Cap Scan - July 2023

CMS MEMBERS, DUES INVOICES HAVE BEEN SENT!

Renew

If you didn’t receive your dues invoice, please contact the CMS office at (850) 877-9018.

Dues revenue enables the Capital Medical Society to provide missiondriven, physician-focused, and relevant services, communication, educational opportunities, and community-building activities for its members. We continue to work on your behalf and value you and your membership.

We

MISSION: TO PROMOTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE FOR THE ULTIMATE BENEFIT OF THE PATIENT. (850) 877-9018 Fax: (850) 878-0218 www.capmed.org

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Sarah Ko, M.D., PhD, President

Helen Paulson, M.D., President-Elect

Russell Cole, M.D., Secretary/Treasurer

Paresh Patel, M.D., Immediate Past President

Danny Estupiñán, M.D.

Amulya Konda, M.D.

John Meade, M.D.

Jonathan Nava, M.D.

Niraj Pandit, M.D.

Kaushal Patel, M.D.

Heather Redfield, CMS Alliance President

Cielo Rose, D.O.

Brence Sell, M.D.

Kiana Taba, M.D.

Pam Irwin, Executive Director, CMS

PUBLICATION

EDITOR

Frank Skilling, M.D.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lauren Trudgeon

MANAGING EDITOR

Shannon Boyle

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.

CMS Non-Endorsement Statement

The editors welcome contributions from members. Opinions expressed in the Cap Scan are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect policies or opinions of the Capital Medical Society or Capital Medical Society’s endorsement.

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 sponsorship or endorsement by the Capital Medical Society nor necessarily imply the accuracy or reliability of any advertisement displayed in this publication.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Michael J. Ford, M.D. - 1st

Amer Rassam, M.D. - 1st

Raymond Shashaty, M.D. - 1st

Larry C. Deeb, M.D. - 2nd

Lynn Jones, M.D. - 2nd

Rodrigo A. Agbunag, M.D. - 4th

Muhammad Yasir Baloch, M.D. - 5th

Robert Campbell, M.D. - 12 th

Charles Newell, M.D. - 13th

Carey Dellock, M.D. - 14th

Seymour Rosen, M.D. - 14th

Tobi Lawson, M.D. - 15th

Daniel Conrad, M.D. - 17th

J. Daniel Davis, Jr., M.D. - 17th

Brence Sell, M.D. - 17th

James Totten, M.D. - 17th

Julia Barry, D.O. - 18th

Richard L. Henry, M.D. - 18th

Christine Fitzsimmons, D.O. - 19 th

Amulya Konda, M.D. - 19 th

Thomas C. Peele, Jr., M.D. - 19 th

Andres F. Rodriguez, M.D. - 19 th

Judith Lewis-Voorting, M.D. - 20 th

Heemanshi D. Shah, M.D. - 20 th

Walter G. Bunnell, III, M.D. - 22nd

William Crawford Dixon, M.D. - 22nd

Paresh Patel, M.D. - 24th

George Rust, M.D. - 25th

Rajeshri Parag Patel, M.D. - 26th

Niraj Pandit, M.D. - 27th

Kerwyn L. Flowers, D.O. - 28th

Glenda Melgar, M.D. - 29 th

Tracey E. Hellgren, M.D. - 30 th

John N. Katopodis, M.D. - 30 th

Kaushal Patel, M.D. - 30 th

Adrian P. Roberts, M.D. - 30 th

Joseph Soto, M.D. - 31st

WE ARE SO GLAD YOU WERE BORN!

CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

After thirty-three years, the Capital Medical Society is modestly increasing its membership dues for Active, Associate, and Retired members to help offset rising cost increases that are impacting valuable service delivery and educational opportunities for CMS members. CMS stewards its resources well. Costs have risen significantly over thirtyyears. The services and benefits CMS provides to its members have also increased significantly through physician wellness services, expanded CMEs, and outstanding communication and PPE acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective July 1, 2023:

1. Active dues will increase from $425 to $450 annually.

2. 1st year membership discount will end June 30, 2023.

3. Associate dues will increase from $285 to $300 annually.

4. Residents dues will remain $25.00 annually.

5. Medical Students will remain $20 for four years.

6. Retired with meals will increase from $150 to $200 annually.

7. Retired with no meals will remain $50 annually.

In addition, we have been notified by CE Broker/Evercheck that they are phasing out their current discounted CE Broker Professional Account Program for medical societies and implementing a new software program. The net result is an annual increase from $12.00 to $25.00 a year for CMS members who are enrolled in a CE Broker Professional Account through the CMS. If physicians enroll directly through CE Broker as individuals, their cost for the CE Broker Professional Account is $39.99 annually. The free, CE Broker Basic is also available to physicians, but most share they prefer the CE Broker Professional Account. Since CMS has access to our members’ CE Broker accounts through our benefit program, we are able to assist physicians and their practice administration in answering questions about specific accounts.

We value Capital Medical Society members, and will continue to strive to provide relevant benefits to you for your commitment to Capital Medical Society membership.

NEW DOCS ON THE BLOCK

Timothy Walker, M.D.

Medical School: University of Florida

Internship/Residency: Tallahassee

Memorial Family Medicine

Residency Program

Fellowship: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Practice: Square One Aesthetics & Wellness

Specialty: Addiction Medicine, Medical Spa & Wellness Center

UCF/HCA TALLAHASSEE PSYCHIATRY RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Michael Tompkins, M.D.

