2023 Q1 OnCall

OnCALL

INCOMING PRESIDENT

Martha M. Rodriguez, MD Palm Beach County Medical Society President

HOW MUCH ASSURANCE

do you have in your malpractice insurance?

With yet another major medical liability insurer selling out to Wall Street, there’s an important question to ask. Do you want an insurer with an A rating from AM Best and Fitch Ratings, over $6.5 billion in assets, and a financial award program that’s paid $140 million in awards to retiring members? Or do you want an insurer that’s focused on paying its investors?

Join us and discover why our 84,000 member physicians give us a 90+% satisfaction rating when it comes to exceptional service and unmatched efforts to reward them.

FOR OUR FUTURE

By Martha M. Rodriguez, MD - 2023 PBCMS President

For the past 24 years, I have had the privilege of building MMR Healthcare, a private internal medical practice located in Boynton Beach, Florida. My objective has been to create an establishment that reflects my ideals for practicing medicine. My motto has always been, “coordinated and preventive care leads to healthcare excellence.” Carried along by the support of loved ones, mentors, and my patients, I continued to strive to reach our goals for a healthcare system that we could all learn from, lean on one another instead and work together to meet the same objectives.

Being an independent leader is a skill you step into during residency. The ability to make well-educated decisions and having the conviction to follow through with them is how we prevent illness, support our patients, and save lives. We used these skills to shape what kind of doctors we would become. How can we apply the past basic skills we learned while studying medicine to the present-day practice of medicine? How can relying on community form the future? That is what we will strive to discover this year in the Palm Beach County Medical Society.

What will the future of medicine be? We all can play a role in molding this evolving and critical topic. I think of it as re-writing a musical score. While many aspire to be composers, our roles more often manifest as vocalists. Instead of singing a composition as it is, I invite you all to bring your unique perspective to our choir. A choir presents a more robust piece sung harmoniously with a conductor that guides us on how we choose to use each of our distinct voices. As a member and now as the president of the Palm Beach

County Medical Society it is a privilege to have found my voice within the many impactful parts of this choir that move the medical score to evolve and grow effectively.

The Palm Beach County Medical Society uses the strengths of our voices to conduct this choir inside the rooms where decisions get made. Alone we seldom have the resources to create lasting change, however, as an organized assembly, the power of our song is limitless.

Standing on a stage built by the work of my predecessors, my primary goal as the 2023 president is to broaden our choir by seeing the value of our membership in the Palm Beach County Medical Society. As we all know, healthcare is a dynamic field with constant changes which we all must keep up with. The Palm Beach County Medical Society serves as a source providing us updates in the world of medicine, such as the latest Federal Trade Commission proposed Rule to Bar Almost All NonCompete Agreements in Contracts with Workers.

Throughout history, music has moved nations. Whether it’s the national anthem, a song of protest, or a melody of celebration, the harmonious vibrations of an ensemble’s sound can be felt in your bones and shapes hope into reality. Now is your chance to be part of that. We invite students, residents, and veteran healthcare workers to add their voices to our choir. Let’s reimagine a composition that celebrates the blessings of medicine as it is and resonates with our expectations for its future.

