FEBRUARY EDITION, VOLUME 2022, NO. 2
WE CARE NETWORK: FULFILLING THE MISSION FOR 30 YEARS By Diana Bixler, We Care Network Program Coordinator We Care Network’s mission: To provide a safety net to low-income, uninsured adult patients most in need in our community through the coordination of donated specialty medical and dental healthcare. The Capital Medical Society Foundation created the We Care Network program in 1992 to effectively and collaboratively serve the underserved community in Leon County. Later, the program expanded to include Jefferson, Wakulla, and Gadsden County patients. In 2003, the program expanded yet again to include specialty medical and dental patients. We Care Network patients must meet specific qualifying criteria for program eligibility. The criteria include having a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Federal Poverty Level is updated annually by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. Eligible patients must also reside in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, or Wakulla County, have no health or dental insurance, and need specialty healthcare. The We Care Network does not provide primary healthcare services. Primary care services are most often provided through Federally Qualified Health
Centers (FQHC). These FQHCs serve a similar target population as the We Care Network, and they play a vital role in referring patients from primary healthcare services to specialty healthcare services. Since its inception, the We Care Network program has coordinated over $120 million in donated specialty medical and dental healthcare. With a local network of over 300 physicians and 40 dentists, the program can serve nearly 2,000 patients each year for various specialties. Medical specialties participating in the program include Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Gynecology, Nephrology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Radiology – to name a few. Dental specialties include Endodontics, General Dentistry (such as extractions and fillings), Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics (partials and full set of dentures). The providers in our network offer urgent, often life-saving care to those in our community who have no other means to receive the healthcare they need. Access to healthcare is a significant barrier to seeking medical treatment, locally and globally. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY 2022 MEETINGS CALENDAR February 15, 2022 Virtual CME (1-Hour) Topic: Update in Gynecologic Oncology Speaker: Margarett Ellison, M.D. 6:30 pm
March 31, 2022 Celebration Awards Dinner 6:30 pm Venue: TBA
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Paresh Patel, M.D., President
I N T H I S I SS U E :
MISSION: TO PROMOTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE FOR THE ULTIMATE BENEFIT OF THE PATIENT. (850) 877-9018 Fax: (850) 878-0218 www.capmed.org
The We Care Network’s 30th Anniversary...............................1 A Message From Your 2022 CMS President........................... 4 CMS News........................................................................................5 CMS Lunchtime Learning Seminars...........................................6 2021 CMS Foundation Holiday Auction....................................7 Practice Management................................................................. 18 Volunteer Opportunity for Florida Mission of Mercy.......... 19 Viewpoint...................................................................................... 20 Simpler Times.............................................................................. 22 2022 CMS Foundation Board of Directors........................... 23 Donate to the CMS Foundation............................................... 24
Sarah Ko, M.D., President-Elect
CMS Foundation: We Care Network...................................... 26
Helen Paulson, M.D., Secretary/Treasurer Rohan Joseph, M.D., Immediate Past President Codie Bryant, CMS Alliance President Russell Cole, M.D. Amulya Konda, M.D.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Jonathan Nava, M.D.
{FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS}
Kaushal Patel, M.D. Shawn Ramsey, D.O. Michael Garcia, M.D. – 1st
Brence Sell, M.D.
William Simmons, M.D. – 14th
Robert Steinmetz, M.D. – 1
Kenneth Kato, M.D. – 15th
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Kyle Webster, M.D. – 1
Chris DeRosier, M.D. – 16th
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Bert Morales, M.D. – 2
David M. Mellman, M.D. – 16th
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Kiana Taba, M.D. Julia Weeks, M.D.
David O’Bryan, M.D. – 2nd
Garrison Rolle, M.D. – 16th
Graham Whitaker, M.D.
Brian Sherman, M.D. – 3
Pam Irwin, Executive Director, CMS
C. Raymond Cottrell, M.D. – 4
Robert Atwater, M.D. – 18th
Shakra Junejo, M.D. – 6
Narlito Cruz, M.D. – 19th
Robert Snyder, M.D. – 16th
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Wade Douglas, M.D. – 7th
Meredith McKinney, M.D. – 19th
Nicholas C. Farber, M.D. – 7
Jerry Ford, M.D. – 21st
Eli A. Friedman, M.D. – 7
Joseph Camps, M.D. – 22nd
James O’Neill, M.D. – 7
Narlin Beaty, M.D. – 23rd
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PUBLICATION EDITOR Frank Skilling, M.D.
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MANAGING EDITOR Shannon Boyle
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Stephen Quintero, M.D. – 7th
James Geissinger, Jr., M.D. – 23rd
William Thompson, M.D. – 7
Christine T. Chiu-Geers, M.D. – 25th
Graham Whitaker, M.D. – 7
Abby Hunter Peters, M.D. – 25th
Frank Gredler, M.D. – 8
Allison Akridge, D.O. – 26th
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GRAPHIC DESIGN Gandy Printers
EDITOR EMERITUS Charles E. Moore, M.D.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WRITING AN ARTICLE FOR CAP SCAN?
Please contact Shannon Boyle at sboyle@capmed.org. All articles submitted will be reviewed by your peers prior to publishing.
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John MacKay, M.D. – 8th
Joseph Baker, M.D. – 26th
Michael Cavallaro, M.D. – 9
Francisco Carpio, M.D. – 26th
Zohaib Zia, M.D. – 9
Shermeeka Hogans-Mathews, M.D. – 28th
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Larry Harper, M.D. – 10
Vincent Riesgo, M.D. – 28th
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Krista Rankin, M.D. – 10th
Ovidiu Popa, M.D. – 29th
Jeannine Silberman, M.D. – 10
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Cap Scan is published during the first week of each month and is the official publication of the Capital Medical Society. Advertising in Cap Scan does not imply approval or endorsement by the Capital Medical Society. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Capital Medical Society. 2
Satish Mital, M.D. – 11th
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WE ARE SO GLAD YOU WERE BORN!
CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
DID WE MISS YOUR BIRTHDAY? IF SO, PLEASE EMAIL ROSALIE CARLIN AT RCARLIN@CAPMED.ORG!
THE WE CARE NETWORK'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
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Without an expanded Medicaid program in Florida, the We Care Network program is a resource for those without insurance. Its case management team helps patients better navigate the very complex healthcare system. The four We Care Network case managers and case management associate provide patients assistance, guidance, and information. The case management team works with medical and dental practices to evenly distribute referrals to our network of donating providers. Through this program, patients can often avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. Avoidable Emergency Department usage is of considerable concern, especially during the pandemic. Emergency Department healthcare expenses for nonemergent care add an unnecessary financial burden to the community. The We Care Network’s goal is to efficiently increase the overall health outcomes of its patients and our community. Mother Teresa put it well when she said, “let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely, and the unwanted according to the graces we have received, and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.” This quote reflects the spirit we must take with us through our work to continue to make a concerted effort to serve others. The actions and commitment of everyone
involved with the We Care Network program reflect a spirit of “giving back.” The expansion of the We Care Network program over 30 years has improved health outcomes in our community. These improved health outcomes would not be possible without the commitment of donating providers, the generosity of donors and grantors, and the compassion of its case management team. The gratefulness of patients for their health is the ultimate reward. The Capital Medical Society Foundation’s Board of Directors and the We Care Network program’s team are immensely grateful to all donating providers, referring providers, and past and present staff members who have been the backbone of the program over the past 30 years. We thank stakeholders, donors, and grantors for their unwavering, consistent support. We thank our patients for entrusting the We Care Network to coordinate their donated healthcare. Without every one of these cohorts, this program would cease to exist. The negative impact on health outcomes would be immediate. Our goal is to be a safety net to those with specialty healthcare needs, and we keep that goal at the forefront of all we do. Thank you to everyone who has supported this program for the past 30 years.