Medical School: University of New Mexico, 2022

ADVERTISER INDEX

Eye Associates of Tallahassee — PG 6

FSU BehavioralHealth — PG 4

Island Fin Poké Co. — PG 5

RXNT — PG 3

Leslie Parsons, DO Medical Director and Staff Psychiatrist

Medical School

Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine Psychiatry Residency and Internship

University of Florida

Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship

University of Florida

Board Certified General Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry

CMS IN THE COMMUNITY IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Lynn Jones, Capital Health Plan (pictured right) and Pam Irwin, Capital Medical Society Foundation’s Executive Director (pictured left) attended the United Way of the Big Bend’s “ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in Florida” event. Dr. Lynn Jones serves on the UWBB Board of Directors.

ALICE is an acronym for A sset Limited, I ncome

Constrained, Employed, and represents the growing number of families who are working, but due to childcare costs, transportation challenges, high cost of living and so much more are living paycheck to paycheck. These workers often struggle to keep their own households from financial ruin, while keeping our local communities running.

MYRLE R. GRATE, M.D. 1942 – 2023

DANIEL VAN DURME, M.D., MPH 1961 – 2023

CMS WELCOMES MEDICAL STUDENTS

Dr. Tracey Hellgren, CMS Past President, and Pam Irwin, CMS Executive Director, joined the incoming third-year medical students at the Florida State University-Tallahassee Regional Campus on May 30, 2023 for their orientation. Dr. Hellgren encouraged the students to engage

as medical students in organized medicine and the value of becoming members of the Capital Medical Society and the Florida Medical Association. CMS Foundation Board Director Yvonne Brown shared information about the CMSF Food Pantry resource available at their campus during medical school and also offered to personally pay the dues of all third-year TRC medical students who applied for CMS membership to encourage their participation in organized medicine. Dues will also cover their fourth-year at the campus.

The Capital Medical Society thanks campus dean Dr. Sandeep Rahangdale and his staff for their hospitality.

PROFESSIONAL NOTES

On Saturday, May 13, Dr. A.J. Brickler III received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AmeriCorps and President Joe Biden for his lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.

With this honor, President Biden recognized Dr. Brickler for providing “hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Brickler on this prestigious honor and thanking him for his dedication to our community!

Dr. Marc Inglese was presented the Practitioner of the Year Award by his peers at the 2023 Florida Academy of Dermatology (FAD) Annual Meeting held May 19-21, in Orlando, Florida. Created in 1973, this award is given each year to a member who exhibits a long-standing commitment to the highest quality in patient care and leadership in the practice of dermatology. Dr. Inglese, a Tallahassee native, is dual board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Dermatology. In addition to private practice, he is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Florida State University College of Medicine. He specializes in dermatological care for adults and children, as well as internal medicine. In addition to being a past chair of the former Florida Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery (FSDDS), Dr. Inglese is the Chair of the FAD’s Legislative Committee. He has been a champion for advocacy and has made himself available at a moment’s notice to attend legislative committee hearings. Congratulations, Dr. Inglese!

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s Family Medicine Residency Program is celebrating 50 years of training family medicine physicians and providing compassionate primary and specialty care to the Big Bend region. To celebrate its impact over the last 50 years, the Family Medicine Residency Program hosted an anniversary reunion at Goodwood Museum & Gardens on March 24-25, 2023. Nearly 200 guests-current and former residents, faculty and more gathered to reconnect, share memories, recognize accomplishments and explore the future of the program. “Our residents are passionate about providing accessible, equitable care and play a key role in supporting the health, not only of our Leon County community, but of our neighboring communities as well,” said Joseph Mazziotta, M.D., Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program.

CMS Members:

If you receive accolades, please let us know, so we can include you in this section! Email the details to Shannon Boyle at sboyle@capmed.org.

CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY LUNCH AND LEARN SEMINARS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE REMAINING 2023 LUNCH AND LEARN SEMINARS!

September 20, 2023

HIPAA Regulatory and Enforcement Update

Presenters: Shannon Hartsfield, Mia McKown, and Eddie Williams, Holland & Knight

October 18, 2023

HR Workshop: Creating a Culture of Engagement and Respect

Presenter: Kelly Green, SHRM-SCP, HR Consultant, James Moore & Co., CPAs

Sponsor: CAMPUS USA Credit Union

Time: 12 Noon to 1:30 PM (Seminar starts at 12:30 PM)

Place: CHP Auditorium, 2nd Floor, 1491 Governors Square Blvd.

Cost: $11 per person, per seminar

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Rosalie Carlin at (850) 877-9018 or rcarlin@capmed.org.

Seminars will be held at the Capital Health Plan on Governors Square Blvd. –and we thank CHP for providing this venue.

On June 21st, Eric E. Cleckler, MSN, RN, Patient Safety Risk Manager II with The Doctors Company, gave an excellent program on Clinical Best Practices in Patient Documentation and their Role in Avoiding Medical Liability. Also in attendance from The Doctors Company: Nichole M. Pieters, MS, RN, CEN, CPHQ, CPPS, Patient Safety Risk Manager II.

CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY 2023 MEETINGS CALENDAR

CONTINUED FROM COVER

October 17, 2023

CMS Membership & CME Meeting Prevention of Medical Errors (2-Hour CME)

E. Victoria "Tori" Penny, Esq. and Julia Weeks, M.D. 6:00 pm

Maguire Center for Lifelong Learning at Westminster Oaks

We thank Secure Records Solutions (SRS) for sponsoring the June 21st Lunch and Learn. Pictured l-r: Travis Moss, Solutions Manager, and Rainey Campbell, Chief of Staff.