TABLE of CONTENTS

Martha Rodriguez, MD - President

Dawn Davanzo, MD - President Elect

Andrew Berkman, MD - First Vice President

Vicki Norton, MD - Secretary

Faustino Gonzalez, MD - Treasurer

Claudia Mason, MD - Immediate Past President

Jose Arrascue, MD

Ankush Bansal, MD

Shawn Baca, MD

Stephen Babic, MD

Marenda Biggs

Larry Bush, MD

Ramon Cuevas-Trisan, MD

Michael Dennis, MD

Jose F. Arrascue, MD

Andrew Berkman, MD

Larry Bush, MD

Roger Duncan, MD

Henry Haire, MD

Marc J. Hirsh, MD

Brandon Luskin, MD

Claudia Mason, MD

Martha Rodriguez, MD

Maureen Whelihan, MD

Jack Zeltzer, MD

Ivy Faske, MD – President

Matt Gracey – Co-Vice President

Stuart Miro, MD - Co-Vice President

Mollie Shulan, MD - Secretary

Paul Wieseneck - Treasurer

Michael Dennis, MD - President Emeritus

Jean Acevedo

Elaine Alvarez

Jose F. Arrascue, MD

Brenda Atkins

Don Chester

John Dalton

James Heron, MD

Subscriptions to OnCall are available for an annual rate of $50. For more information contact PBCMS at (561) 433-3940. The opinions expressed in OnCall are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect official policies of Palm Beach County Medical Society or its committees. OnCall is owned and published four (4) times per year by Palm Beach County Medical Society, Inc., 3540 Forest Hill Blvd., #101, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. (561) 433-3940. ©Copyright 2019 Palm Beach County Medical Society, Inc. OnCall Journal is designed and edited by Mad 4 Marketing. Visit us on the web at

954.485.5448

Barbara James

Andrew Larson, MD

Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD

Brent M. Schillinger, MD

Ben Starling III

Maureen Whelihan, MD

Jack Zeltzer, MD

STAFF

Kelly Skidmore – CEO

Karen Harwood – Director of Community Programs

Mindi Tingler – Director of Communications

Katherine Zuber - Director of Opioid Education and Events

John James - Director of Public Health & Disaster Services

Angelica Cervantes - Lead Project Access Care Coordinator

Aliuska Hernandez - Outreach Care Coordinator

Pamela Richards - Project Access Care Coordinator

Roger Duncan, MD

Johnson, MD Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD

Tejera, MD Jack Zeltzer, MD

PALM BEACH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Boca Raton Medical Center Emergency Room Physicians

Jaime Alvarez, MD

Philip Beattie, MD

Adam Bello, MD

Adam Bernstein, MD

Peter Fontana, MD

Robert Gines, MD

Evan Goldstein, MD

David Leeman, MD

Vicki Norton, MD

Jeniel Parmar, MD

Aryeh Pessah, MD

Nicole Pomerantz, DO

Dave Rosenthal, MD

Gail Rubin-Kwal, MD

David Strong, MD

John E Sullivan, MD

South University

Maxime Benlulu, PA-C

Jeffrey Bishop, DO

Kim Dawkins, MSPAS, PA-C

Lysa Diggins, MMS, PA-C

Ilaria Gadalla, DMSc, PA-C, FHM

Tammy Gaines, MPAS, PA-C

Monique Jaquith, DMSc, PA-C

Caroline Kamel, MD

Rebecca Magwood, PA-C

Jan M. McCaleb, MPA, PA-C

Sondra Nantes, MMSc, PA-C

Kristen Smethurst, DMSc, PA-C

Caitlin Spaulding, MMS, PA-C

Anna Wilson, MS, LMHC

For membership information contact Mindi Tingler,  561-433-3940 ext. 107 or mindit@pbcms.org

Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS) Services provides and coordinates continuing medical education for physicians and allied health professionals. With the support of the Health Council of Southeast Florida, PBCMS Services has been able to continue developing its Opioid Healthcare Response Initiative, which provides opioid education for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

The overarching goal of the Opioid Healthcare Response program is to reduce opioid deaths in Palm Beach County through an evidencedbased comprehensive strategy that recognizes addiction as a medical illness. The key elements of the initiative are prevention, treatment, rescue, and recovery, all tied to specific outcome metrics.

PBCMS Services is pleased to share the educational series that was created over the last three (3) years and are now available OnDemand for CME credit.

OPIOID SERIES

Opioid Education Programs for Clinicians of all Specialties

• Complementary Approaches to the Opioid Epidemic

• ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery): What Practitioners of Every Specialty Need to Know

• Naloxone: A Harm Reduction Tool for Clinicians

• When a Doctor Becomes Addicted

• COVID-19 and Substance Abuse Disorder

• Ethical Implications of Opioids

• Harm Reduction: Is This the Hope for the Future?

• Harvard Professor and Physician to Discuss Personal Addiction to Opioids

• How Policy Has Influenced Those Boots on the Ground

• Opioids Policy on the Government Agency Level: Has Anything Changed Since 1989?