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A MESSAGE FROM YOUR 2022 CMS PRESIDENT
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR 2022 CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT By Paresh Patel, M.D., CMS President Happy New Year! As we step into 2022, I am honored to serve as the President of the Capital Medical Society (CMS). As many of you know, I moved to Tallahassee in July 2011, which is the same year I joined the Capital Medical Society. I have served as a board member for CMS over the past five years and have held leadership positions for the past two years, just before the COVID-19 pandemic started.
During the 18+ months of the COVID pandemic, CMS continued to avoid live meetings. However, we finally held our first post-pandemic meeting with the Celebration Awards Dinner honoring two of our esteemed physicians in September 2021. It provided a comfortable environment to physicians and their families with vaccine and mask mandates during live events. In addition, the CMS and CMSF were able to host another live event last year, the CMSF Holiday Auction fundraiser. It was a great success and we were able to raise money for our We Care Network and our Scholarship Fund.
The Capital Medical Society has been around since 1946, and for the past 75 years, we have been able to directly change healthcare. By being in the capital of Florida, we have been able to significantly influence the Florida Medical Association and legislative laws. The CMS mission is “to promote the practice of medicine for the ultimate benefit of the patient.”
As we step into the new year, let us hopefully put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and move forward. As president, I am planning to serve to our members of the Capital Medical Society in the best way possible, not only for our patients, but also for our mission. I hope to expand our membership and seek the support of our members and their practices. I would also like to be accommodative to both of our hospitals, in hopes of enhancing education and bringing more live and virtual CME programs. I am grateful to continue to provide several other member benefits including DocbookMD, CE Broker, and the CMSF Physician Wellness Program.
For the past two years, we, as physicians have had our lives turned upside down. We first handedly experienced COVID-19 and had to deal with shortage of medical supplies. Our practices and lives were impacted severely. Yet, we had been proven to be a very strong and resilient medical community in this long fight against the pandemic. We have had a total of 76 past presidents serve the Capital Medical Society who were all a very diverse group of physician leaders, and I am so excited to lead the Capital Medical Society this year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical communities throughout the nation struggled to identify how to control the pandemic, avoid transmission, isolation, testing, management of infected patients, anticoagulation, yes or no to steroid, invasive/non-invasive ventilation, etc. The Capital Medical Society membership was worth every penny to guide large and small practices during those difficult times with help and guidance via e-mails, meetings, distribution of facemasks, isolation supplies, etc. Thanks to our excellent CMS staff, as well as the leadership of Dr. Whithaus and Dr. Joseph over past two years. CMS provided weekly updates on COVID meetings, State of Florida’s COVID situation reports, as well as available testing sites and treatment centers in nearby counties. CMS also appraised situations from both regional hospitals on their current status with COVID infection rates. When the vaccine became available, CMS provided updates on the status of the vaccine to providers and their patients. When COVID monoclonal antibody became available, CMS again took matters in their hands and provided information on available places where these can be infused and how to contact infusion centers. As of the past week, we continue to provide live testing and outpatient treatment center contact information via emails.
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CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
In addition to my current position as the President of CMS, I serve as an active board member for the Florida Medical Association Political Action Committee (FMA PAC) and as the legislative committee chair for Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO). I am very enthusiastic to work with our state legislators to provide an effective communication channel. I aim to help curtail the profits of the middleman in the pharmaceutical industry to help lower health care costs. If we don’t have open communication, we may get further decline in our reimbursements. As of the 2012 report, physician compensation accounts for 8.6% of total health care expense. We recently averted 6% Medicare cuts in radiation oncology model on December 7, 2021, and barely avoided 4% Medicare cuts on December 8, 2021 that would have been implemented in January 2022. These were defeated by just 10 votes in the U.S. House of Representatives. This shows how vulnerable medical communities are. But we can’t achieve these goals without the help and support of our wonderful staff at the Capital Medical Society: Pam Irwin, Shannon Boyle, and Rosalie Carlin. I am also thankful for our wonderful President-Elect, Dr. Sarah Ko and Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Helen Paulson, as well as the other board members’ cooperation and hard work in the coming year. And finally, to all CMS members, thank you for your membership and trust in the Capital Medical Society. If you or your practice has any suggestions, please reach out to me directly or via the Capital Medical Society staff.
CMS NEWS
NEW DOCS ON THE BLOCK Lucille Tucker Saha, M.D. Medical School: Michigan State University Internship/Residency: Genesys Medical Center Practice: Big Bend Hospice Specialty: Family Medicine
Brittany Schafer, M.D. Medical School: Florida State University Internship/Residency: Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Practice: TMH Physician Partners Mahan Oaks Specialty: Family Medicine
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE CELEBRATION AWARDS DINNER Celebrate the profession of medicine with your colleagues! Mark your calendars for the Capital Medical Society’s annual Celebration Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 31st at 6:30 pm. The venue will be announced soon. Our Celebration Awards Dinner honors Doctors’ Day, which is on March 30th every year.
recognize a local physician’s effort to help the profession of medicine. The 2022 recipients will be announced in February. Invitations to the Celebration Awards Dinner will be mailed in late February to your residence. We hope to see you there!
An exciting part of this event is the presentation of two prestigious awards. The I.B. Harrison, M.D. Humanitarian Award will recognize a local physician’s humanitarian effort to help patients. The Outstanding Physician Award will CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
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CMS LUNCHTIME LEARNING SEMINARS
CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY VIRTUAL LUNCHTIME LEARNING SEMINARS MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE SPRING 2022 LUNCH AND LEARN SEMINARS: February 16, 2022 Your Data: The Magic Slippers to Your Practice’s Profitability Remember “The Wizard of Oz” when Dorothy discovers her magic slippers could have taken her home all along? She spent days trudging through a strange land and dodging danger to get back to Kansas…only to learn she had the answer to her problem literally underfoot the entire time. Frustrating, right? Well, your practice could be in the same boat when it comes to improving profitability. Between accounting process issues, difficulty with collections, coding discrepancies and rising costs, the struggle is real—yet you might already have what you need to better your bottom line. Join us for Your Data: The Magic Slippers to Your Practice’s Profitability. James Moore & Company’s Marie Hibbert will chat with the firm’s partner Nadia Batey about how your data can help you make strategic decisions that put more money in your pocket. Just like Dorothy, all you need is to know how to use what you already have. Information generated from your practice can tell you where your cash flow is failing, how billing processes impact your bottom line, and trends on the costs you face. It can even show you how you compare with other practices or groups in payroll and operational costs. Marie and Nadia will discuss two key areas in this engaging, Q&A-style webinar: • •
Process optimization – entering information, closing your books, collecting bills due, etc. Predictive analysis – what you can do with that data to predict insurance payments, optimize your cash flow and more
Objectives – After our presentation, you’ll be able to: • Understand the basics of data analytics and how they contribute to a healthier bottom line for your practice • Find the data you need to address gaps or issues in your accounting and collections processes • Use your data to better predict your future cash flow and costs Panelists: – Marie Hibbert, CPA, CITP, CGMA, Director of Data Analytics and Business Development, James Moore CPAs and Consultants – Nadia Batey, CPA, Partner, James Moore CPAs and Consultants Sponsor: James Moore CPAs and Consultants March 23, 2022 Washington Update In this 60-minute presentation, we will cover Medicare payment policies that recently went into effect this year from the Physician Fee Schedule, review the ban on balance billing and the transparency provisions of the No Surprises Act, and discuss upcoming congressional activity related to medical groups. Presenter: Claire Ernst, JD, Director, Government Affairs, MGMA Registration Required Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM No Cost for these virtual seminars. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Rosalie Carlin at (850) 877-9018 or rcarlin@capmed.org.