December 8, 2023 *NEW DATE*

CMS Foundation Holiday Auction 6:00 pm

Dunlap Champions Club at FSU

NEW MANDATED TRAINING FOR DEA-AUTHORIZED PRESCRIBERS

To recap, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new, onetime requirement for all U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)registered practitioners to complete eight hours of training on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. Beginning June 27, physicians will be required to check a box on their online DEA registration form — regardless of whether they are completing their initial registration application or renewing their registration — affirming that they have completed the new training requirement.

A course that meets this requirement is now available in the FMA’s online CME catalog (https://flmedical.inreachce.com/Details/ Information/1078c14c-0830-4d57-a9064f7646f3cdae). FMA members receive a $100 discount on this eight-hour course, which features nine recorded modules related to treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance abuse disorders. The course is $200 for FMA members and $300 for non-FMA members.

Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to print a certificate that verifies fulfillment of the new training requirement. You may search the FMA online CME catalog that includes the DEA Training Course at https://flmedical. inreachce.com/

DEA EXTENDS TELEHEALTH FLEXIBILITIES UNTIL

NOVEMBER 11, 2023

The ability to prescribe controlled substances based on telehealth patient visits was set to expire when the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on Thursday, May 11th. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initially issued two proposed rules establishing new policies for controlled substance prescriptions based on telehealth visits, one for buprenorphine and one for other controlled substances. After receiving more than 38,000 comment letters, however,

the DEA has decided to extend [federalregister. gov] the same policies that have been in place during COVID for an additional 6 months, until November 11, 2023.

https://www.federalregister.gov/ documents/2023/05/10/2023-09936/temporaryextension-of-covid-19-telemedicine-flexibilitiesfor-prescription-of-controlled

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW

HOW TO RETIRE A DEA LICENSE?

Step 1:

Send an email to: Dea.registration.help@usdoj.gov

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.)

The DEA will contact you following receipt of your email. They are unspecific regarding how long the process takes after the request.

Step 2:

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

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 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/medicalproviders/exemptions/#documents-required

THE BUSINESS SIDE OF MEDICINE: HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SURVIVAL GUIDE – 2023 ONLINE SEMINAR SERIES

Information provided by Ben Mirza and Mirza Healthcare Law Partners

The following virtual seminars are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm.

July No seminar

August 15

“So, I Signed a Non-Compete, Now What?”

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZUtdOipqzwqHtSpvDmBM_XmSZlFS5C20qIz

September 19

How to Minimize the Risk of Malpractice Lawsuits

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZcqd-6srDkiH9Iu9zHAxsfTWnRZ8hlNZwWU

October 17

How Experienced Physicians Protect their Assets

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZEtd-itrD0qGdKiTjTIuY-xesann4voCGSA

November 21

How to Handle Collection Challenges of Working With Health Plans

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZEvcemvqj0iGNS_EYr23URIRp1knKY6ATzO

December 12

Medical Marijuana Law for Physician Practices

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZwsd-GorT4oH9QthmrfIbCkRt9Kx5vnZhst

TEACH YOUR PATIENTS THE DANGERS OF GAS STOVES: FREE CME WEBINAR

Gas stoves are a health risk. This is true especially for children and the elderly. People who live in homes with gas stoves have more asthma, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. This month, the Society’s My Green Doctor provides a free 1-hour CME webinar (https://psr. org/my-green-doctor-gas-stove-webinar/?utm_ source=cms&utm_medium=societyenews&utm_ campaign=stovescme) that is being offered at three different times on Thursday, July 13. There is also a short article (visit https:// mygreendoctor.org/learn-the-health-risks-of-gasstoves/ or scan the QR) on this vital topic (reading time: 5 mins).

My Green Doctor is a free moneysaving membership benefit from the Capital Medical Society. Members use the “Meeting-by-Meeting

Guide” to learn how to adopt environmental sustainability, save resources, and help create healthier communities. The program adds just five minutes to each regular office staff meeting or weekly office “huddle”, making small changes at each meeting that over time really add up.

Everyone in your practice can register as Partner Society members at www.MyGreenDoctor.org or at www.MyGreenDoctor.es (si, en Espanol). Use the discount code MGDCMS to get full free access to My Green Doctor, save $60 instantly, and save $1000s in the first year. Ask your practice manager to register today and to put My Green Doctor on your next agenda. You can do this!

CMS COFFEE CONNECT REVIEW

By Michelle Miller, M.D.

Capital Medical Society has just launched a new program called Coffee Connect. This program matches CMS members for one-on-one get-togethers. For my first match, I was paired with Dr. Sarah Ko, the current CMS president. We decided to meet up at a local coffee spot, RedEye, located on Capital Circle. If you haven't been to this local coffee shop, I strongly recommend it. There are two locations, one in Midtown and one on Capital Circle. They have local, Tallahassee-roasted coffee and goods. From their website, “RedEye Coffee is a minority and woman-owned company focused on community. We're the only Latina-owned coffee roastery in the North Florida area, proudly roasting in Tallahassee. We celebrate kindness and are passionate champions for local businesses and the amazing nonprofits that serve our region. And, we try to spread a little thing we call #RELove in everything we do.” RedEye has also just launched happy hour at their Midtown location with wine and beer from 4-6pm.

During our hour-long get-together, we discussed multiple topics. Dr. Ko’s husband, Joe, had just injured himself while they were biking. He fractured his humerus requiring internal fixation, which I was privy to seeing the photos. Luckily, she was taking the week off already with plans to head to the beach. I hope that Joe will be able to enjoy it while resting

and recouping. We bonded over biking injuries, as I had fractured my distal radius/ulna during residency while Dr. Ko has injured her elbow/ankle in the past. We also discussed our sons, 4-5 year olds that are similar with shy personalities and love of construction vehicles and Legos. I hope that we will be able to get these kids together in the future for play dates. We also spent time talking about trying to teach our kids responsibilities. I currently started some seedlings with my son from the library seeds so we had a learning opportunity when the toy aisle was nearby the garden center at the store.

