IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
From our county health officers
CMA House of Delegates offers climate change panel Oct. 21
Sonoma Health publishes in December
Other highlights
SMLMA scholarship for Bay Area Physician Leadership Program 2023
Elevating Youth and Empowering Community training starts Oct. 24
Medical Arts Oct. 27
Shriners CME for pediatric providers Nov. 17
Community Bulletin Board
Webinars and CME events
Whole Person Care in Sonoma County
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Happy fall! Where did the summer go so quickly? I hope you all enjoyed a summer holiday and know where you packed your sweaters! It’s a busy fall for many of us at SMLMA. Among other things, we will be attending the CMA House of Delegates on Oct. 21-23 in Los Angeles. We are so grateful to our SMLMA physician delegates for their time preparing for this annual meeting—for which a great deal of work goes on behind the scenes all year long. Even if you are not an official delegate, you may still participate by signing in to the CMA HOD Climate Change panel on Friday, Oct. 21. (Click the link or see details below.)
In September, SMLMA leadership gathered at Safari West in Santa Rosa for a strategic planning retreat. Excellent participation and debate went into creating new mission and vision statements that represent who we are and how we fit into our physician communities.
What stood out for me was when I recognized the “Aha!” moment of who we are as an organization and who we serve: the physicians! While we always aim to do good deeds and be a voice in the community, our priority remains service to physicians. We discussed many possibilities for meeting this goal in ways that best serve you. Our next steps are to refine the statements and continue working on a five-year action plan. We will share more details when finalized. It’s still a work in progress. Continue reading
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FROM OUR COUNTY HEALTH OFFICERS |
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Sundari Mase, MD, MPH
Pleasant fall weather has brought some relief to Sonoma County after a hot dry summer. Fall has also brought a welcome drop in COVID-19 cases. Toward the end of September, Sonoma County’s case rate was the lowest it has been since early April, when subvariants of the omicron variant circulated widely in the community. Our case rate, which had plateaued around 40 new cases per day per 100,000 residents during the summer, is now down in the single digits. COVID-19 hospitalizations also remain low, and we have not experienced a new mpox case for more than a week.
It is unclear what will happen with COVID this fall and winter, but we have two years of data upon which to base predictions. In each of the past two winters, we have seen an increase in COVID cases as the weather turns cold, people spend more time indoors, and people gather for holidays.
Fortunately, this year we have a new COVID booster shot specifically formulated to protect against the dominant omicron variant. The new boosters, known as bivalent vaccines, are made by Pfizer and Moderna. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Pfizer bivalent booster for anyone 12 and older and the Moderna bivalent booster for anyone 18 and older. Continue reading
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Andy Coren, MD
The COVID omicron surge seems like it is cooling off with cases and hospitalizations falling nicely in the last two weeks, confirmed by wastewater surveillance data. Mortality data will continue since that data lags behind. Projections are that these numbers will plateau or continue to fall over the next six weeks. However, this is based upon no new significant variant emerging and on rapid uptake of the new bivalent boosters. Unfortunately, vaccines for children under 17 are going slowly and for those under 5 years, they are going at a snail’s pace. We need all providers to build trust in the vaccine safety and to encourage vaccinating the children.
Mpox cases have also decreased, and the availability of vaccines and treatment is growing. At this time, teaching harm reduction is key: decreasing sexual contact for those with multiple or casual experiences for now, self-monitoring for signs and symptoms, and early reporting to a provider to diagnose and treat.
Finally, influenza season is around the corner, with some early cases already reported. Please encourage the new flu shots and remember they can be given at the same time as the COVID boosters. ◊
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Save these links in your browser for quick reference. The county websites contain frequently updated information for COVID-19 that you can share with patients.
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Want to keep up-to-date with the latest Sonoma County COVID-19 information and guidance? Visit the County's sign-up page to have a weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox
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Whole Person Care in Sonoma County |
Whole Person Care services are available in Sonoma County. Enhanced care management includes outreach; support in goal setting; and referrals for behavioral and physical health, finances, housing, and social supports. Outpatient services include mental health treatment and case management.
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SMLMA delegation heading to HOD Oct. 21-23 |
The 151st annual session of the California Medical Association's House of Delegates (HOD) will cover three major issues when it convenes Oct. 22-23, 2022, in Los Angeles. CMA’s physician delegates meet annually to establish broad policy on current major issues that have been determined to be the most important matters affecting members, the association and the practice of medicine. This year’s top issues are:
Physician workforce • Healthcare reform • Mental health
Attending this year on behalf of SMLMA are Executive Director Wendy Davies and Drs. Warren Chin, Brad Drexler, Jay Joseph, Patricia May, Matt Olsen, and Rich Powers.
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HOD climate change panel
Friday, Oct. 21 • 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Marriott LA LIVE, Diamond Salon 10
Open to all delegates and SMLMA members YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A DELEGATE
Two-part panel discussion will explore the health impacts of climate change in California and the opportunities for California physicians to advance policy-level climate solutions with enormous public health co-benefits. Sponsored by Climate Health Now and the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy (CFEE) in coordination with CMA.
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SMLMA OFFICIAL PARTNER MAGAZINE
Medical advisory board of physicians
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Publishers of The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine, in collaboration with the Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake Medical Association, will produce the second annual issue of Sonoma Health magazine in December. This connection provides an excellent opportunity for SMLMA to further its mission of promoting healthcare in our diverse communities. Please consider supporting the publication with your advertising budget!