April 20, 2022 Topic and Speaker: TBA May 18, 2022 Topic and Speaker: TBA 6
CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
20TH ANNUAL CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS IN RAISING FUNDS FOR THE WE CARE NETWORK AND MEDICAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS By Pam Irwin, CMS Executive Director After a two-year desert of social isolation, those who attended the 2021 Capital Medical Society Foundation Holiday Auction were thrilled to have the opportunity to mingle with 240 of their friends and colleagues. As one Capital Medical Society member shared, “I don’t know how much this event will bring in, but it will be a success just based on the energy and happiness in the room.” It was a festive evening that ended with the Live Auction, emceed by Dr. Scott Sellinger and Dr. John Mahoney. The two helped successfully raise funds to support the Foundation’s mission of improving access to healthcare through its esteemed We Care Network program and its robust scholarship program for FSU College of Medicine’s local students. The event is important to the community. The We Care Network coordinated over $8.6 million in donated, specialty medical care last year. Seventy-four FSU College of Medicine alumni are now practicing in the Tallahassee area. This annual event supports the
medical community, its patients, and medical students. Almost $80,000 was raised at the event. Many generous hearts helped make this fundraising event successful. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and bidders. The competitive spirit and creativity that goes into preparing themed auction baskets and in-kind donations is so deeply appreciated. The auction offered superb wines donated by our member wine connoisseurs, several beautiful original paintings, and photographs from local artists and photographers, several of whom are physicians. Spectacular dinners were auctioned including a new one hosted by Mayor and Mrs. John Dailey this year. A drawing for a group wine-tasting was offered for those who registered for the Live Auction and were present to win. Could that be why the Live Auction room was packed until the closing bell? Although most of us enjoy a festive holiday party, the enthusiastic support of sponsors, donors, and smartphonetoting bidders to raise essential funding for the We Care Network and medical school scholarships make it an extra special evening. A Thomasville get-away, sports memorabilia for diehard Seminole fans, paintings, photographs, and art pieces masterfully created by CMS physicians Dr. Borom, Dr. Manning, Dr. Reese, and Dr. Rosen were available. The guests did not lack something in their price range to get the bidding juices flowing. And bid, they did! Many were very competitive.
(L-r) Dr. Scott Sellinger, Pam Irwin, and Dr. John Mahoney.
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
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And then, there was Dr. Charles Manning’s painting. I’ve bid on that painting EVERY year since I joined CMS. This year I won it. I hung it at midnight following the event. I felt as if I’d won the lottery.
of Medicine students volunteering at the event. This year, we had six medical students volunteer to help guests register on BidPal, serve as Live Auction spotters, and help gather items at the end of the event. They included five past CMSF Scholarship recipients. The medical students genuinely enjoy the opportunity to give back to the medical community that supports them so generously through medical education and scholarships. The students shared glimpses into their decisions to enter the field of medicine and the importance of their scholarships. Donations for scholarships rose as Jodi Wilson read her thank you note and shared the importance of her scholarship to her and her husband. She put a face and words on why this evening is so important.
Dr. Charles Manning and Pam Irwin
No carb counting was allowed as we indulged in our favorites. Bananas Foster Flambé, Lobster Mac ’n Cheese, and Shrimp and Grits were back by popular demand. Diets may resume immediately. The CMS Foundation’s Holiday Auction’s success is possible due to the strong support of its sponsors, donors, and bidders. The generous support of the event’s three Title sponsors, EMTeLink, Florida Blue, and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, pushed the sponsorships to a historic high. Dr. Walt and Marybeth Colón, the FSU College of Medicine, the Neighborhood Medical Center, and Synovus were each Presenting Sponsors at the $2,500 level. In all, over 60 Corporate and Individual Sponsors provided the financial support needed to host the event. Sponsorships enable Live and Silent Auctions proceeds to go directly to the Capital Medical Society Foundation to support its mission. Drs. Scott Sellinger and John Mahoney honed their skills as Auctioneers Extraordinaire, keeping the lively group bidding against each other. They also took the time to introduce the FSU College 8
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(L-r) Shelby De Cardenas, Brooke Hartenstein, Blaire Cote, Meaghan Kane, Jodi Wilson, and Jared Jones.
We Care Network general surgeon Dr. Rohan Joseph and We Care Network Program Coordinator Diana Bixler shared the impact the We Care Network’s donating providers have on the lives of their patients. It was inspiring to hear their stories. We are deeply grateful to all of the tremendous volunteer support. The talented Capital Medical Society Alliance Auction team secured many highly-desired auction items by foraging in Tallahassee and Thomasville. They transformed the University Center Club and set the mood for the evening with ornaments, greenery from
2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
Bob McCully’s property, and pine cones from Dr. Tracey Hellgren’s acreage. The leadership of the Auction Steering Committee has been invaluable. They have always been available to help vet our best options during the pandemic these past two years. Thank you to the Capital Medical Society staff. The staff was “all hands on deck” to assist guests, and they represented us well—my heartfelt gratitude to Shannon Boyle, whose leadership and event-planning skills make it all seem effortless. My deep appreciation goes to Rosalie Carlin, who somehow manages to keep track and upload all of the auction items into the bidding platform, create the signage, and help coordinate the RSVPs. And both of these rock stars do this amid an already packed schedule of Cap Scan deadlines, new membership applications to process, CMEs to get accredited, Lunch and Learns to coordinate, a September Celebration Awards Dinner, and the ever-looming pandemic. What a team we have! We look forward to December 1, 2022, for next year’s Holiday Auction. Mark your calendars for another exciting holiday event! Make it a great 2022!
Alliance Auction Committee Shannon Boyle Valerie Draper Tami Frankland Pam Irwin Jane Snyder Andrea Stephens Gillian Stewart Decorating Committee Shannon Boyle Rosalie Carlin Cay Ford Tami Frankland Hien Guyer Sarah Ho Pam Irwin Rita Kaelin Cynara Miller Heather Redfield Gillian Stewart FSU College of Medicine Student Volunteers Blaire Cote Shelby De Cardenas Brooke Hartenstein Jared Jones Meaghan Kane Jodi Wilson And, last but not least, the CMS Elves
Auction Steering Committee Scott Sellinger, M.D., Chair Shannon Boyle Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, M.D. Rosalie Carlin Tracey Hellgren, M.D. Pam Irwin David Jones, M.D. John Mahoney, M.D. David Miles, M.D. Tony Weaver, M.D. Barbara Williams, M.D.
Chief Elves Shannon Boyle Rosalie Carlin Pam Irwin We Care Network Elves Diana Bixler Shonda Davis Roshanda Dorsey Meisha Fennell Malika Nixon-Williams Anabel Sanchez-Senofonte
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
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THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE THE 2021 CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION A SUCCESS! FOUNDATION
We Care Network
Almost $80,000 was raised in support of the CMSF mission “to support the charitable efforts of physicians and others, increase access to healthcare, promote education, and serve the community’s health needs through innovative projects that are exemplary, affordable and dignified.”