I learned that during her limited free time, Dr. Ko enjoys exercising, watching action movies, and is in the contemplation phase of home renovations. I told her I recently had solar panels installed on my house, so if anyone wants to talk about this or to get a discounted referral, let me know. We spoke about our dread of the high summer temps. Dr. Ko experienced milder summers while in Baltimore, Boston, and London, and I enjoyed the colder temperatures in New Zealand during my recent yearlong locums.

I am excited for the next match and would recommend for those that haven't expressed interest to reach out to Rosalie Carlin at rcarlin@capmed.org

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

What an amazing Spring we’ve had! There is so much happening within the CMSA! We are growing our organization through increased membership and involvement in the community. We love to share the many talents our members have and this Spring, everyone truly shined.

Our CMS Celebration Awards Committee volunteered their time in arranging gorgeous floral arrangements for the CMS Celebration Awards Dinner. It was wonderful to be creative for a great cause.

The Scholarship Committee received and reviewed applications for the 2023 CMSA Nursing Scholarships. Three recipients were awarded scholarships at the 2nd annual scholarship presentation at the Clubhouse at Summerbrooke. We hope to support local nursing students who will stay in the Big Bend Area after graduation.

As wonderful as the Spring was, I can’t wait for all the fun we have planned in the Fall. We will be planning for our Wine and Whiskey Event, and are organizing a community event to discuss Adolescent Mental Health in the Post Covid Era. Be on the lookout for our Holiday Card Fundraiser in the fall as well! We look forward to joining in the fun CMS-sponsored family events planned throughout the summer and the year as well. Thank you for supporting us!

Our annual Walk for Wellness had lovely weather and attendees got exercise, sunshine, and snacks. The FMAA generously provided free t-shirts for the event. The littles who joined in the fun got some playtime and snacks on the playground after the walk.

Warmly, Heather Redfield CMS Alliance President

MINUTES

CMS MEMBERSHIP MEETING MAY 16, 2023

THE MAGUIRE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING AT WESTMINSTER OAKS

The mission of the Capital Medical Society is to promote the practice of medicine for the ultimate benefit of the patient.

I. Business Meeting

A. Welcome – Dr. Russell Cole, CMS Secretary/Treasurer, called the meeting to order at 6:25 pm. He welcomed everyone and thanked Westminster Oaks for their flexibility in allowing us to resume meetings in their incredible facility.

B. Dr. Cole welcomed and thanked our supporters for the evening:

Meeting Sponsor

James Moore & Co., CPAs

Displayer

Novo Nordisk, Inc.

C. Dr. Cole announced the upcoming meetings/events:

June 7, 2023

CMS Family Movie Night

Private Viewing of Disney’s

The Little Mermaid

Sponsored by TC Federal Bank

Check-In: 6:00 pm

Private Viewing (No Trailers): 6:30 pm

CMX Cinemas Fallschase, 147 Vermillion Blvd

June 29, 2023

CMS Family Fun Night

6:00 pm

Northside Community Center, 8005 Oak Grove Road

August 15, 2023

CMS Membership and CME Meeting

Cardiac Electrophysiology Tests and Subsequent Treatment

Options

Presenter: Farhat Khairallah, M.D.

Westminster Oaks Maguire Center, 6:00 pm

II. Tonight’s Program – this is a 1-Hour Category One Program

Topic: “Disaster Planning”

Presenter: Joseph Mazziotta, M.D.

Dr. Mazziotta gave an informative presentation on disaster planning.

CME Proof of Attendance Forms were sent to participants who stayed for the entire CME program and completed an evaluation form.

III. Adjourn

Dr. Cole adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm.

Meeting Sponsor, James Moore & Co., CPAs: (l-r) C.J. Leonard and Stacy Dreher.

Displayer, Novo Nordisk, Inc.: (l-r) Gavin Boone and Loren Whyte.

(L-r) Dr. Russell Cole, CMS Secretary/Treasurer with our speaker for the evening, Dr. Joseph Mazziotta.

LIVING LIKE A KIWI

By Michelle Miller, M.D.

Between July 2021 and July 2022, I spent the year in New Zealand, practicing as a locum GP in Masterton. This rural town in the North Island is about 2 hours away from Wellington. The further out I get from my year in New Zealand, the more dream-like the memories of the experience become. I am commonly asked if it “was as wonderful as it seems” to live there. My answer is “mostly, but it wasn’t perfect by any means.” I always mention the long travel to get there and back as being a deterrent to moving there permanently. It is a small country near Antarctica, so it is difficult to send and receive mail or packages. It took over 2 months to receive a package from my mother-in-law that her local post office assured her would only take 2 weeks! Amazon doesn’t have a New Zealand website, but I was able to order from the Australia one for a few items I could not find in town.

Of course, the trip there was long with multiple layovers. I dreaded the long stretches in a plane, with a 3-year-old at the time, though I think he held up better than I did. It took just over 24 hours between the different flights and layovers to land in New Zealand. Luckily, my son found any turbulence to be hilarious. He would say, “The plane is having a rocky ride.” My circadian clock did not appreciate the time difference. New Zealand is 16 hours ahead of Florida. However, it was nice to spend the time in a managed isolation hotel room with a great view of downtown Christchurch for two weeks due to firm COVID-19 restrictions. The added stress from the pandemic was part of the reason my family and I decided to take the position in New Zealand.

