View as Webpage

October 15, 2026

elertheadersmall.jpg

CCMS Mission:

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

Apex Brain & Spine

In this Issue



News Briefs, Member Notices, Events, Member Spotlights, 2026-27 Complimentary Physician Directory Now Available, Classified Ads

MNMW

News Briefs

2 big Medicaid changes taking effect in October: “Learn how new restrictions affect eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP and reduce federal funding for emergency Medicaid.” - AMA


Activists, doctors clash over Florida’s proposal to repeal four school vaccine requirements: “(…) DOH wants to remove the immunization requirements for Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate to attend Florida schools.” - Florida Trend


Florida ranks among the lowest in the country for access to mental healthcare. Here's how to find help.: “(…) According to Mental Health America's (MHA) 2025 State of Mental Health in America report, Florida ranks #44 for access to mental healthcare, reflecting relatively less access compared to the rest of the country.

- WFTV

Integris Insurance Agency, LLC.
Vampire Botox Event

Member Notices

Department of Health Collier County

MEASLES UPDATE & HEALTH RESOURCES


The Florida DOH in Collier County is working closely with healthcare 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.


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.

Women's Health Forum

Deadline Approaching: Women's Health Forum Call for Speakers & Exhibitors


CCMS members are invited to apply as speakers or participate as sponsors/exhibitors at the 18th Annual Women’s Health Forum, open to the public, April 3, 2027, 8:00am–12:30pm at Naples United Church of Christ.


Speaking opportunities are limited to CCMS physician members; applications are due by Mon. Oct. 26, 9am.


Apply for Speaker Opportunity >

Online Application Form

Digital or Printable PDF Application


Sponsor/exhibitor opportunity >

Sponsor/Exhibitor Form - spaces often sell out! CCMS members who are solo practitioners receive special rates


Questions? Email CCMS or call 239-435-7727.

vector_mobile_phone.jpg

Stay Informed with CCMS Member Text Alerts


Members, receive timely text messages with CCMS and Foundation of CCMS event updates and important notices regarding your CCMS membership. Text “Join” along with your email to (239) 610-4796. Messages are sent occasionally.


Sign Up for Text Messages >

Department of Health Collier County

Licensure Update: New Background Screening Requirements Now Apply to All Physicians


While many Florida-licensed physicians have previously submitted to the state’s background screening requirements when applying for initial licensure, physicians licensed prior to January 2013 were exempt from this process. Effective July 1, 2025, HB 975 (2024) removes this exception and requires all physicians to complete electronic fingerprinting prior to their next license renewal.


Read More >

CCMS Physician Wellness Graphic

CCMS Physician Wellness Program (PWP)


Article of the week - Doctor's Grief After Losing a Patient


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 >

Foundation of CCMS News

Masters Tournament Raffle

Enter to Win Foundation of CCMS 2028 Masters Tournament Passes!


Support the Foundation of CCMS for the opportunity to win one-day passes for two attendees to the 2028 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, choice of tournament day, April 6-9, 2028, plus a Masters shirt and hat for each attendee. The suggested minimum donation is $200 per ticket and only 100 tickets will be entered.


Prize includes:

  • Two one-day passes to the 2028 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, for your choice of tournament day, April 6-9, 2028
  • One Masters shirt and hat for each attendee.


More Info >

Win 2027 Season Tickets for your Favorite Team

Win 2027 Season Tickets for your Favorite Team & Support the Foundation of CCMS!


Support the Foundation of CCMS for the opportunity to win two lower-level season tickets to the NFL or college football team of your choice for the 2027 season. (Be sure to select "Foundation of Collier County Medical Society" from the list of charities on the Tix for Good page).


Win two lower-level season tickets to the NFL or college football team of your choice for the 2027 season

Event: 2027-2028

Enter By: Feb. 14, 2027 11:59 pm

Drawing Date: Feb. 15, 2027

Upcoming Events*

FC Naples Family Event button Aug 20

CCMS Family & Friends Night Out - FC Naples Soccer

Sat., Oct. 24, 5:30PM, Paradise Coast Sports Complex


Admission is $45/person and includes air-conditioned group suite with full views of the field, access to the outdoor party deck, dinner and non-alcoholic drinks, and cash bar. Open to all in our healthcare community and their guests; children welcome.


Register >

Sponsor Opportunities >

CCMS Fall General Membership Meeting

Thurs., Nov. 5, 6:00PM, Moorings Park Auditorium


The event includes a reception and dinner, CCMS business agenda, report on the Proposed Naples College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a CME presentation on updates in physician wellness. Free for CCMS physician members & one guest each, $60 for non-members and additional guests. Co-hosted by Moorings Park Communities.


Register >

After 5 Social FB Graphic

CCMS After 5 Social

Tues., Nov. 10, 6:00PM, European Wellness Institute


Join us at European Wellness Institute, the new advanced integrative medicine clinic of Naples. Enjoy refreshments & hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues and friends. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective members, & one guest each. Sponsored by European Wellness Institute.


Register >

CCMS New members Welcome Reception 2026

CCMS New Members Welcome Reception

Thurs., Nov. 19, 6:30PM, Vineyards Country Club


Join us to welcome our new CCMS members! Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and mingling with colleagues. Complimentary for CCMS members and one guest each as well as CCMS Circle of Friends vendors (two attendees per company). Register by Nov. 13, 12:00PM.