Title Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Event Sponsors Advanced Urology Institute, LLC The Alzheimer’s Project Capital City Bank Capital Medical Society Alliance Capital Periodontal Associates, P.A. Care Point Health & Wellness Center Brittney K. Craig, D.M.D. Dennis, Jackson, Martin & Fontela, P.A. Desloge Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment/ Hopewell In-Home Senior Care Digestive Disease Clinic Dr. and Mrs. H. Avon Doll Elder Care Services, Inc. Electronet – Powered by Hargray Fiber Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee Eye Associates of Tallahassee FMI Printing & Distribution Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates of Tallahassee Hancock Whitney Lanigan & Associates, P.C. Barbara B. Leadbeater, D.M.D., PL MagMutual Insurance Company Medical AR Revenue Solutions, LLC NAI TALCOR North Florida Women’s Care Riley Palmer Construction Co., Inc. Southeast Neurological Specialists Southern Vitreoretinal Associates Tallahassee Neurological Clinic Thomas Howell Ferguson, P.A., CPAs Westminster Oaks Active Living Community Dr. Charles and Mrs. Pat Williams In-Kind Sponsors Betsy Barfield Photography Gandy Printers
Supporting Sponsors Anonymous Judge Steve Brown and Mrs. Yvonne Brown Capital Regional Medical Center Carroll and Company, CPAs Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee Florida Medical Association Grossman, Furlow & Bayó, LLC Henry Buchanan, P.A. Rohan Joseph and Elizabeth Medley KWB Pathology Associates Nancy Loeffler, M.D. Dr. Jitendra and Kokila Padalia Radiology Associates of Tallahassee Southern Medical Group Tallahassee Brain Stimulation Center Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic Tallahassee Primary Care Associates TMH Federal Credit Union TMH Physician Partners – Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Specialists Truist Private Wealth Management Vascular Surgery Associates
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Individual Sponsors Anonymous Jonathan Appelbaum and Bill Morowski Dr. and Mrs. Efren Baltazar Dr. and Mrs. Tim Bolek Dr. Angela Bradford and Brandon White Daniel and Jean Conrad Dr. Tarik Dickens and Dr. Elizabeth Dickens Tim and Paula Fortunas Jerry Harris, M.D. Tracey E. Hellgren, M.D. Dr. David and Dottie Jones Joel Kramer, M.D. The Honorable Terry P. Lewis Dr. Charles G. Long Cynara Miller Faisal and Nola Munasifi Dr. Winston Ortiz Mansukhlal G. Padalia and Nila Padalia Kaushal Patel, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Raleigh Rollins Steve and Teresa Sarbeck Wende and Brian Sheedy
2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
Dr. David and Kathleen Smith Frank Swerdzewski, D.D.S. D.J. and Gayle Underwood Frank Walker and Lynn Walker Ken and Lee Wasson Dean and Nicole Watson Karen Wendland Kathy and Richard Zorn Item Donors AAA Auto Club Group Allergy & Asthma Diagnostic Treatment Center – Ron Saff, M.D. Ally B Boutique – Thomasville Anonymous Aqua Medical Spa Mrs. Emerlinda Baltazar Betsy Barfield Photography Black Fig Andrew Borom, M.D. Dr. Logan and Maryanne Brooks Mrs. Yvonne T. Brown Viet Bui and Trang Nguyen Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, M.D. Canopy Road Café Capital Regional Medical Center Cason Photography Charles Bush Hand-Did Birdhouses Chelsea Salon and Spa Chicken Salad Chick Coton Colors Courtyard by Marriott – Thomasville J. Alan and Tracy Cox Mayor and Mrs. John Dailey Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee Elizabeth Dickens, M.D. District 850 Eye Associates of Tallahassee, P.A. Firefly – Thomasville From the Collection of Thomas L. Hicks, M.D. & Robert Stuart FSU College of Medicine – FSU BehavioralHealth FSU College of Medicine – FSU PrimaryHealth FSU College of Medicine – FSU SeniorHealth Glory Days Grill Anne Hempel Charles J. Holland, M.D. Pam Irwin J. Alan Cox Law Office Jeanie Wood Designs, LLC Jonah’s – Thomasville Dr. David and Mrs. Dottie Jones Dr. Dan and Mrs. Rita Kaelin Dr. and Mrs. William Kepper Killearn County Club Amulya Konda, M.D. KWB Pathology Associates La Robe Boutique – Thomasville Lloyd Creek Kennels, Inc. Loli&theBean John and Barbara Mahoney Charles F. Manning, Jr., M.D. Mary Madison Boutique – Thomasville E. Lynn McLarty, D.D.S. Millennium Nail and Day Spa Mode – Thomasville Native Nurseries North Florida Women’s Care Martha Paradeis
Primrose Restaurant – The Henderson Beach Resort PRP Wine International Publix Radiology Associates of Tallahassee Randy Reese, M.D. Relish – Thomasville Robert’s Jewelry and Design Seymour Rosen, M.D. L. Steve Sarbeck, M.D. Seminole Sitters Frank and Karen Skilling David and Kathleen Smith Trevor and Danielle Smith Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q Dr. and Mrs. W. Brad Stephens David and Gillian Stewart Strauss Gallery Sweet Grass Dairy – Thomasville Table 23 Tallahassee Ear, Nose & Throat-Head & Neck Surgery, P.A. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Tallahassee Nurseries Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic Tallahassee Primary Care Associates The Bookshelf – Thomasville The Gem Collection – Don and Dorothy Vodicka The Gift Shop – Thomasville The Hare and The Hart – Thomasville The Juice Box – Thomasville The Tallahassee Ballet Thomas Drug Store – Thomasville Thomasville Animal Hospital – Thomasville Tire Choice Auto Service Center Vascular Surgery Associates Frank Walker, M.D. Dr. Ken and Mrs. Lee Wasson Tony and Tanya Weaver Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop Dr. Richard and Mrs. Kathy Zorn We Care Network and Scholarship Donors Andrew Borom, M.D. Angela Bradford, M.D. Robin Brock-Ginaldi Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, M.D. Rosalie Carlin Dr. Walter E. Colón Shonda Davis Tina Davis Elizabeth Dickens, M.D. Dr. John and Mrs. Diane Fogarty Leigh Graham Bill Hambsh Dr. Julian and Dr. Myra Hurt Pam Irwin David Jones, M.D. Dr. Arjun and Mrs. Diane Kaji Amulya Konda, M.D. Dr. Alma Littles and Mr. Gentle Littles Nancy Loeffler, M.D. Michelle Miller, M.D. Michael Pentaleri, M.D. Dr. Cyneetha Strong and Mr. Rod Duckworth Dr. Daniel and Mrs. Patricia Van Durme Karen Watts Julia Weeks, M.D. Sharon Weeden Scottie Whiddon, M.D. Richard L. Zorn, M.D.
Winning Bidders Josh and Kellie Ayers Andrew Borom, M.D. Angela Bradford, M.D. Yvonne Brown Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, M.D. Jeremiah Bush Chris Cadenhead Rosalie Carlin Dr. Walter E. Colón Dr. David and Mrs. Billie Craig Tina Davis Carey Dellock, M.D. Elizabeth Dickens, M.D. Karen Wendland Dix Dr. David and Mrs. Valerie Draper Margarett Ellison, M.D. Dr. John and Mrs. Diane Fogarty Dr. Jerry and Mrs. Cay Ford Patricia Hogan, M.D. Brandon and Allyson Hogue Dr. Julian and Dr. Myra Hurt Dr. Marc and Mrs. Melissa Inglese Pam Irwin Barbara Jaegar, M.D. David Jones, M.D. Dr. Arjun and Mrs. Diane Kaji Sarah Ko, M.D. Amulya Konda, M.D. Narayanan Krishnamoorthy, M.D. Donnie and Donna Lewis Dr. Alma Littles and Mr. Gentle Littles Nancy Loeffler, M.D. Simon Lopez Cynara Miller Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mert Manning Amy Neal, M.D. David Oberste, M.D. Dr. Jitendra and Mrs. Kokila Padalia Niraj Pandit, M.D. Rajeshri Patel, M.D. Helen Paulson, M.D. Robert Peavy Amer Rassam, M.D. Raleigh Rollins, M.D. Bahama Russell Louis Sarbeck, M.D. Dr. David and Mrs. Rhonda Saint Dr. Scott and Mrs. Jinger Sellinger Dr. Amanda Shearer and Mr. Matthew Shearer Dr. Frank and Mrs. Karen Skilling Dr. David and Mrs. Kathleen Smith Dr. David and Mrs. Gillian Stewart Dr. Cyneetha Strong and Mr. Rod Duckworth Kiana Taba, M.D. Dr. Daniel and Mrs. Patricia Van Durme Jason Washington Karen Watts Brian and Jaren Webb Sharon Weeden Julia Weeks, M.D. Dr. Scottie and Mrs. Missy Whiddon Dr. Charles and Mrs. Pat Williams Dennis Williams, M.D. and Barbara Williams, M.D. Gregory Williams, M.D. Richard L. Zorn, M.D.
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
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Title Sponsor, EMTeLink: (l-r) Dean Massey, Vickie Massey, Donna Lewis, and Donnie Lewis.
(L-r) 2022 CMS President and Title Sponsor, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute: Dr. Paresh Patel; and 2021 CMS President, Dr. Rohan Joseph.