Many things in New Zealand were opposite to how we were accustomed. For light switches, down was on and up was off. Driving on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car was actually easier to handle than the light switches. All outlets had switches for electricity to turn on; a device had to be switched on at the outlet, not just plugged in. Luckily, the main language is English. However, mixed with a beautiful accent and some jargon, I was often confused and had to ask for clarification.

Although, the medical jargon came quickly. Instead of asking for “refills”, it was “repeats”; instead of “mono”, it was “glandular fever”. A common phrase used over there is “sweet as,” which means the equivalent of “cool”. Many words were spelled differently, with extra “o’s” and “u’s” added in, like colours and oesophagus.

Driving was intuitive but different. I heard the speed limit was the actual max speed, not 5-10 over like many Americans drive. There were devices that regulated it so no drivers were pulled over for ticketing. Instead, ticketing was mailed to people based on the car tag registration. My husband disputes this but I never saw anyone pulled over for speeding and was deterred from speeding due to those signs. Merging was very easy; people actually “zipper” merge, as you should. Whereas, here, you have to merge over to turn up to a mile early on Capital Circle during busy times. Traffic circles were common and people actually know how to use them, unlike here where you are playing chicken with others to see if they will actually yield, or if they stop when they should enter. Gas is called “petrol” and priced per liter so it was a bit of a sticker shock going to the pump there. Even though distance and speeds are per kilometer, people will still talk about “miles per gallon.”

The grocery store where we shopped had a small “American” section. Not surprisingly, it was all junk food. The items included lots of candy (e.g. Nerds and Reese’s), Pop-Tarts, Cheetos, Soda (e.g. Cherry Coke and A&W Root Beer), and something called Calypso, which I had never heard of, but is apparently a flavored lemonade drink popular in the Midwest. Their bakery had Texas Muffins, which is just what they call jumbo muffins. Their dairy section sold Tasty Cheese, which is their name for cheddar. Kiwis (the lovely nickname for people from New Zealand, based on the native bird, not the fruit) love their ice cream, especially a flavor called Hokey Pokey, which is vanilla ice cream with honeycomb toffee. Honey was regulated to be 100% honey; additives were banned so no additional high fructose corn syrups were allowed in honey there. Beef and chicken were common items in the meat section, but so were lamb and duck. Ground beef was called mince and sold for around $16/kilogram. That might seem like a lot, but it is really just about $4/ lb. (2 pounds is about 1 kilogram and 2 US dollars is

around 1 NZ dollar.) Milk jugs were in liters and were rectangular shaped to fit into the fridge doors better.

My family would often walk the 15 minutes to the local park for our son to play. My husband would then walk to the local grocery store and meet us back at the park for us to walk home together. This was at least weekly, if not twice weekly, for the grocery run. We would also walk around the neighborhood and local trails with trails nearby local sheep farms. We even had a local trail within a 5-minute walk of our house, with several local stray cats to play with. Besides being active with our family, my son started preschool in New Zealand and loved it. There were no worksheets, but learning was more hands-on. He learned to use tools, real ones, not Fisher Price. We have a beloved photo of him in a hard hat using a hammer and hand saw. We brought home several Kiwi books that we bought over there as well as some stuffed Kiwis (the birds, not the people or fruit). We enjoyed traveling around the country and going to local zoos and wildlife centers.

For my locum GP position, I had it in my contract that I was not on call after hours or weekends. However, in New Zealand, a GP must sign off on a death certificate and attest to seeing the body to notify the funeral

home if any medical devices needed to be removed prior to cremation. I was called in to do this early on for a patient that passed after only being his GP for 2 months. Meetings were only during business hours, so never prior to clinic time, or during lunch or dinner. In addition, I had a Friday off every month that my family used for weekend trips around the country. We stayed at many local motels, most of which had playgrounds or were part of a farm. I have never seen so many sheep or alpacas in my life and couldn’t resist buying an alpaca blanket to bring back. We, of course, went to Hobbiton, the location where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed, even though my son doesn’t know about the series.

I would recommend to anyone considering traveling to New Zealand to make this trip sooner than later. I am so glad my family spent a year there; however, we will not be heading back anytime soon. We have agreed to return when our son is older. It is unlikely he will have many memories of our time in New Zealand, but we talk about the trip regularly and have lots of photos and videos.

SHIVANI ARZA, M.D. AND AMBER HANNAH, M.D.

RECEIVE CMS FOUNDATION’S 2023 ACCESS TO CARE AWARD, IN HONOR OF ROBIN MCDOUGALL

The Capital Medical Society Foundation awarded the 2023 Access to Care Award in Honor of Robin McDougall to Shivani Arza, M.D. and Amber Hannah, M.D. on May 19, 2023 at the Florida State College of Medicine’s Annual Awards Ceremony.

The CMS Foundation’s Access to Care Award is named for Robin McDougall, LCSW, who advocated for increased access to healthcare as the Program Coordinator of the We Care Network for 14 years. The We Care Network is the Capital Medical Society Foundation’s program championed by local medical physicians and dentists who donate medical specialty care to local low-income, uninsured patients. It is our Foundation’s mission to increase access to care.

Dr. Arza and Dr. Hannah exemplify our future. They are young physicians who will take an ongoing interest in increasing access to medical care for the underserved. We wish them both the best as they begin their residencies. Dr. Arza will be at the University of Virginia in their ObstetricsGynecology program. Dr. Hannah will be at the Emory University School of Medicine in General Surgery.