• Responsible Pain Medicine During a Drug Overdose Epidemic

• Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): Helping Your Practice Cut the Toll of the Opioid Epidemic

• Substance Use Disorder Disparities: Let’s Not Forget About the Black and Brown Communities

• The Opioid Epidemic – What’s Making a Difference

• What Happens When Opioid Use Disorder Converges with Pregnancy?

• When COVID-19 and Opioid Addiction Collide

KEY FACTORS IN A DEPOSITION: WHAT HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CAN EXPECT

Richard F. Cahill, JD Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company

A deposition is a discovery tool used in virtually all forms of civil, administrative, and criminal litigation. It provides an opportunity for the defense and prosecution to identify information that is material to a claim, assist in developing strategies for trial, and formally preserve testimony for use at a later time.

Depositions are conducted under oath in a verbal question-and-answer format by counsel for all of the parties to the proceeding. Although the deponent (that is, the person being questioned) is often a participant to the legal action, more commonly the individual has specific—and possibly unique—knowledge relevant to the case.

The questioning may require several sessions and is frequently conducted over many days, with weeks or sometimes months in between sessions. Depositions are always recorded, traditionally by a certified shorthand reporter, who then transcribes the exchanges into a

verbatim document that the deponent is required to sign. With increasing regularity over the past decade, the testimony is now also preserved by separate audio and video technologies.

Most deponents, whether a party to the proceeding or a witness, are represented by an attorney. Legal counsel can protect the interests of the clientdeponent. In preparation for a deposition, counsel will meet with a client well in advance to explain the process; offer recommendations on demeanor, dress, and other important considerations; provide valuable suggestions on pitfalls to avoid; and identify probable areas of questioning by the attorneys who will attend the deposition.

Key Factors for Deponents

Contact The Doctors Company immediately for further assistance if you receive notice of a deposition as responses are time sensitive. Deponents must keep several key factors in mind.

Prepare in advance. The deponent must be prepared in advance about the likely scope of the examination and review materials that counsel provides. Advance preparation helps to expedite the process and better ensure the accuracy of the testimony. Opposing counsel is entitled to review any documents that the deponent has examined and to know the names of any individuals the

“...BE CAREFUL OF QUESTIONS THAT APPARENTLY CALL ONLY FOR A “YES” OR “NO” ANSWER.”

ALTHOUGH THE SWEARINGIN PROCESS VARIES

deponent has spoken with about the case. The content of any conversation between the client and lawyer is, however, protected from disclosure as a matter of law by attorney-client privilege.

Tell the truth. The oath given at the outset of the proceeding is critically important. Although the swearing-in process varies by jurisdiction, all deponents must promise to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Failure to comply with the oath reasonably and in good faith when responding to questioning may be considered perjury that is punishable, often as a felony, by the prosecuting authorities and may result in fines, sanctions, and even imprisonment. A deponent who is caught in a lie will be cross-examined even more rigorously, and the court, arbitrator, or other administrative commissioner will likely allow greater latitude in the scope, tone, and severity of the interrogation. The oath also requires that responses are truthful, accurate, and complete. Embellishments, intentional omissions, and shading the truth are prohibited.

Answer the question asked. Deponents should listen carefully, answer only the question being asked, and then stop talking. Volunteering extraneous information prolongs the proceeding, identifies potential new areas of inquiry that opposing counsel may not have previously considered, and occasionally subjects the deponent to objections by any or all counsel, with corresponding motions to strike the unnecessary portion of the response. One classic tactic is for the attorney to pause, leaving dead air that tends to be uncomfortable and can lead the deponent to resume talking. This opens

the possibility of revealing detrimental information not specifically sought by the original inquiry.

Consider yes and no responses. Deponents need to be careful of questions that apparently call only for a “yes” or “no” answer. This is a strategy frequently used by counsel to box the deponent into a simple and potentially damning response or admission against interest. If the question can be truthfully and fully answered with either a yes or no, respond and wait for the next question. If more information is necessary to be accurate, the deponent should state this on the record and wait for the lawyers to offer their opinions. The deponent will be given direction on how to proceed.