(L-r) Presenting Sponsor, Marybeth Colón; Event Sponsor, Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates of Tallahassee: Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel; and Presenting Sponsor, Dr. Walter Colón.
Presenting Sponsor, Florida State University College of Medicine: Dr. John Fogarty and Diane Fogarty.
Presenting Sponsor, SYNOVUS: (l-r) Jeff Askins, Lisa Askins, Jane McMillen, Bill Moore, Chattie Winton, and Morgan Bailey.
Supporting Sponsor: Judge Steve Brown and Mrs. Yvonne Brown.
(L-r) Michael Kramer; Supporting Sponsor, Carroll and Company, CPAs: Abby Dupree, Kathleen Brothers, Kacie McCloud, and Rich Heitmeyer.
(L-r) Supporting Sponsor, Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee: Brian Schaper; and Supporting Sponsor, Capital Regional Medical Center: Alan Keesee and Jason Washington.
CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
Supporting Sponsor, Florida Medical Association: (l-r) Dr. Monique Butler, Matt Crowley, and Ashley Crowley.
Supporting Sponsor, Grossman, Furlow & Bayó, LLC: Blanca Bayó and Edwin Bayó.
(L-r) Supporting Sponsor, Henry Buchanan, P.A.: Jesse Suber and Tori Penny; Pam Irwin, CMS Executive Director; Supporting Sponsor, Henry Buchanan, P.A.: Halley Stephens; and Supporting Sponsor, Southern Medical Group: Dr. Michael Forsthoefel.
Supporting Sponsor: Dr. Rohan Joseph and Elizabeth Medley.
Supporting Sponsor, KWB Pathology Associates: Dr. David Stewart and Gillian Stewart.
(L-r) Pam Irwin, CMS Executive Director; Supporting Sponsor, Dr. Nancy Loeffler; and Cindy Gray.
(L-r) Supporting Sponsor, Kokila Padalia and Dr. Jitendra Padalia; and Nila Padalia and Dr. Mansukhlal Padalia.
Supporting Sponsor, Radiology Associates of Tallahassee: (l-r) Dr. Michael Pentaleri, Dr. Barbara Jaeger, and Dr. Arjun Kaji.
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
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Supporting Sponsor, Tallahassee Brain Stimulation Center: (l-r) Mitchell Ramsey and Brenyn Reese.
(L-r) Supporting Sponsor, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic: Dr. Andrew Borom and Ashlee Borom; and Event Sponsor, Southern Vitreoretinal Associates: Suzana Steinmetz and Dr. Robert Steinmetz.
Supporting Sponsor, Tallahassee Primary Care Associates: Kim Williams and Dr. Gregory Williams.
Supporting Sponsor, TMH Federal Credit Union: (l-r) Eric Thiele, Liz Thiele, Harry Burn, and Paula Burn.
Supporting Sponsor, Truist Private Wealth Management: (l-r) Karen Watts, Leigh Graham, Charles Hopkins, Allyson Hogue, and Brandon Hogue.
(L-r) Event Sponsor, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee: Dale Neely and Lynn Dorvil; and Event Sponsor, Advanced Urology Institute, LLC: Jinger Sellinger and Dr. Scott Sellinger.
Event Sponsor, The Alzheimer’s Project: John Trombetta and Beth Ann Trombetta.
(L-r) CMS Foundation President, Dr. John Mahoney; and Event Sponsor, Capital City Bank: William Smith.
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
Event Sponsor, Capital Periodontal Associates, P.A.: (l-r) Kimberly Swanson and JoAnne Adams.
Event Sponsor, Desloge Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment/Hopewell In-Home Senior Care: (l-r) Dr. Joel Kramer, Jami Eddy, Kristi Reinholt, RN, and Michael Kramer.
Event Sponsor, Digestive Disease Clinic: Kellie Ayers and Josh Ayers.
(L-r) Event Sponsor, Elder Care Services, Inc.: K. Nicole Ballas and Jocelyne Fliger; and Sharon Weeden.
Event Sponsor, Eye Associates of Tallahassee: (l-r) Joseph Farenden, Dr. Sarah Ko, Tanya Weaver, and Dr. Tony Weaver.
Event Sponsor, FMI Printing & Distribution: Tim Neel and Kelly Neel.
Event Sponsor, Hancock Whitney: Diana O’Bryant and Mark O’Bryant.
Event Sponsor, Lanigan & Associates, P.C.: Becky Keillor and John Keillor.
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
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Event Sponsor, North Florida Women’s Care: (l-r) Bill Hambsh and James Gordon.
(L-r) Event Sponsor, Southeast Neurological Specialists: Molly Allen and Brett Allen; and James Gordon.
Event Sponsor, Thomas Howell Ferguson, P.A., CPAs: (l-r) Jorge Rivera and Brian Walgamott.
Event Sponsor, Westminster Oaks Active Living Community: (l-r) Sheri Whigham and Lora Wiggins.
Event Sponsor: Mrs. Pat Williams and Dr. Charles Williams.
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2021 CMS FOUNDATION HOLIDAY AUCTION
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW HOW TO RETIRE A DEA LICENSE? Step 1: Send an email to: Dea.registration.help@usdoj.gov
The DEA will contact you following receipt of your email. They are unspecific regarding how long the process takes after the request. Step 2:
Subject line: DEA REGISTRATION RETIREMENT BODY: Please retire the following DEA Registration # ______________ as I am no longer in need of a registration effective immediately. (Include your name, address, contact phone number and the reason for the immediate retirement - ie: no longer practicing, no longer prescribing controlled substances, etc.)
WHAT STATUS AND DOCUMENTATION ARE REQUIRED FOR EXEMPTION FROM PAYING THE NICA ASSESSMENT? Florida licensed physicians currently exempt from paying the assessment include: 1. Resident physicians, assistant resident physicians, and interns in postgraduate training programs approved by the Board of Medicine (documentation of the dates of your program signed by the chair of your department must be provided to NICA); 2. Retired physicians who maintain an active license but who have withdrawn from employment in any medically related field, as evidenced by an affidavit (https://www.nica.com/wp-content/ uploads/2021/04/Retired_affidavit.pdf) filed with NICA (a copy of this affidavit must be provided to the Florida Department of Health); 3. Physicians who hold a limited license, as defined by Chapter 458, Florida Statutes, but do not receive any compensation for medical services (an affidavit must be provided to NICA stating that no compensation is received for medical services); 4. Physicians employed full-time by the Veterans Administration whose practices are confined to Veterans Administration hospitals (a letter from your employer stating that you are a full-time 18
CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
After your DEA Registration Retirement has been confirmed, let the Florida Board of Medicine know you have retired your DEA license so they remove the re-licensure requirement for you to take the Controlled Substance Course. If they see you still have a DEA license, they will require you take that course. Therefore, you MUST contact the Florida Board of Medicine at: Customer Contact Center Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET (850) 488-0595
employee, as well as an affidavit from you stating you are not engaged in the private practice of medicine, must be provided to NICA); 5. Any licensed physician on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States (a letter from your commanding officer stating that you are on active duty in the Armed Forces, as well as an affidavit from you stating that you are not engaged in the private practice of medicine, must be provided to NICA); 6. Physicians who are full-time State of Florida employees and whose practice is confined to state-owned correctional facilities, mental health or developmental services facilities, or the Florida Department of Health or County Health Department (a letter from the state government documenting your employment status, as well as an affidavit from you stating that you are not engaged in outside employment, must be provided to NICA). Proof of qualification for a claimed exemption must be furnished to NICA at P.O. Box 14567, Tallahassee, Florida 32317-4567. It is each physician’s obligation to notify NICA of a subsequent change in status with regard to a claimed exemption. For more information, visit https://www.nica.com/ medical-providers/exemptions/#documents-required.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR FLORIDA MISSION OF MERCY
VOLUNTEER FOR FLA-MOM 2022! TALLAHASSEE • MARCH 11-12, 2022 DONALD L. TUCKER CIVIC CENTER
THE FLORIDA MISSION OF MERCY Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM) is a large-scale, two-day, professional dental clinic that provides care to any patient at no cost, with the goal of serving the underserved and uninsured in Florida — those who would otherwise go without care. With a goal of treating 1,000 patients, FLA-MOM seeks to have a positive impact on the North Florida community by providing important access to dental care. Treatments offered at FLA-MOM include: cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, pediatric dentistry and limited dentures and partials.