Dr. Shivani Arza was born in India and moved to the United States when she was two. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in biomedical science and B.A. in psychology, with a minor in maternal and child health. At USF, Shivani completed her honors thesis on “Knowledge Attitudes and Beliefs of Women towards PostPartum Depression and Baby Blues.” She also did research on the effects of hostile and benevolent sexism of women in STEMM fields. She was drawn to the FSU College of Medicine because of its focus on patient-centered healthcare and responding to community needs.

Nicole G. Bentze, D.O., FAAFP, Sarasota Regional Campus Dean, Florida State University College of Medicine shared, “I have known Shivani since her arrival at the Sarasota regional campus in June 2021. Shivani has been recognized for excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service with induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Shivani demonstrated commitment to combating the stigma of mental illness during her time in medical school. She was the founder of two college-wide mental health initiatives including Mental Health Awareness Week and the Wellness Ambassador Program.

In both her M1 and M2 years, she organized educational and inspirational programs to highlight issues surrounding mental health issues and access to mental health services. Shivani conducted health screenings and led preventive health initiatives through her volunteer work with the Chapman Community Health Program. She also participated in the FSU Cares Immokalee Service-Learning Trip providing health screenings and community outreach.

As part of the Healthcare for All Week Planning Committee, she planned events focused on the impact being uninsured has on patients. Further, Shivani extended the Wellness Ambassador program to the regional medical campuses. She coordinated an ambassadorship at all six regional campuses to

(L-r) Dr. Jonathan Appelbaum; Dr. Amber Hannah; Dr. Shivani Arza; Diana Bixler, We Care Network Program Coordinator; and Pam Irwin, CMS Foundation Executive Director.

provide peer support and education during clinical rotations. Her lectures on imposter syndrome and sleep deprivation during training were very well received. She was a champion for students’ wellness and continued access to mental health services while at regional campuses.

Together with her peers, she presented a research poster on ‘Destigmatizing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment among Florida Medical Students’ at a national level conference. As the Vice President of the Sarasota regional campus, Shivani continued her leadership training and served as the liaison between the Regional Campus Dean, staff, and her classmates. This position was vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Shivani advocated for student concerns, relayed information and organized student-led initiatives. She volunteered at COVID vaccine clinics. Further, Shivani participated in a Quality Improvement Project with the Sarasota Department of Health to improve utilization of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program by women in underserved areas of the community.

Outside of clinical rotations, Shivani worked with Med Mentors and other informal mentoring programs to conduct mock medical school interviews with underserved and underrepresented undergraduate students. In summary, Shivani is an excellent student who is a strong advocate for underserved populations and exemplifies the mission of FSU COM. I appreciate your strong consideration for the Access to Care Award.”

Another nomination included, “Shivani Arza has consistently been committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved populations throughout her time at FSU COM. Shivani actively promoted health screenings and preventive health initiatives at Maryland Oaks Community through her volunteer work with the Chapman Community Health Program. She additionally played a key role in health screenings and community outreach programs at the FSU Cares Immokalee ServiceLearning Trip. Finally, as part of the Healthcare for All Week Planning Committee, Shivani organized events focused on the impact being uninsured has on patients. In her free time, Shivani did mock medical school interviews for underserved and underrepresented undergraduate students.”

Dr. Amber Hannah is a native of Quincy, Florida. Her journey to medicine started with participating in FSU’s SSTRIDE program in high school and working as a medical assistant for four years. She graduated from Florida A&M University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. While in college, she had a passion for mentorship and minority exposure to healthcare. She created an organization, Physicians in Training, to encourage student to pursue healthcare professions and provide volunteer opportunities and mentorship. She takes a special interest in health equity, health policy, and minority and underserved medicine.

Dr. Juliette Lomax-Homier, M.D., dean of the Fort Pierce Campus describes Dr. Hannah as “the Energizer Bunny.” She shared, “She is a young woman with an agenda that extends deep into her community and connects it to this great asset called the Florida State University College of Medicine. She has experienced the good news and wants to share it with all who will listen.

Amber learned the power of community engagement as a student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, which was further nurtured by her heavy involvement in her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Her learned enthusiasm of community led her to our College of Medicine, but she never let go of the first stepping-stone that brought her to this destination. She continues to encourage FAMU premedical students to prepare them for the rigors of medical school. As an M1 student, one of her first volunteer efforts was the Valentine’s Day CandyGram fundraiser for the Student National Medical Association, which ensures funds are available for medical student members to attend national meetings.

The Community Medicine rotation in the M3 year afforded Amber the opportunity to work alongside physicians who, in addition to providing medical care to the uninsured, were designing a mobile clinic to service areas that were health-care deserts. At the Hands Clinic here in St. Lucie County, she was able to experience the challenges and opportunities of providing health care in under-served areas using volunteer health-care providers. Her active engagement allowed her to offer suggestions on how to incorporate medical students in this endeavor.”

CMS FOUNDATION’S J. ORSON SMITH, M.D. SCHOLARSHIP IN INTERNAL MEDICINE

MATHEW BALETTE, M.D. RECEIVES CMS FOUNDATION’S J. ORSON SMITH, M.D. SCHOLARSHIP IN INTERNAL MEDICINE

On behalf of the Capital Medical Society Foundation, Dr. J. Orson Smith awarded the J. Orson Smith, M.D. Scholarship in Internal Medicine to Mathew Balette, M.D. on May 19, 2023 at the Florida State University College of Medicine Annual Awards Ceremony.

The named scholarship, honoring Dr. J. Orson Smith, was created by an anonymous donor in recognition of and admiration for Dr. Smith’s passion for the practice of medicine and advancing the health of the underprivileged. FSU College of Medicine’s Internal Medicine Clerkship Directors nominated the recipient. The Capital Medical Society Foundation (CMSF) awards the scholarship based on its criteria.