Provide accurate information. Deponents should do their best to provide the most accurate testimony at the time of the deposition. Although a transcript can be changed prior to the deponent’s final signature, corrections tend to lessen the individual’s credibility. If the matter proceeds, a heavily corrected transcript can even increase the probability that the deponent will be vigorously questioned during any subsequent appearance.

Maintain respect. When providing deposition testimony, be well prepared in advance, appear on time and appropriately attired, act professionally and courteously at all times, stay focused, and respond to the questions directly and with respect. Defer when counsel interrupt the proceedings with objections, motions, argument, or requests for clarification.

Continued to page 9

BY JURISDICTION, ALL DEPONENTS MUST PROMISE TO “TELL THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.”

Continued from page 8

Additional Assistance

For more information on the litigation process in general, see “Coping With Litigation: Tips for Healthcare Professionals.” https://www.thedoctors.com/articles/coping-with-litigation-tipsfor-healthcare-professionals/

If you are served with notice of a deposition, contact The Doctors Company immediately and our experts will guide you. Contact a claim specialist or patient safety risk manager on our 24-hour hotline at (800) 421-2368, or contact the Claim Administrative Support Team, https://www.thedoctors.com/contactUs/reportinga-claim/#showCstForm, or a patient safety risk manager by email, patientsafety@thedoctors.com.

The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.

MEDICAL SPECIALISTS OF THE PALM BEACHES, INC.

We are honored to celebrate the past 20 years of medicine in Palm Beach County and we look forward to the future.

Medical Specialists of the Palm Beaches

is the largest group of primary care and multi-specialty physicians. Today, we have 25 locations and over 70 physicians along with 15 mid-level providers. Our highest priority is our patients’ health and well-being.

OUR DOCTORS SPECIALIZE IN Family Medicine | Internal Medicine | Geriatrics

MSPB Gold Concierge Healthcare | Cardiology

Dermatology | Hematology/Oncology

Neurology | Endocrinology

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Nuclear Stress Test | Laboratory Electrocardiography, Holter and Event Echocardiography Monitoring

Please visit our website www.MSPBHEALTH.COM for more information or call (561) 649-7000, option 5. Let us help you choose the right MSPB doctor and welcome you to the MSPB family.

Your practice. Our Promise. Financing options that fit your needs.

First Citizens Bank understands that your financing needs will change over the years. Whether starting out on your own for the first time, joining an existing practice, or preparing to expand or renovate your practice, we have customizable financing options available.

First Citizens Bank provides financial services that directly respond to the needs of healthcare providers.

Providing

• Commercial Real Estate Loans

• Lines of Credit

• Equipment Financing & Leasing

• Business Visa Credit Cards

• Practice Buy-Ins

• Professional Checking for Medical Practices

• Fraud Prevention and much more

Solutions tailored to your practice. We welcome the opportunity to learn about your practice’s unique needs and develop a tailored financing solution to meet them. It’s another way we put Your Practice First.

Mrs. Rodney is the Vice President, Financial Sales Manager III of the Boca Raton location. An experience professional with over 24 years in the banking industry, with a proven track record, awarded the 2020 and 2021 Southeast Florida Financial Sales Manager of the year award. She’s a Trusted Advisor to her clients, her expertise is in building and managing relationships. Her commitment to building lasting relationships is why she’s at First Citizens Bank, this is important to both her and the Bank. Learn more by contacting her.

Jose Arrascue, MD

Michael Dennis, MD

Founding members of The 1919 Society

J. John Goodman, MD & Judy B. Goodman, ESQ

Howard Green, MD

Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD

Brent Schillinger, MD

Ida Sebastian, MD

The 1919 Society members listed below are present members of The 1919 Society

Jose F. Arrascue, MD

Shawn Baca, MD

Jeffrey Berman, MD

Larry Bush, MD & Maria Vazques-Pertejo, MD

Michael Dennis, MD

Roger Duncan, MD

Ivy Faske, MD

James Goldenberg, MD

J. John Goodman, MD & Judy B. Goodman, Esq.

Howard Allen Green, MD

Henry Haire, MD

Marc Hirsh, MD

Alan Barth Pillersdorf, MD

Brent M. Schillinger, MD

Ida Sebastian, MD

William Slomka, MD

Robert Tome, MD

Maureen Whelihan, MD

Ronald Zelnick, MD

Jack Zeltzer, MD

For more information, contact Kelly Skidmore at 561-433-3940 ext. 104 or at kellys@pbcms.org