Register >

Sponsor Opportunities >

Save the Date for more CCMS Events: Dec. 2 – CCMS After 5 Social | Jan. 14, 2027 – CCMS Women Physicians Winter Social | Jan. 21, 2027 – CCMS After 5 Social | April 3, 2027 – Women's Health Forum | June 19, 2027 – CCMS Annual Meeting


Partner Events

Click here for information on CME courses online


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

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30AM, NCH Lutgert East (733 4th Ave N) 2nd Floor Auditorium

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


The Healthspan Experience: “A Wellness Exchange”

Fri., Oct. 23, 11:00 AM, Naples Concierge Health

Hosted by CCMS Member Practice Naples Concierge Health, there will be light lunch as well as wellness vendors.

More Info. >


CAN’s Annual Signature Event, “License to Chill"

Sun. Nov. 8, 4:00PM, Kalea Bay in Naples

CCMS member Dr. Marc Guttman, Board member of Cancer Alliance Network (CAN), and Sheryl Guttman, Committee Co-Chair, invite CCMS members to attend CAN’s Annual Signature Event, “License to Chill". Join them for an evening of casino entertainment, dinner, cocktails, dancing, and a shared commitment to supporting our local families battling cancer! For tickets & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.CancerAllianceNetwork.org or call 239-366-4236.

More Info. >


Advances in Brain Health: Early Detection Through Modern Imaging

Thurs., Nov. 12, 5:00PM, Baker Senior Center

CCMS member Dr. Stephen Pomeranz, featured speaker, invites CCMS members to attend with one guest.

Register >

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Betsy Brothers MD
Dr. Debra Shepard

Drs. Betsy Brothers and Debra Shepard were featured in the Naples Daily News article

written by colleague Dr. Maria Bendeck, Experience, leadership and a friendship built through care | Opinion.

 Robert Cubeddu, MD

Dr. Robert Cubeddu was featured in the Gulf Coast News story NCH performs groundbreaking mitral valve procedure.

Lindita Hobdari MD

Dr. Lindita Hobdari was featured on the cover of Health and Wellness Magazine as she penned the article The Patient Wanted to Play Tennis Again. I Wanted to Know Why He Couldn’t.

Dr. Sonal Sura

Congratulations to Dr. Sonal Sura on graduating from the 2026 FMA Leadership Academy. The year-long program helps emerging physician leaders develop skills to advocate for the medical profession and their patients.


Collier County Medical Society Releases 2026-2027 Complimentary Physician Directory

ccms directory 2026 cover

CCMS is pleased to announce the release of its 2026-2027 Physician Member Directory, a trusted and comprehensive guide to premier healthcare in Southwest Florida. This complimentary resource for residents and visitors alike provides valuable information on the region’s top medical professionals.


The CCMS Directory features more than 600 actively practicing physicians across nearly 60 medical specialties, ensuring easy access to a broad range of healthcare services. Each listing includes office locations, contact information, and areas of specialty. The guide is updated annually to incorporate current information on various local, state, and federal healthcare programs, as well as allied healthcare services.


Complimentary copies of the CCMS 2026-27 Physician Member Directory will be available at Collier County Libraries. Copies are also available by contacting CCMS at 239-435-7727 to arrange a pick-up at their Naples office or bulk delivery of a box.


For up-to-date listings of actively practicing physician members, please visit the CCMS online directory at ccmsonline.org/find-a-doctor.


The CCMS Directory is made possible through the valued support of our advertising partners. Interested advertisers for the 2027-28 edition can visit ccmsonline.org/support for details or contact CCMS.


Read More >

Classified Ads

To place a classified ad: CCMS members and Circle of Friends vendors - FREE up to 75 words (limit 4 consecutive issues). General public - $1 per word, 50-word minimum/75-word maximum, per issue. Email us to reserve your space.

Medical Office Building for Lease: 3,520 SF medical office building at 9160 Galleria Court, Naples, FL 34109. Features include two entrances, three private doctor/admin offices, large front office, two waiting rooms, six exam rooms, nurse's station, three restrooms, X-ray view box, server and tech equipment area, storage and medication rooms, utility areas, and a kitchen with a large screened patio, lockers, and storage. For details or questions, email Dr. Badra at dinabadramd@gmail.com or call (239) 249-1694. More Info.

Concierge/PCP opportunity: Seeking a local PCP with a loyal, established patient base ready to escape corporate medicine. Enjoy significantly better work life balance by joining an independent concierge practice with partnership opportunity. Control your schedule, patient panel, and workload. Earn about twice your current corporate income with similar hours. Contact CCMS for more info.

Cleveland Clinic is delighted to share we are continuing to build our renowned Concierge Medicine Practice in Naples, Florida. We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced, board-certified Internal Medicine or Family Medicine physician who is committed to excellence in patient care.

Learn more about our Naples Concierge Medicine Practice >

Submit your CV >

CCMS Circle of Friends Preferred Vendors

Featuring benefits for CCMS members Learn more

Integris Assurance Company

Lake Michigan Credit Union

MarkhamNorton

Attorney Linda Minck

Catalina Quintero – Premier Plus Realty, Co.

Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy

DGPerry

HUB International

JD Private Wealth Advisors

LTCi Marketplace

Meridian Financial Group

Network Minds

Porter Wright

Regions Bank

Slepcevich Financial Group

Stickboy

Summit Broadband

Wintrust


Additional Member Benefits


STAY CONNECTED:

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube

FOUNDATION OF CCMS:

FCSContentFilterPatternforI#121694