Dr. Mathew Balette is an AOA student and Pensacola native. Mathew completed his 3rd year Internal Medicine clerkship as well as a 4th year IM Subinternship in Pensacola. Mathew received a grade of Honors in his 3rd year Internal Medicine clerkship based upon evaluations from faculty, patients, and support staff in combination with the NBME Medicine Subject Exam in the 98th percentile with the clinical performance evaluations of his faculty members.

After the 3rd year IM Clerkship, one of Mathew’s faculty stated he “was among the finest students he had the opportunity to teach.” Another summarized, “From the very beginning, it was clear Mathew desired to optimize his experience. Mathew completed the course requirements in near record time, always kept his patient encounter files up to date, and pursued answers to complex questions about his patients. His clinical engagement was more at the level of a Sub intern as he immersed himself to a higher degree than the usual 3rd year student in the diagnoses, care, and treatment decisions of his patients.”

During his 4th year, FSUCOM offers an Internal Medicine Sub-internship lasting 4 weeks. Students spend these weeks integrated into a ward team at a local IM residency. Comments from residency faculty described Mathew as a “stand out” among medical students and his performance as “stellar.” “Mathew checks all the boxes as an exceptional student. He

does everything well and it appears to come to him easily.”

Mathew ultimately decided to attend the FSU College of Medicine because of its focus on patientcenteredness and its dedication to training physicians to work in the Panhandle of Florida. He still hopes to return to Pensacola to practice after he completes his training.

Hoping to follow Dr. J. Orson Smith’s example into internal medicine, he will be moving to Birmingham to complete his residency at the University of Alabama. Dr. Balette plans to return to the Panhandle to establish his internal medicine practice. Dr. J. Orson Smith encouraged Mathew in his next steps in his future of medicine and shared a story about his own experience in residency under the mentorship of the renowned Tinsley R. Harrison, M.D.

“Congratulations, Dr. Mathew Balette! We are very proud of you and wish you the best in your residency program and internal medicine practice. On behalf of the Capital Medical Society Foundation Board of Directors, we are quite proud to be a participant in the awarding of a scholarship to our first recipient of the J. Orson Smith, M.D. Scholarship in Internal Medicine to Dr. Mathew Balette. The CMSF Board of Directors wishes you the very best in your chosen profession and hopes that you will return to the Panhandle, perhaps, Tallahassee, to practice medicine,” shared Dr. John P. Mahoney, CMS Foundation President.

(L-r) Dr. J. Orson Smith presented the plaque to Dr. Mathew Balette.

MIRNA HANNA, M.D. RECEIVES CMS FOUNDATION’S JULIA REVELL ST. PETERY, M.D. SCHOLARSHIP IN PEDIATRICS

On behalf of the Capital Medical Society Foundation, Dr. Louis St. Petery awarded the Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics to Mirna Hanna, M.D. on May 19, 2023 at the Florida State University College of Medicine Annual Awards Ceremony.

On September 30, 2021, Dr. Julia St. Petery, a beloved Tallahassee pediatrician, known by her patients as “Dr. Judy”, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of caring for Tallahassee, and indeed all Florida children, which will continue to have an impact for generations. One of the St. Petery’s colleagues, Carol McCormick, R.N., said, “The St. Petery's were always about the kids. Nothing they did was for personal gain, money, or recognition. All they wanted was a better life and better health care for our kids.” That vision prompted the St. Petery’s to spend over 25 years trying to get Florida Medicaid to do the right thing. In 2005, they sued Florida Medicaid for failing to meet its responsibilities under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure that Medicaid Children have equal access to health and dental care, as do children with private health insurance. And, they succeeded.

The named scholarship, honoring the late Dr. Julia St. Petery, was created to commemorate her passion for the practice of pediatric medicine and her humanitarian spirit and determination to provide all children the same access to healthcare. FSU College of Medicine’s Pediatric Clerkship Directors nominated the recipient. The Capital Medical Society Foundation (CMSF) awards the scholarship based on its criteria.

Dr. Mirna Hanna moved to Tallahassee in 2012. She graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and psychology. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered at such places as Riverchase nursing home, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and Progressive Pediatrics developmental center. She served as a biology and chemistry tutor at FSU's Academic Center for Excellence. Mirna worked as a research assistant at Dr. Michael Kofler’s Children’s Learning Clinic lab in the FSU Psychology Department. The research group aims to create a non-pharmaceutical treatment for children with ADHD to improve their executive functions. She was drawn to the FSU College of Medicine because of its focus on creating patient-centered physicians who can work as a team to ensure patients get the best care possible. Her various experiences such as a medical service trip to Nicaragua, serving the community by administering

vaccines and distributing food to those in need, and volunteering at a children’s summer camp are a few of Mirna’s contributions that reflect her strong desire to serve children. Mirna’s employment experience as a pharmacy technician reveals her ability to demonstrate critical thinking in a highly demanding job. Mirna’s various research experiences involving topics such as childhood communication and behavior, clean water supplies, and vaccines further reveals Mirna’s interest in pediatrics and evidence based medicine. Mirna is a member of the AAP and the Florida Chapter of the AAP. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Hoping to follow in Dr. Julia St. Petery’s footsteps in pediatrics, she will be moving to Gainesville, FL to complete her residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine - Shands Hospital Pediatric Residency. Dr. Hanna plans to return to the Big Bend to establish her pediatric practice. She views rural medicine as a crucial component of her future practice.