The Hippocrates Society Boca Raton Regional Hospital Medical Staff

JFK Medical Staff

CONSISTENCY AND COMMUNICATION KEY FOR EMPLOYERS

POST-PANDEMIC

By Vanessa Orr

A lot has changed post-pandemic, and this includes employer liability issues as the work dynamic has shifted from employees being in the office to working remotely. In every industry, including healthcare, turnover is up and people are choosing not to return to the physical workplace.

“In medical practices especially, whether at large hospitals or in solo doctor’s practices, many employees aren’t comfortable coming back,” said Tom Murphy, senior vice president/National Health Care Practice Danna-Gracey | Risk Strategies Company. “Unfortunately, not everyone can work remotely. While the clerical staff may be able to work from home, the medical staff provides care hands-on.”

This preference for remote working has created a shift in the power dynamic, which is making it difficult for employers to hire and retain employees.

“For years, employers would tell potential employees what was expected, but now the younger generation goes into interviews pretty much demanding what they want of the workplace,” said Murphy. “Employees now control the power and have the choices.”

As a result of the Great Resignation, many people left jobs and are now looking to do something new. And

while they are going back into the workforce, which is keeping unemployment fairly low, employers are finding that they need to be a lot more flexible to entice these prospective employees. Larger employers especially, like hospitals and large medical practices, are working to accommodate workers by offering a hybrid model where employees have more flexibility to do things during the day (like taking time off for doctors’ appointment or childcare).

“While some national employers are requiring people to come back to the office, they still need to make exceptions for people with physical and mental disabilities, including some issues that have occurred with people who have long COVID,” said Murphy, adding that issues with this population are on the increase.

While a number of industries can telecommute, medical providers that needs hands-on help are finding that even while they can require people to return to the office, they still need to be more accommodating, whether that means paying more to employees with a higher risk of exposure, or providing more flexible scheduling.

“When you’re talking about employer liability, having a more remote workforce also makes employee training and timekeeping more challenging,” said Murphy. “While companies may have provided in-person

“...NOW THE YOUNGER GENERATION GOES INTO INTERVIEWS PRETTY MUCH DEMANDING WHAT THEY WANT OF THE WORKPLACE,”

training or new employee onboarding multiple times a year in the past, a lot of this is now done on Zoom or conference calls, so it’s extremely important to provide a consistent message across the workforce, using the same information and documentation.”

He adds that over the past five years, practices have also seen an increase in federal regulations, which means that Human Resource departments have to be far more diligent with remote employees to ensure that not only are employees working when they are supposed to be, but also that they are being compensated if they are using personal equipment for their jobs like cellphones and home Wi-Fi.

While sexual harassment complaints have decreased with remote working, it can still be an issue with Zoom calls and direct messaging when employees say or do things that are inappropriate. Employers are also seeing an increase in employees speaking up about social issues and free speech, wearing clothes or symbols in support of organizations that they support.

“This can be an issue for offices that have dress codes or that try to stay apolitical,” said Murphy. “You can tell employees that they can’t wear these things in the

office, but that’s harder to tell them not to wear them at home. It’s a fine line, and companies need to work with their HR departments to deliver a consistent message.”

While there are trade-offs—for example, remote employees have fewer workers’ compensation claims—businesses need to place a priority on consistency and communication to make sure that all employees, whether in the office or not, are clear on company policy.

“This new workforce dynamic, including telecommuting and telemedicine, are here to stay,” said Murphy. “Consistency and communication are key to making it work.”

For more information, call Tom Murphy at 800-966-2120 or visit www.dannagracey.com.

Physicians carry a high degree of EMOTIONAL TENSION, and they tend to seek help to a lesser degree and at a much later stage than other professionals.

Complex trauma manifests itself with early retirement, disengagement,

If you or a physician you know is struggling with substance abuse or other mental health conditions, please contact the strictly confidential PBCMS Physician Wellness Program for help.

