.

Thank you to those who submitted nominations and sponsorship requests, which we will continue to accept. Please watch for the new schedule and plan to help us acknowledge and celebrate achievements in physician wellness work!

The 2024 Physician Leadership Program kicks off in January with an in-person session in Oakland, followed by four 2-hour virtual sessions led by nationally recognized faculty. The group will reconvene in Oakland for a final in-person session. Attendees earn a Certificate of Completion and up to 24 hours of category 1 CME credit.

This exceptional program helps physicians build upon their clinical leadership experience by honing skills such as communicating a vision; motivating colleagues; negotiating with payers; and collaborating across silos in order to build organizations, compete for resources, lead change, influence policy and overcome challenges. Click here for details, including session topics and presenters.

SMLMA SCHOLARSHIP: SMLMA will reimburse one MD or DO attendee for fully participating and completing the program (must be an SMLMA member). To apply, send a letter to exec@smlma.org indicating your interest in the program and how you see your leadership path benefiting SMLMA and your colleagues. Letters must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 so that we can notify recipient in advance of the registration deadline.

SMLMA and the publishers of The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine collaborated to develop the 2024 issue of Sonoma Health magazine. Coming your way in late December 2023—this locally relevant publication is full of timely articles, many authored by local physicians.

Copies of the magazine will be delivered to all physicians in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties. SMLMA members will also receive bimonthly issues of Sonoma Magazine throughout 2024, compliments of SMLMA.

Dr. Rachel Friedman (Family Medicine) will lead an evening of singing and learning about basic harmonies. Although this event falls during the holidays, we are not planning to sing Christmas carols! For everyone who signs up early, we will try to send MP3 sound clips ahead of time so we can join together in harmony.

We encourage you to bring any current craft or art project to work on during the singing. If you prefer not to sing but would like to just listen and craft, you are also welcome to do that.



Singing and Crafting Together

Thursday, Dec. 21 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Fulton Crossing Artisan Studios • 1200 River Rd., Fulton, CA 95439

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Visit the MAPS website for workshop details and to register.

General questions: sonomamedicalarts@gmail.com

SMLMA is pleased to sponsor this PHYSICIAN WELLNESS INITIATIVE, a collaboration between Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, with sessions open to all community physicians, Residents, and faculty of the residency programs.

California Medical Association

CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #6 – Incentives and Other Funding Opportunities for Data

On Jan. 31, 2023, the California Health and Human Services Agency launched the CHHS Data Exchange Framework. Over the next three years, this framework will require all physician practices in California to exchange data with other practices, health plans, hospitals, and others. To help physicians prepare for this change, CMA has partnered with CHHS to develop the "CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series."

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

NEW LAWS Affecting Physicians in 2024

Webinar will cover the new 2024 laws that will affect physicians and their practices, highlight pending health legislation, and explain CMA's legal resources available to members.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2024 • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Cooperative of American Physicians

Boosting Your Bottom Line with the Right Marketing Tactics

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

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 series here.

Looming Infectious Disease Threats

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

New Treatments and Goals for Psoriasis

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

As the new year approaches, SMLMA invites you to join our small group sessions dedicated to supporting your resolution to create healthier habits, manage stress, indulge in healthier foods and learn about sustainable time management tools. Working with local certified coach Summer Morris, this program provides participants with evidence-based tools and an individually customized plan that includes group support and accountability as well as personal guidance for healthy eating, increased movement, and stress management.

This online SMLMA group coaching program will provide you with simple steps to manage stress and create healthier eating habits in just 21 days. Sign up early to join the private SMLMA-Only Group. Weekly Zoom group coaching sessions begin Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

After registering, you will receive access to the private, members-only portal to navigate online tools, resources and content—allowing you to learn at a pace that works for you. In addition to the weekly [recorded] Zoom coaching calls, participants will receive:

• eBook with healthy recipes.
• Recorded workouts plus guided relaxation, mindfulness and yoga sessions.

Learn more at SummerMorris.com/SMLMA/ or see program flier.

Questions? Contact Summer at summer@summermorris.com.

Only $97 for SMLMA members with code SMLMA100

SMLMA program starts Monday, Jan. 8, 2024

with Zoom group coaching from 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

To learn more about becoming a CAP member:

Contact Dorine Leong at 650-543-2183 or DLeong@CAPphysicians.com. 

Request an Instant Quote  and see how much you can save on medical malpractice coverage.