SIGN UP TODAY AT FLAMOM.ORG
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Help us provide dental care to those in greatest need. We need the following types of volunteers:
dentists, hygienists, dental assistants dental lab technicians physicians, nurses, EMTs general community patient and volunteer registration patient escorts interpreters parking attendants and more!
TALLAHASSEE FLA-MOM
2022
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VIEWPOINT
A LIVING LEGEND, A BEACON, AN ICON By Sudha Ravilla, M.D. I am honored to pen this personal essay about a great physician and human being, Dr. J. Orson Smith. It may not be common knowledge to many physicians in Tallahassee that this living legend just embarked on his ninth decade of life, but he is a living testament to the fact that for some, age is merely a number. I first came to know Dr. Orson Smith when I applied for an open position for Medical Director of the Lipid Center. As I started conversing with him, I quickly realized that I was perhaps preordained to be his professional partner, despite the fact that in every conceivable aspect, I was pretty much his phenotypical antonym! He had a simple and grace imbued unpretentious way about him, that never reminded me of the glaring contrasts between us. Still, our minds could not be more in sync professionally and we connected instantly. I was quickly educated by my peers at the time that he had a spectacular reputation and that filling his shoes would not be for the faint of heart, and I soon realized why that was the prevailing sentiment.
He may be best known as an excellent physician to people at large, known for his knowledge, dedication, and clinical astuteness embedded with stellar clarity of thought. Still, I would like to highlight some of his other personal attributes that I have come to know over time and greatly admire. There are many, but there are a few that stand out from my perspective. They include his broad-mindedness, pragmatism, positivity, grace, humility, lightheartedness, not to mention dedication to his family - I am sure that Mrs. Smith would vouch for the additional title “great husband” as well, and one could argue that tops all the rest!
One particular personal attribute that spills into his professional career ever so seamlessly and deserves special mention is his broadmindedness, which is a unique attribute for someone of his stature. I can vouch for this as a woman, much younger, with contrasting skin hue, a relatively recent implant in the healthcare landscape in town, and embarking on my practice. It soon became evident to me that he is not one to see color, age, or gender when it comes to recognizing or sharing intellectual property. One striking His very first gesture of generosity example is when he would walk up toward me, his professional partner, to my exam room in the clinic and was to offer up his lovely office. He casually ask for my opinion. “Sudha, J. Orson Smith, Jr., M.D. recognized the symbolism of that what are your thoughts on this case?” move and made the transition as seamless as he would ask. Secretively, of course, this was one possible and never once made me feel the weight of my greatest honors that “the great Dr. Orson of his baton. As I learned the unique ropes of Smith” asked for my opinion! I am not sharing the practice of Lipidology from him, putting this in a braggadocious way but highlighting his my passion for Lipidology to the test, he never professionalism, punctuated by his admirably raw towered over me, symbolically speaking, to and humble passion for intellectual curiosity! I remind me of his stature. Without ever subtly have a special appreciation for his equanimous implying that I should practice in the shadow of approach to professional partnership, sans any his reputation, he graciously gave me the freedom barrier, no holds barred. In other words, he makes to establish myself on my own terms and me forget about the stark visible contrasts that the potential — this natural grace, notwithstanding world may see between us, which is a colossally his stature, was never lost on me. For that, I am ever grateful. 20 CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
VIEWPOINT
refreshing attribute. He is a true beacon of professionalism in this sense as well. Last but not least, I would be remiss if I did not make mention of his lightheartedness in approaching life in general. He will never leave you feeling a generational gulf with him and will embrace a hearty laugh without missing a beat! If there was ever a doubt in your minds that I may have referred to my time with Dr. Smith in the past tense, please know that it is very much in the present! YES, he is still in practice, part-time, and as sharp as a tack! Retirement is a rather abstract and preposterous concept to him given his keen intellect and his gentile yet indomitable spirit that keeps him going, no matter the circumstances.
About J. Orson Smith, Jr., M.D.: J. Orson Smith, Jr., M.D. was born in Bainbridge, GA in 1931. After graduating from high school at the age of sixteen, he enrolled at Emory University and later at Emory Medical School. He graduated at the top of his class in 1956 and started his internal medicine training at New York Hospital. He returned to Emory to finish a fellowship in cardiology under Bruce Logue. While he was at a conference, Dr. Logue recommended that he come to Tallahassee to practice with Dr. I.B. Harrison, which he did in 1962. Seeing the need for more trained physicians in Tallahassee, he helped bring medical education to the community with the inauguration of the TMH Family Medicine Residency Program. He was a partner in an internal medicine group that became Southern Medical Group, the major provider at TMH. After retiring from hospital care, he specialized in management of lipid disorders, and lately has continued consultations via telemedicine. Two of Dr. Smith’s sons became cardiologists: Andrew is chief of service at Emory; David is a member of Southern Medical Group. His granddaughter Clara Barranco, M.D. graduated from FSU College of Medicine and is now a resident in dermatology in Orlando.
In summary, Dr. Smith is a remarkable human being. We are immensely fortunate to have such a top-notch clinician with his vast array of experiences, walking amongst us, disseminating his rich medical knowledge in the most down-toearth manner possible. He has, is, and will always be a great source of inspiration to all of us in the medical community, not just as an exemplary physician professionally but a remarkable human being personally. Not too many that have walked the face of this earth can claim credit in both these realms. He tends to shy away from being called a “legend” or an “icon,” but I am going to take the liberty to make this title official, as he continues to march forward on his illustrious journey that we are all privileged to witness… “Dr. J. Orson Smith, a living legend.”
About Sudha Ravilla, M.D.: Sudha Ravilla, M.D. attended medical school at Kilpauk Medical College in India, and completed a residency at Creighton University. Dr. Ravilla is board certified in Internal Medicine and Lipidology. She is one of very few physicians in the country who has earned lifetime board certification in Clinical Lipidology. Dr. Ravilla was recently awarded Fellowship status with the National Lipid Association. Dr. Ravilla has practiced medicine for 15 years. In 2015, Dr. Ravilla moved to Tallahassee from Omaha, Nebraska where she led one of the very few standalone lipid clinics in a VA system at the time, fighting many odds with her passion for the field of Lipidology and patient education. Dr. Ravilla currently serves as the Medical Director of the Lipid Center at the Tallahassee Memorial Metabolic Health Center, which is now one of the few standalone lipid centers in the private system in the country.
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SIMPLER TIMES
GOING FISHIN’ AND CATCHIN’ LOVE By Charles D. Williams, M.D., FACR, FAAP (“Pedro”) When I was a kid, being a kid was hard, but bein’ a good kid was even harder. Time times spent fishin’ with Dad helped Pedro git thru the hard times and to grow up. The simple pleasures that us youngins got from fishin’ down at the creek with Dad were abundant and kept us out of trouble. When you didn’t have a whole lot, it was easier to appreciate some of the finer thangs of life like fishin’ and spendin’ time with the family. Even now when I’m fishin’ with a cane pole, I come closer to the memory of my Dad than at any other moment.
We went on to the creek and Dad told Pedro to be real quiet. He told Pedro how deep to fish and where to wet his line. Dad was so smart and Pedro felt so loved and safe.
Dad realized that life was short and realized what was precious in life. Dad said that fishin’ helped him to relax even though some folks seemed to be the happiest when they were uptight and miserable. For Dad fishin’ and spendin’ time with us youngins seemed to give a meaning to his life.
