Vaccine Rule Call to Action

The Florida Department of Health has moved forward with its proposed rule to remove Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for public school attendance. It has a 21-day period for public input before final approval. The deadline to submit a comment is September 14th. The proposed rule also expands religious vaccine exemptions to include moral and ethical beliefs and lets parents and college students opt out of having their records included in the state vaccine database.

Read CCMS Board of Directors Statement >

News >

View proposed rule notice with link to submit a comment>

Additional instructions for submitting a comment >

MEASLES UPDATE & HEALTH RESOURCES

The Florida DOH in Collier County is working closely with health care providers and community members to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to measles following the identification of three infants with measles in Immokalee.

Measles is highly contagious and up to 90% of individuals without immunity may contract the disease if exposed.

MMR vaccine can be administered to infants 6-11 months of age when there is an increased risk of measles exposure in communities, or prior to international travel. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County is offering MMR vaccines at no cost to the community.

Immokalee Community Letter | Measles Fact Sheet | Measles Healthcare Algorithm

More information, including Creole and Spanish versions of the letter and fact sheet, is available here.

Host a Student – Physician Volunteers Needed

We are looking for Collier County physicians willing to host student shadowing experiences. If interested, please email info@ccmsonline.org. Thank you for supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Volunteer Opportunities with the Foundation of CCMS

Know anyone looking for non-profit or healthcare-related volunteer opportunities this summer? We are always accepting volunteer administrative/office support. Volunteer hours can count for Bright Futures scholarship requirements. We also have volunteer opportunities available at the Docs & Duffers Charity Golf Tournament on September 26th. If interested, please email or call FCCMS at (239) 435-7727.

Invitation to join CCMS Committees

Committee membership is open to all CCMS members. Most committee meetings are virtual and take place in the evenings a few times each year. Highlighted opportunities include CCMS Health Disparities Ad-Hoc Committee, Legislative, Membership, Programs, Women's Health Forum, and Wellness committees. Committee business may also be discussed via email. If you are interested in serving, contact April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director.

Review CCMS Committees >

Join or Renew Your CCMS Alliance Membership Today + Just Released: The CCMSA Connection Fall Newsletter

The Collier County Medical Society Alliance (CCMSA) invites physician spouses and CCMS members to join/renew their membership in the Alliance. Be part of a vibrant community that fosters friendships, professional camaraderie, promotes health and wellness, and supports CCMS healthcare initiatives.

Submit dues online >

Join/Renew Form>

Read the President’s Welcome Letter >

View Newsletter >

CCMS Physician Wellness Program (PWP)



Article of the week: “Naked on Rounds, Lost in Hallways: Why Docs Have Bad Dreams”

Join a CCMS Fitness/Wellness Group: 
Stay active and connect with colleagues! Whether you're into tennis, cycling, kayaking, or weekend dining, there’s already interest—or you can explore options like running, fishing, and discussion groups. Email CCMS to sign up!

Request CCMS PWP counseling & coaching session: Confidential, cost-free support available to all CCMS physician members via telehealth or in-person visits. Members can schedule appointments by calling the PWP member-only line at (239) 208-3984, or by using the new secure online request form. When completing the field “I am using benefits from my Physician/Attorney Wellness Program”, select "Collier County Medical Society" and choose self-pay.

Learn more >

Request Appointment Online >

Enter Our 2028 Masters Tournament Raffle

Only 100 tickets will be entered!

Held in conjunction with the CCMS Foundation’s Docs & Duffers Charity Golf Tournament. Need not be present to win!

Prize include:

• 2 passes (for One Day) to the 2028 Masters Tournament in Augusta, your choice of tournament day, April 6-9, 2028
• Masters Shirt and Hat for the 2 attendees.

Suggested minimum donation $200 per ticket.

More Info (2nd registration option) >

The board of directors of the Foundation of CCMS is pleased to announce the winners of its 2026 Foundation Healthcare Scholarship awards: Johann Charelus, Dominique Isabella Loyd, Christian McGovern, and Nicholas Mosca. Each student will receive a scholarship ranging from $5,000 to $7,500.

The final tally of 2026 scholarship awards given by the Foundation is $41,000. This includes awards announced earlier this summer to Kaitlyn Barnes, recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students, and Gianna Gorman and Greg Frengel, recipients of the Foundation 2026 Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The Foundation has awarded nearly $325,000 in scholarships since 2013.

The Foundation of CCMS healthcare scholarships are for students who are Florida residents enrolled or accepted into a healthcare degree program, with awards based on need, academic performance, and community involvement.

“The Foundation is proud to support this year’s outstanding scholarship recipients as they pursue their education and prepare for meaningful careers in healthcare,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Board Chair of the Foundation. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of healthcare and in the students who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. We are deeply grateful to our donors and sponsors whose generosity makes these awards possible.”

Read More >