Articles for the general public readership are being written by both physicians and freelance journalists. The magazine has a Medical Advisory Board comprised of physicians who are vetting all medical content. We thank those serving on the 2022-2023 advisory board:
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CHAIR: Allan Bernstein, MD
- James C. DeVore, MD
- Rachel Friedman, MD
- Gary Green, MD
- Stephen Halpern, MD
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- Maria Petrick, MD
- Brien Seeley, MD
- Jeffrey Sugarman, MD
- Victor Wong, MD
- Dierdre Bernard-Pearl, MD
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Advertising and marketing opportunities:
Contact Sonoma Health Publisher Steve Childs
To be considered as a physician author:
Contract Sonoma Health Editor Alexandra Russell
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APPLY NOW FOR SMLMA SCHOLARSHIP
2023 Bay Area Physician Leadership Program
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The 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 CME credit.
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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 and lead change. Click here for details, including session topics.
SMLMA will award a scholarship covering the $1,400 program fee (recipient must be an SMLMA member). To apply, send a letter to exec@smlma.org describing your interest and why you want to attend. Letters must be received by Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.
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Next medical arts workshop Oct. 27
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The Medical Arts Project of Sonoma (MAPS) continues in October. The FREE monthly workshops led by physicians aim to bolster creative thinking and problem-solving in medical practice, while bringing local physicians together to find connection and meaning in their personal and professional lives. Pictured left: Participants at the Sept. 29 writing workshop with Dr. Mark Sloan.
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Watercolor with Dr. Judith Hong
No experience or materials required. Just come and enjoy the evening.
Thursday, Oct. 27 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Visit the MAPS website for workshop details and to register.
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SMLMA is pleased to sponsor this INNOVATIVE 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.
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NEW VIRTUAL TRAINING SERIES FROM HANNA
Elevating youth, empowering community
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Beginning in October, Hanna Institute will offer a new, free virtual learning series: Elevating Youth, Empowering Community for parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, counselors – anyone providing direct care to high-risk children and teens. Participants will gain information and skills to support students experiencing anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, or bullying. Live Spanish transcription/closed captions will also be available. Register here and see website for details.
Managing Anxiety and Its Path into Depression
Monday, Oct. 24, 2022 • 9:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Decreasing Suicidality Risk in Youth
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 • 9:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Words Wound: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying
Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 • 9:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
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WHAT EVERY PEDIATRIC PROVIDER NEEDS TO KNOW
Management of Gait Disorders in Children
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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PRESENTED BY
- Jon Davids, MD, Assistant Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Director, Motion Analysis Center
- Suzanne Bratkovich, MSPT, Physical Therapist, Motion Analysis Center
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Based on feedback from our local clinicians, Shriners Children's Northern California is excited to bring our members this special CME webinar. Among other topics, Dr. Davids will identify childhood gait disorders and describe when a specialist diagnostic workup is indicated. Click registration link for more information.
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Join us! The first 40 SMLMA members to register and attend will receive a
$50 dinner coupon, compliments of Shriners Children's.
Shriners Children’s Northern California is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA)
to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hours.
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Wellness physician leaders interested in the Bay Area Physician Wellness Collaborative, please visit the ACCMA website to learn more about the project and complete an interest form. Participation is open to those with wellness roles in their organizations. Following registration, you will receive invitations and Zoom links for future live events, as well as access to recorded sessions and collaborative resources. Next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Session will focus on how to build a wellness team within your organization.
Questions may be directed to Joseph Greaves, ACCMA Executive Director, at jgreaves@accma.org or 510-654-5383.
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Dr. Rachel Mayorga, an internist in Healdsburg, is hiring a nurse practitioner for a part-time position caring for adults in Healdsburg. If you know anyone who is interested, please ask then to send a resume to rachelmayorga@gmail.com.
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SMLMA 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@smlma.org or 707-481-8995.
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OCTOBER WEBINARS & CME EVENTS |
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California Medical Association
Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 Clinical Updates
Webinar moderated by Kimberly Newell Green, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, UC San Francisco.
CMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.
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Adventist Health Ukiah Valley
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, Oct. 7, 2022 • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | RSVP to Bridget Sholin at sholinbl@ah.org or 707-367-3629. TEAMS link provided upon registration.
Friday, Oct. 14, 2022 • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | RSVP to Bridget Sholin at sholinbl@ah.org or 707-367-3629. TEAMS link provided upon registration.
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Sutter Health Network
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.
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Shriners Children's Northern California
Management of Gait Disorders in Children
Special CME webinar for SMLMA members. Details above in News & Notes section. First 40 SMLMA members to register will also receive a $50 DINNER COUPON.
Shriners Children’s Northern California is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hours
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Congratulations to our new SMLMA members!
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Welcome, Drs. Kohli and Plante. We're delighted to have you aboard and look forward to supporting you and your practice. |
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Impact of AB 35 on medical malpractice lawsuits |
A likely surge in medical malpractice claims frequency and severity are expected to occur when Assembly Bill (AB 35) goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. Register for CAP’s free webinar AB 35: Truth and Impact, to learn more about how this legislation impacts your medical professional liability and what you can do to protect your practice.
Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022 • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT
To learn more about CAP's coverage options:
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16 months of membership for the price of 12 |
Continuing in October 2022, new medical organizations that join SMLMA/CMA and pay in full for the next year will receive the remaining months of this year for FREE.
Join nearly 50,000 physicians making a direct impact on the practice
of medicine and the health of California.
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