As we sat on the banks of the river Dad talked about his life. He said, “Pedro, life is full of uncertainties, I think.” He said that when life gets hard we need to keep our head up, toughen up and hunker down. He told Pedro never to sass Mama, never to point in public, to be good to old folks, and other commandments which he had learned from his Mama who was Baptist and knew ever’thang.
On one of our good gettin’ up mornings, we picked up some grunt worms and gathered our can poles, homemade tackle, and a small fish net which was a lot of little holes tied together. We loaded all this on our truck and our truck was a real truck. It didn’t have the non-essentials like a muffler and windshield wipers. It was a truck that didn’t require washin’ and nobody would steal. On the way to the fishin’ hole, we stopped by Dillard’s and the smell of his pigs almost keeled us over. Pedro asked, “Don’t the smell of all those pigs bother you?” Dillard, who seemed as happy as a pig in a mud puddle replied, “Sometimes, but it just depends on the price of pork.” Millard then asked Dillard if he wanted to join us fishin’. Dillard smiled and said that today he just felt like spendin’ the day with Elizabeth Taylor again. Millard said, “Again?” Dillard replied, “Yeah, I felt like it once before.”
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A barefooted boy who was ugly as an empty glass of buttermilk came by and started talkin’ to us. His sinuses were so bad it was hard for him to talk through his nose like the rest of us or either he was from up North. He said that we would do better if we fished with flies. Pedro then told him we were fishin’ with flies. We also had been sittin’ with flies and eatin’ with flies and sometimes even with gnats.
So often we didn’t catch fish, but the fishin’ was always good. Many times our lines got caught in the trees and Dad would say, “Ya’ll fishin’ for squirrels? Ya’ll will never catch any fish in those trees.” And we didn’t. More importantly we did catch plenty of love. Thanks to Dad. Reprinted with author permission from More Simpler Times.
Dr. Williams’ sequel book, More Simpler Times, can be purchased from the Capital Medical Society. All proceeds from the book are donated to the Capital Medical Society Foundation’s We Care Network program. The total sales from his books have raised over $39,000 for the CMS Foundation’s We Care Network.
2022 CMS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2022 CMS Foundation Board of Directors FOUNDATION
We Care Network
John Mahoney, M.D. President Pathology Retired Married to Barbara Mahoney University of Florida
Paula S. Fortunas, M.A. Retired, TMH Foundation
Al McCully, M.D., Emeritus Urology Retired University of Tennessee
Walt Colón, D.M.D. Vice-President Dentistry Periodontal Associates of North Florida Married to Marybeth Colón University of Kentucky
Terreze Gamble, M.D. Family Medicine Tallahassee Primary Care Associates Married to Vaughn Samuel American University of the Caribbean
Faisal Munasifi, M.D. Psychiatry Psych Management Services Married to Nola Munasifi, M.D. University of Baghdad
Tracey Hellgren, M.D. Secretary Family Medicine FSU PrimaryHealth University of Florida
Patricia Holliday, MSW Retired
Paresh Patel, M.D. CMS President Oncology Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Married to Yamini Patel B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
David Stewart, M.D. Treasurer Pathology KWB Pathology Associates Married to Gillian Stewart University of New Mexico
David Jones, M.D. Pediatrics Capital Health Plan Married to Dottie Jones Ohio State University
J. Brian Sheedy, M.D. Hematology/Oncology Retired Married to Wende Sheedy State University of Buffalo
Yvonne T. Brown Retired
Rohan Joseph, M.D. General Surgery Capital Regional Surgical Associates Married to Elizabeth Medley University of Mumbai
Jay Walton, D.D.S. Dentistry Walton & Cardman Dentistry Married to Susan Walton Emory University
J. Alan Cox, Esq. Attorney
Sarah Ko, M.D. CMS President-Elect Ophthalmology Eye Associates of Tallahassee Married to Joseph Farenden Johns Hopkins University
Charles Williams, M.D., Emeritus Radiology Retired Married to Pat Williams Medical College of Georgia
Avon Doll, M.D. Nephrology North Florida Nephrology Associates Married to Louie Doll Oral Roberts University
Maribel U. Lockwood, M.D. Radiology Radiology Associates of Tallahassee University of Panama
Pam Irwin Executive Director Capital Medical Society Foundation
Marlisha Edwards, M.D. Family Medicine Southern Medical Group Florida State University
Nancy Loeffler, M.D. Anesthesiology Anesthesiology Associates of Tallahassee Baylor College of Medicine
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DONATE TO THE CMS FOUNDATION
Donate to the CMS Foundation – We Thank Our Donors We thank the following donors who made a gift to the CMS Foundation this past month:
CMS Foundation Year-End Appeal – Area of Greatest Need
CMS Foundation Year-End Appeal – Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program
KWB Pathology Associates
Gregg A. Alexander, M.D. – In Memory of John Purvis, M.D.
Dolores M. Steele – In Memory of Robert L. Steele, M.D. CMS Foundation Year-End Appeal – We Care Network
CMS Foundation – Area of Greatest Need AmazonSmile Foundation
Anonymous – In Honor of F. Ray Dolly, M.D.
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation
Sue Conte – In Memory of Priscilla Jones Roady
We Care Network
CMS Foundation Year-End Appeal – The CMS Foundation Scholarship Fund
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation
Paul Arons, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Efren L. Baltazar CMS Foundation Year-End Appeal – The Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics Endowment – In Memory of Dr. Julia St. Petery Dr. and Mrs. David A. Jones KWB Pathology Associates
Helen Paulson, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Donald A. Zorn The Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics Endowment – In Memory of Dr. Julia St. Petery Dr. and Mrs. D. Paul Robinson Raymond Sullivan, Jr., M.D. – UF Class of 1969
CMS Foundation Year-End Appeal – The Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics Fund (Unendowed) Anonymous
Your gifts to the Capital Medical Society Foundation transform lives in the Big Bend. 24 CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
DONATE TO THE CMS FOUNDATION
The Impact of Private Support: The Capital Medical Society Foundation’s community of donors strategically help fulfill its mission “to support the charitable efforts of physicians and others, increase access to healthcare, promote education and serve the community’s health needs through innovative projects that are exemplary, affordable and dignified.” ➢ Access to healthcare is increased through gifts to the We Care Network and the We Care Network Endowment Fund. More than $120.7 million in donated specialty medical and dental care has been provided to low-income, uninsured patients since the program was created in 1992. In fiscal year 2020-21, which ended June 30, 2021, more than $8.4 million in healthcare was donated. Gifts support the operational expenses of the program including salaries and benefits of the case management team who coordinate the donated care. ➢ To provide incentives to keep medical students trained at the FSU College of Medicine in the Big Bend after completion of their residencies and help meet the growing demand for physicians in Florida, gifts to the Scholarship Fund provide scholarships to FSU College of Medicine students who have expressed an interest in returning to the Big Bend to practice after completion of their residencies. $44,000 was awarded in 2021. An additional $1,500 was awarded from The Anesthesiology Associates of Tallahassee Scholarship Endowment. ➢ Gifts to the Capital Medical Society Foundation help provide operational resources for the Capital Medical Society Foundation. In addition, modest grants are awarded to area non-profits whose programs improve access to healthcare for the underserved. In 2021, the CMSF awarded a total of $15,000 in grants to Elder Care Services for their In-Home Services Program, the Big Bend Hospice Foundation for bereavement services, and to Lighthouse of the Big Bend for aids for the visually-impaired. Gifts to Honor and In Memoriam: You can make a gift to the CMS Foundation in memory of someone who has passed away or in honor of someone, such as a fellow physician, you hold in high esteem or has taken care of you or your family. The CMS Foundation will send an acknowledgement letter to those you memorialize and honor. How to Give: Through the generosity of donors, funds have been created in order to establish financial stability to meet our mission. You can make a gift at any time to one of the CMS Foundation’s current funds: 1) The Capital Medical Society Foundation – Area of Greatest Need 2) The Capital Medical Society Foundation General Endowment 3) We Care Network 4) We Care Network Endowment 5) The Ronald G. Pickett Endowment 6) The CMS Foundation Physician Wellness Fund 7) The CMS Foundation Scholarship Fund 8) The Anesthesiology Associates of Tallahassee Scholarship Endowment 9) The Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics Endowment 10) The Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics Fund (unendowed) 11) The Charles D. "Pedro" Williams, M.D. Scholarship Endowment Gifts should be made payable to the CMS Foundation and indicate on the memo line of your check to which designation you would like to give. Bring your check to the CMS Office or mail it: Capital Medical Society Foundation ~ 1204 Miccosukee Road ~ Tallahassee, FL 32308. Gifts may be made by credit card or direct debit from the CMS website. If you would like to discuss a gift of appreciated securities, an insurance policy, designation of retirement plan assets, estate gift, or multi-year pledge, please contact: Pam Irwin Executive Director pirwin@capmed.org or (850) 877-9018 or after hours at (850) 559-8611 CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
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CMS FOUNDATION: WE CARE NETWORK
THANK YOU To our CMS members and We Care Network partners who provided healthcare to new patients in December 2021. Your generosity and support of the We Care Network makes a difference. Physicians Venkata Bavikati, M.D. Miles Byrd, M.D. Eric Berenson, M.D. David Burns, M.D. Carlos Campo, M.D. Francisco Carpio, M.D. Stephen L. Carr, M.D. Bria Casperson, M.D. Gilbert Chandler, M.D. Chaowen Chen, M.D. Armand Cognetta Jr., M.D. Marilyn Cox, M.D. William Dixon IV, M.D. Spencer Gilleon, M.D. Gian-Carlo Giove, M.D. Frank Gredler, M.D. Amy Haddock, M.D. Muhanad Hasan, M.D. Barbara Jaeger, M.D. Beverly Johnson, M.D. Farhat Khairallah, M.D. Ovidiu Marina, M.D. Arjun Kaji, M.D. James Killius, M.D. Mitchell Peabody, D.O. Michael Pentaleri, M.D. Jorge Perez de Armas, M.D. Cybelle Pfeifer, M.D. Christopher Price, M.D. Hussein Rayatzadeh, M.D. James Renehan, M.D. Allison Retzer, M.D. Davis Rierson, M.D. Adrian Roberts, M.D.