You can visit the "Physician Wellness" section at www.pbcms.org anytime. Telehealth and in-person appointments are readily available.

The practice of medicine is a highly STRESSFUL PROFESSION.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE

EMPLOYEES GONE?

This is a question I get asked every day and honestly it is not an easy question to answer. The first thing people will say is, “All these kids are lazy” or “It’s all the government money being doled out; they don’t have to work”. These are simple answers that are based not on facts, but instead rumors and easy soundbites to parrot. The truth is a little more subtle and, honestly, the blame has to do with us, the business owners. Quickly people will counter that with, ‘I am a great boss and treat my employees well.’ That might be true, but for every one of the good workplaces there are dozens of organizations that are not so good. Additionally, and what I tell my staff at Optimum RTS is that “Time Kills Deals.”

So, let’s look at the first part: creating a welcoming workplace and practicing servant leadership. We often think about how we need to put our patients and clients first, which is a very common business philosophy, but I would argue that we need to put our employees first. This thought process creates a work atmosphere that can foster new ideas on how to streamline processes and empowers the staff to not only provide unparalleled customer service, but also build loyalty towards your office. Why? Because if you treat your employees with respect and value them, they in kind will do the same for you. I would enjoy taking this point further, but with limitations of this article I will leave you with this one last thought. The gig economy has stolen many of our lower wage employees. Let’s say you pay someone $15.00 per hour or $600.00 per week, that’s about $487.00 after taxes. Then take away childcare at $200.00 per hour, $10.00 for lunch each day and a tank of gas, that employee might net out with $200.00. Now, how else can they make $200.00? Well easy, drive Uber one night and be with your family every day and not have your child in daycare.

My second point is “time kills deals.” What does that mean? Well, simple: think about going out for dinner

By John E. Dalton, President/CEO, Optimum RTS

and when you get to the restaurant, they say we have a 45-minute wait so you put your name on the list and begin to wait. While you wait someone in your party calls another of your favorite places to go to and they say, we can seat you now. What do you do? Go to the other restaurant because the time you had to wait gave you the opportunity to find another option. This is the same with employees—when you do have an interviewee that actually wants to work in an office they will take the first practice that offers them the salary and hours that they requested. This is one of the most difficult things I deal with daily. As Optimum RTS is a full-service medical employment agency, candidates are my product. Every week (maybe every day) this is a conversation with employers who have hired me to assist them with their hiring process. Here is what happens: we send the candidates after being interviewed and vetted for the position, the medical office will then interview the candidate and say “she is great and will be a good fit, but I want to interview one more person or think about it.” Over the next days that candidate is interviewing elsewhere. When the client calls me back and says, “the other interview didn’t show I would like your candidate to start,” when we reach out that candidate over 50% of the time says, “sorry I was offered and took a job yesterday.” Back to the drawing boards we all go. Think of it this way, if you are trying to buy a car in today’s market with all of the shortages in product, if you walk into a dealership and find the car you like at the price you want you need to buy it right then because if you walk off the lot it will most likely be gone when you come back tomorrow.

If any of this resonated with you and you would like to further the discussion, please reach out and I would be glad to discuss.

For more information, call John Dalton at 561-408-2192 or email: jdalton@optimumrts.com.

OPIOID SERIES

Opioid Education Programs for Clinicians of all Specialties

FEAST ON DELICIOUS WAGYU BEEF WHILE HONING YOUR CLINICAL SKILLS

Enjoy

THURSDAY

MARCH 2, 2023

MEAT AND GREET OPIOID EDUCATION SERIES

IN PERSON 6:15 PM PALM BEACH MEATS

Dinner Included (limited seats available/ registration required)

LIVE STREAMED

6:15 pm on CE21

The De-Stigmatization Of Substance Use Disorder – Why Doctors Need To Become Less Judgmental And How To Do It

HEATHER HOWARD, PH.D., MSW, LICSW is associate professor at the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. Her research has focused on gender specific and trauma-informed care that reduces stigma and encourages health empowerment. Her publications have emphasized the importance of shared decision making for patients who are opioid dependent. Prior to her role at FAU, Heather was assistant professor at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Development. In addition, she has more than 23 years of clinical healthcare experience through a social work lens. Working directly with patients at Brown University affiliated hospitals, Heather has developed special expertise in the treatment of grief and loss, trauma, and substance use disorder.

