April 20, 2023

CCMS Mission:

Serve the needs of our physician members so they can better serve the needs of the community

In this Issue

News Briefs, Member Notices, Events, Member Spotlights, CCMS Physician of the Year Announcement

News Briefs

Collier leaders pass 'health freedom' ordinance to protect individual liberties: “The Collier County Commission unanimously passed a “health freedom bill of rights” on Tuesday (4/11) that supporters say protects personal liberties in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and government overreach.” - Naples Daily News

(Editor's note: per the final Health Freedom Ordinance, section 5, as in state law, healthcare providers are exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine documentation prohibition.)

FDA clears extra COVID booster for some high-risk Americans: “U.S. regulators on Tuesday (4/18) cleared another booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older Americans and people with weak immune systems.” - AP News

Supreme Court temporarily extends abortion pill access, decision coming Friday: “The Supreme Court has temporarily extended women’s access to an abortion pill until Friday while the justices consider whether to allow restrictions on mifepristone to take effect as a legal challenge to the medication’s Food and Drug Administration approval continues." - AP News

How Collier’s Hispanic population experiences healthcare disparities: “As of 2020, more than one quarter of Collier’s population was born outside of the United States. Still, immigrants in the area face numerous socioeconomic challenges — including access to health care." - WGCU

Biden ends COVID national emergency after Congress acts: “The U.S. national emergency to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic ended Monday as President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan congressional resolution to bring it to a close after three years — weeks before it was set to expire alongside a separate public health emergency.” - AP News

CCMS Member Post-Hurricane Resources Directory: For the full directory visit ccmsonline.org

Member Notices

CCMS Welcomes New Circle of Friends Vendor

CCMS is pleased to announce new CCMS Circle of Friends vendor Gulf Coast Indoor Digital Billboards.

Gulf Coast Indoor Digital Billboards connects local businesses to their customers through their network of Indoor Digital Billboards. This network of screens allows businesses to reach their customers where they work, shop, eat, and play. CCMS members receive 3 additional screen locations with any package.

Gulf Coast Indoor Digital Billboards | Contact: Shannon Tacher, Owner | Phone: (786) 897-6700 | Web: www.gulfcoastidb.com

CCMS Physician Directory Deadlines Approaching

CCMS is currently taking ad reservations for the 2023-24 Physician Directory. Reserve space by May 15th to reach your healthcare audience and members of the public across SWFL. Download an order form at ccmsonline.org/support.

All practicing CCMS members who are current with their dues payments as of May 31st will receive a complimentary listing in the Directory. To update your listing and/or photo, email CCMS at info@ccmsonline.org by May 31st. Members can verify their current information on file at ccmsonline.org/find-a-doctor.

CCMS Members: Request for Resolutions for FMA Annual Meeting

The Florida Medical Association 2023 Annual Meeting is July 28-30. Business is introduced into the House of Delegates through the presentation of resolutions. CCMS invites members to submit their resolutions for consideration to the CCMS Board for potential CCMS sponsorship. They will forward to the FMA House of Delegates all resolutions the Board agrees are in the best interests of CCMS members and their patients.

To submit to the CCMS board for county sponsorship, follow the example and email resolutions to CCMS by Monday, April 27th. For tips on writing a resolution, refer to pages 6-8 of the Procedures of the House of Delegates. For late resolutions that members wish to be sponsored by CCMS, email by May 24th.

More Info >

2023 RCC Cards

CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2023 RCC Card, which provides discounts at restaurants and merchants. Order a card at ccmsonline.org/membership or call CCMS, 239-435-7727. Cards will be mailed to the office address on file unless otherwise specified.

Order a 2023 RCC Card >

Physician Wellness Program

Article of the week: "Myth or fact? Medical boards must probe mental health history"

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person) are open to all CCMS physician members. The PWP member-only appointment line is (239) 208-3984.

*Please note that CCMS is extending this program to non-member physicians in the community during Hurricane Ian recovery.

Learn more / Schedule a session >

Upcoming Events

CCMS Spring General Membership Meeting

Wed., April 26, 5:30pm, NCH Baker Downtown Hospital -

Sugden Auditorium at Telford Building

Hosted by NCH Healthcare System, the program will feature CCMS updates, healthcare news, and educational presentations. Free for CCMS physician members and one guest each.

CCMS After 5 Social

Wed., May 10, 5:30PM, The 239 in Mercato

Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues. Sponsored by Collins Vision. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each.

Foundation of CCMS Dinner Fundraiser

Mon. May 22, 6:30PM, The French Brasserie Rustique

Enjoy a 4-course dinner with wine pairings, dessert & coffee to help support scholarships for future medical professionals & funding for local healthcare needs. Open to the public; $200 each including raffle ticket.

CCMS After 5 Social

Fri., June 2, 6:00PM, Irish Times Bar & Grill

Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues. In conjunction with the Collier County Dental Association, sponsored by Elise Coutré, CPRIA - Private Risk Advisor, Aon Private Risk Management. Open to CCMS physician members, CCDA members, and one guest each.

Partner Events

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

NCH Grand Rounds (Topics Vary) | In-person or Livestream

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30AM, NCH Baker Hospital (Downtown), Classroom #3 Telford Bldg

To livestream, contact CME office at (239) 624-2795. 1 CME Credit each. Complimentary to all physicians. No RSVP required. April Grand Rounds

On Borrowed Breath Book Signing & Meet-and-Greet

TOMORROW, Fri. April 21, 4:00PM-6:00PM, Uptown Chemist

Author Karen Wilkinson and Dr. David Wilkinson invite all providers and CCMS and CCMSA members to attend a National Donate Life and Book Signing event.