Tim Ruark, M.D. Eliot Sieloff, M.D. Gadi Silberman, M.D. Jon Soble, M.D. Amanda Stephens, D.O. William Stephens, M.D. Timothy Sweeney, M.D. John Thabes, M.D. Andres Vargas, M.D. Andrea Venturini, M.D. David Vermess, M.D. Tony Weaver, M.D. Kenneth Whithaus, M.D. Chien-Yi Williams, M.D. William Yaakob, M.D. Daniel Yang, M.D. Charles Yowell, M.D. Samuel Yu, M.D. Dentists Briano Allen, D.D.S. Melissa Amundson, D.D.S. Walter Colón, D.M.D. William McFatter, D.D.S. Frank Swerdzewski, D.D.S. Facilities Advanced Urology Institute Airway Works, LLC Anesthesiology Associates Beachton Denture Clinic Bond Community Health Center Capital Regional Women’s Health Care Point Health & Wellness Center CESC Dental Clinic Dermatology Associates Digestive Disease Clinic Enhanced Endodontics Eye Associates of Tallahassee Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Frank Swerdzewski, DDS Gadsden County Health Department Jessie Furlow Medical Center Ketchum, Wood, & Burgert Pathology Associates Neighborhood Medical Center North Florida Women’s Care North Monroe Medical Center Periodontal Associates of North Florida Radiology Associates of Tallahassee Southeastern Surgery Center Southern Medical Group, P.A. Tallahassee Diagnostic Imaging Tallahassee Ear, Nose, and Throat
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Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Family Medicine Residency Program TMH Physician Partners Cancer and Hematology TMH Physician Partners Cardiology and Internal Medicine TMH Physician Partners Gynecologic Oncology Specialists TMH Physician Partners Hospitalists Group TMH Physician Partners Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists TMH Physician Partners Radiation Oncology Specialists TMH Physician Partners Heart Rhythm Clinic TMH Physician Partners Surgical Specialists TMH Physician Partners Urology Specialists TMH Rehabilitation Center TMH Transition Center Tallahassee Neurological Clinic, P.A. Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic TOC Canopy Tallahassee VA Clinic Vascular Surgery Associates Wakulla County Health Department Wakulla Medical Center Women’s Imaging Center
Please contact Diana Bixler at dbixler@capmed.org or 201-0130 if you are a We Care Network volunteer and you provided volunteer specialty care in the month of December 2021, and your name is omitted.
The We Care Network strongly encourages our volunteer physicians and dentists to send their value of donated services to us. The value of donated services is important for us to share with our funders and the community. In addition, up to five hours, per biennium, of CE credit may be fulfilled by performing pro bono medical and dental services to We Care Network patients, if we have received documentation of value of services. You can send your value of donated services via fax to Diana Bixler at (850) 2010085 or mail to 1204 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32308. Thank you!
CMS FOUNDATION: WE CARE NETWORK
We thank our referring providers from December 2021:
Jay Allard, M.D.
Alexander Franz, M.D.
Hussein Rayatzadeh, M.D.
Ebonie Allen, APRN
Gabrielle Gardner, APRN
Charlie Richardson, M.D.
Anne Ananga, APRN
Spencer Gilleon, M.D.
Adrian Roberts, M.D.
Mary Jane Bailey, APRN
Charmaine Gilmore, APRN
Carla Robertson, APRN
Sherry Bramblett, APRN
Judy Griffin, APRN
Jennifer Rodriguez, P.A.
Alexander J. Brickler III, M.D.
Richard Henry, M.D.
Lucilita Salvador, P.A.
Daniel Breivogel, APRN
Hantz Hercule, M.D.
Denise Smith, M.D.
Miles Byrd, M.D.
Anneka Johnson, APRN
Alanna Steaple, APRN
Francisco Carpio, M.D.
Farhat Khairallah, M.D.
Amanda Stephens, D.O.
Carlos Castro, M.D.
Elaine Larkins, APRN
John Thabes, M.D.
Stephanie Chandler, APRN
Jessica Lea, APRN
Faye Tinson, APRN
Nancy Chorba, M.D.
Damon McMillan, M.D.
Nadege Toussaint, APRN
Melba Colon-Renta, M.D.
Kelley Miller, APRN
Marianne Towler, APRN
Marilyn Cox, M.D.
Christopher Murphy, D.O.
Jean-Paul Tran, M.D.
David Dixon, D.O.
Jayan Nair, M.D.
Kaisa van der Kooi, M.D.
William Dixon IV, M.D.
Thomas Noel, M.D.
Ramona Vossler, RDH
Curtis Duggar, APRN
Winston Ortiz, M.D.
Lakeshia Washington, APRN
Cynthia Evans, APRN
Kaushal Patel, M.D.
Robert Watson, M.D.
Nathalie Esellem, APRN
Paresh Patel, M.D.
Jeffrey Wasserman, D.O.
Elizabeth Fajer, M.D.
Mitchell Peabody, D.O.
Eula Weaver, APRN
Michael Forsthoefel, M.D.
Michael Pentaleri, M.D.
Shana Wood, APRN
Sharron Foster, M.D.
Jorge Perez de Armas, M.D.
Charles Yowell, M.D.
Nicholette Fox, M.D.
Cybelle Pfeifer, M.D.
DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2021, THE WE CARE NETWORK: RECEIVED 109 REFERRALS, WITH 69 PATIENTS NEW TO THE PROGRAM
SCHEDULED 81 APPOINTMENTS WITH VOLUNTEER PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS
$166,562.67 IN DONATED CARE WAS REPORTED BY WE CARE VOLUNTEERS
CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
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Cap Scan Newsletter 1204 Miccosukee Road Tallahassee, FL 32308
Happy Valentine's Day