Jose Arrascue, MD Council on Advocacy & Legislation

Shawn Baca, MD Council on Advocacy & Legislation

Ankush Bansal, MD Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs

Stephen Babic, MD Council on Medical Education

Marenda Biggs Medical Student

Marc Hirsh, MD MEDPAC

Heather Johnson, MD Member at Large

Martha Rodriguez, MD President

Andrew Berkman, MD First Vice President

Dawn Davanzo, MD President Elect

Vicki Norton, MD Secretary

Claudia Mason, MD Immediate Past President Faustino Gonzalez, MD Treasurer

Ramon L. Cuevas-Trisan, MD Council on Communications & Technology

Michael T.B. Dennis, MD Council on Medical Education

Larry Bush, MD Council on Medical Education

Roger Duncan, MD James Goldenberg, MD Committee on Bylaws

Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD Claudia Tejera, MD Resident Jack Zeltzer, MD

ES T. 1919

Our Specialty?

Regulations, litigation, changing business models: health care is a high stakes world of complex risk. Risk Strategies’ National Health Care practice is comprised of a dedicated team of skilled professionals with expertise across all lines of insurance and reinsurance for health care organizations.

Our Health Care team understands the risks and pressures faced by our clients. We create smart, cost-effective, comprehensive solutions and programs that address the challenges facing today’s health care industry. We now have the ability and national platform to provide the following insurance options to our clients:

• Physician Medical Professional Liability (Medical Malpractice)

• Medical Director Liability

• Medical Facility Professional Liability

• Telemedicine Insurance

• Workers Compensation Insurance

• Cyber Security Insurance

• Employer Liability Insurance

• Directors & Officers Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Personal Insurance (Homes, Cars, Boats, Fine Art and More)

ABOUT RISK STRATEGIES

Risk Strategies is a specialty national insurance brokerage and risk management firm offering comprehensive risk management advice and insurance and reinsurance placement for property & casualty, employee benefits, and private client risks. With 30 specialty practices, Risk Strategies serves commercial companies, nonprofits, public entities and individuals, and has access to all major insurance markets and is ranked among the top brokers in the country. Find out why Risk Strategies is the only agency endorsed by the Palm Beach County Medical Society for malpractice and Workers’ Compensation insurance.

ENDORSED BY

CONTACT

Matt Gracey Tom Murphy (800) 966-2120 (800) 966-2120

matt@dannagracey.com murphy@dannagracey.com

Standing (L to R): Faustino Gonzalez, MD, Brent Schillinger, MD, Stuart Miro, MD, Roger Duncan, MD, Mollie Shulan, MD, Claudia Mason, MD, John Dalton, Kelly Skidmore, CEO, Martha Rodriguez, MD, Maureen Whelihan, MD, Jack Zeltzer, MD, David Shulan, MD, Paul Wieseneck, and Andrew Berkman, MD

Seated (L to R): Stephen Babic, MD, Shawn Baca, MD, Mas Massoumi, MD, Michael Dennis, MD, and Alan Pillersdorf, MD

Dr. Brent Schillinger and Mrs. Penny Butler Schillinger

Dr. Shawn Baca and Ms. Kelly Nolan

Dr. Marc and Mrs. Meredith Hirsh

WINNERS

FAU IM Residency Program

Owls and Friends

–

Think Big Healthcare Solutions Mermaid Christmas –

Medical Specialist of the Palm Beaches Rising Phoenix

–

Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach Tiffany Tree

–

Visiting Angels

T’was the Night Before Christmas

And a very special thanks to our esteemed judges Kaye and Bob Broadway and to all who participated in the Festival of Trees and Lights Silent Auction at the Venetian Masquerade Ball.

Dr. Roger Duncan and Lisa Quarrie-Duncan, Esq.

Dr. Claudia Mason and Dr. Martha Rodriguez