More Info. >

CCMSA Trolley Pub Crawl Scholarship Fundraiser

Sat, Apr. 29, 12:00PM-6:00PM, Shea's Lansdowne Street Naples

The Pub Crawl fundraiser event will travel by trolley to five venues. Guests will enjoy drinks and appetizers at every stop and special surprises along the way! Open to the public. Cost: $100.

More Info. >

Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference 2023

May 18–19, 10:00AM-6:30PM, A live CME event via webinar

Hosted by Neuroimmune Foundation and accredited in collaboration with The Wisconsin Medical Society.

There are limited virtual conference fee waivers available for physicians who have not attended a prior Neuroimmune Foundation event thanks to generous donations. Interested physicians can send an email to info@neuroimmune.org from their practice email address with their name, practice mailing address and title.

More Info. >

SCHOLARSHIP EXTENDED: Building Bridges of Understanding: Behavioral Health Education for Pediatric Primary Care

This course for pediatric primary care practitioners provides an overview of the identification, assessment, and management of anxiety, depression and ADHD. Register by 6/30 to receive scholarship for full tuition and free digital toolkits. Additional Resource: The FL Behavioral Health Collaborative Pediatric Hotline offers free curbside consults by telephone with Florida child psychiatrists - call 1-866-487-9507.

More Info. >

Course Description >

CCMS Member Spotlights

Email your news to CCMS to be included in the next issue

Drs. Sadiq Al-Nakeeb and Edward Salerno announce their new website, lungsleepinstitute.com, with a direct provider referral form, online order options for testing, and free sleep apnea, COPD and asthma control screening tools.

Drs. Graciela Garton and Todd Pezzi's practice, Advocate Radiation Oncology, was featured in the Gulfshore Business article Health Care Heroes 2023.

Dr. Corin DeChirico was featured in the South Florida Hospital News Healthcare Network article Chief Medical Officer Becomes Climate for Health Ambassador.

Dr. Catherine Kowal contributed The Florida Standard article It’s Here: Florida’s Opportunity to Lower Drug Prices and Put Patients First.

CCMS names Dr. Nena Korunda Physician of the Year

Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce that Nena Korunda, MD, FACP is the recipient of the 9th Annual CCMS Physician of the Year Award. This award honors a CCMS member who deserves special recognition for exemplary contributions to the practice of medicine and/or outstanding service to our community. Members of the Medical Society submitted nominations for this prestigious award to the CCMS Board of Directors, who have selected Dr. Korunda from the talented pool of candidates.

The award will be presented at the CCMS 66th Annual Meeting & Installation of Officers on June 10th, Arthrex One Conference Center. Interested attendees can register for the event at ccmsonline.org/events, or by contacting CCMS: (239) 435-7727 or info@ccmsonline.org. Sponsorships are also available, please contact CCMS for details.

Dr. Korunda was nominated by her colleague Dr. Scott Fuchs. His nomination described Dr. Korunda’s contributions to the community, such as owner of Korunda Medical Institute where she delivers excellent healthcare to her patients; a founder of “Little Angels Worldwide” (LAW) a non-profit helping orphanages in Croatia and Nigeria; facilitator of LAW Croatian Festivals – charity events to raise funds for the orphanages, which in 2022 also included Hurricane Ian relief; board member of Physician Led Access Network of Collier County; vice-chair of the CCMS Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion Committee; volunteer Clinical Preceptor for Nova Southeastern University physician assistant program; active member in many prestigious medical societies; and a recipient of numerous distinctive awards.

Classified Ads

Seeking an experienced medical assistant for an Interventional Regenerative Orthopedic and Sports Medicine practice located in Naples. Competitive salary and benefits offered. For more information, please contact Allison at (239) 631-1960 or email alutz@bluetailmg.com.

Medical Space for Lease Naples Boulevard: 7,000 RSF office located on second floor and base rent is $28 PSF per year. If interested call (239) 766-4325 or email szimmy@sneadeye.com. More info.

Seeking a Database Assistant for Neighborhood Health Clinic. As an integral internal representative who reports to the Chief Development Officer, s/he works with the Development staff to manage donor management, donor base reconciliation, fundraising objectives, cultivate internal and external relationships and work on independent projects. Contact KMaples@clinicnaples.org or (239) 529-2264 if interested.

Medical Office for Sale - Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs: This is a suite that is 1960 square feet and fully furnished and equipped to start a practice right away. Currently is a gynecological practice, available in a few months. Contact their office if interested in the suite, furniture or equipment. Office: (239) 444-2391, Email: javcarms@yahoo.com

Bonita Springs, FL Medical spa for sale. Successful medspa opened in 2008, owner has practiced in area since 2002. Owner willing to stay during transition. Contact CCMS for more info.

Seeking practice opportunities in Geriatrics/Internal Medicine in the Naples area: Dr. William M. Hasbun, Board Certified in Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, recently relocated to Naples from NJ where he was a practicing Geriatrician, former Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University in NYC, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Geriatrics at Rowan University SOM. For more information, contact him at (856) 577-6627.

Naples, Florida-based Anti-Aging Medical Practice and/or Concierge Practice for Sale: The successful concierge practice was started in 2000, the owner is a board-certified and well-respected internal medicine physician in Southwest Florida. The anti-aging practice specializes in hormone balancing and functional medicine and was one of the first in the area. Listing Price for practices is negotiable; they can be purchased separately or together. Contact CCMS if interested. More info.

Seeking an experienced medical assistant, LPN or nurse for Concierge Internal Medicine practice located in Naples. Competitive salary and benefits offered. For more information, please contact Christina at (239) 285-6377 or email christina@gcmedicine.com.