“Dr. Hanna exemplifies our future, a young physician who will take an on-going interest in increasing access to medical care for underserved pediatric patients. We wish her the best as she begins her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine - Shands Hospital,” shared Dr. Louis St. Petery.

“Congratulations, Dr. Mirna Hanna! We are very proud of you and wish you the best in your residency program and pediatric practice. On behalf of the Capital Medical Society Foundation Board of Directors, we are quite proud to be a participant in the awarding of a scholarship to our second recipient of the Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics to Dr. Mirna Hanna. The CMSF Board of Directors wishes you the very best in your chosen profession and hopes that you will consider Tallahassee your future home. Our medical community needs you,” shared Dr. John P. Mahoney, CMS Foundation President.

(L-r) Dr. Louis St. Petery presented the plaque to Dr. Mirna Hanna.

We Thank Our Donors

We thank the following donors who made a gift to the CMS Foundation this past month:

Capital Medical Society Foundation –Area of Greatest Need

Robin McDougall, LCSW

Nancy E. Phillips, D.D.S. – In Memory of Willie Fay Crooms

We Care Network

AmazonSmile

David Beggs

Capital Medical Society – In Memory of Daniel Van Durme, M.D.

Capital Medical Society Foundation –In Memory of Daniel Van Durme, M.D.

Charles A. Frueauff Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. H. Avon Doll – In Memory of Daniel Van Durme, M.D.

The CMS Foundation Scholarship Fund

David Bellamy, M.D. – In Memory of Willie Fay Crooms

Capital Medical Society Foundation –FSU College of Medicine Tallahassee

Regional Campus Food Pantry

Anonymous

Elaine Geissinger

Ronald H. Saff, M.D.

Your gifts to the Capital Medical Society Foundation transform lives in the Big Bend.

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. Almost $129 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 2022-23, which ended June 30, 2023, almost $5 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 CMS Foundation 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. $50,000 was awarded in 2022. An additional $1,000 was awarded from The Anesthesiology Associates of Tallahassee Scholarship Fund. $1,000 was also awarded from The Charles D. “Pedro” Williams, M.D. Scholarship Fund. In 2022, the first Julia Revell St. Petery, M.D. Scholarship in Pediatrics was awarded.

➢ 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 2022, the CMSF awarded a total of $10,500 in grants to Elder Care Services for their In-Home Services Program, the Big Bend Hospice Foundation for bereavement services, and to Lutheran Social Services of North Florida, Inc.’s KidSafe program

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:

Gifts should be made payable to the CMS Foundation. 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 (850) 559-8611

THANK YOU

To our CMS members and We Care Network partners who provided healthcare to new patients in May 2023.

Your generosity and support of the We Care Network makes a difference.

Physicians

Jay Allard, M.D.

Clifton Bailey, M.D.

Venkata Bavikati, M.D.

Eric Berenson, M.D.

Robert Bradford, M.D.

Tim Broeseker, M.D.

David Burns, M.D.

Francisco Carpio, M.D.

Raymond Cottrell, M.D.

Marilyn Cox, M.D.

Cristian Del Carpio Tenorio, M.D.

William Dixon IV, M.D.

H. Avon Doll, M.D.

Ray Dolly, M.D.

David Dolson, M.D.

Adam Engel, M.D.

Alberto Fernandez, M.D.

Jerry Ford, M.D.

Marc Inglese, M.D.

Amit Jain, M.D.

Joey Jarrard, M.D.

Hiren Joshi, M.D.

Kenneth Kato, M.D.

James Killius, M.D.

Fang Sarah Ko, M.D., PhD

Amulya Konda, M.D.

Maribel U. Lockwood, M.D.

Kurt Luhmann, M.D.

Michael Mangan, M.D.

David Mellman, M.D.

Manoela Mota, M.D.

Mina Mousa, M.D.

Kishor Muniyappa, M.D.

Anthony Otekeiwebia, M.D.

David Pascoe, M.D.

Michael Pentaleri, M.D.

Cybelle Pfeifer, M.D.

Hussein Rayatzadeh, M.D.

Pablo Rengifo-Moreno, M.D.

Stephen Richardson, M.D.

Davis Rierson, M.D.

Andres Rodriguez, M.D.

Abel Romero-Corral, M.D.

Tim Ruark, M.D.

Karen Russell, M.D.

Eliot Sieloff, M.D.

Gadi Silberman, M.D.

Hardeep Singh, M.D.

Joshua Somerset, M.D.

Bhavik Soni, M.D.

Joseph Soto, M.D.

Ronald Sullivan, M.D.

Christopher Sundstrom, M.D.

Scott Tetreault, M.D.

Jean-Paul Tran, M.D.

Ernesto Umana, M.D.

Beatriz Cepeda Valery, M.D.

Andres Vargas, M.D.

Carl Vegas, M.D.

Andrea Venturini, M.D.

David Vermess, M.D.

Tony Weaver, M.D.

Mark A. Wheeler, M.D.

Chien-Yi Williams, M.D.

William Yaakob, M.D.

Daniel Yang, M.D.

Samuel Yu, M.D.

Dentists

Briano Allen, D.D.S.

William Baldock, Jr., D.M.D.

Jean-Pierre Bastien, D.M.D.

Laban Bontrager, D.M.D.

Brittney Craig, D.M.D.

Walter Colón, D.M.D.

Alan Dransfield, D.M.D.

William McFatter, D.D.S.

Jacob Zellner, D.M.D.

Facilities

Advanced Urology Institute

Airway Works, LLC

Anesthesiology Associates

Apalachee Primary Care

Bastien Dental Care

Beachton Denture Clinic

Bond Community Health Center

Bristol Dental Clinic

Brittney K. Craig, DMD Capital Nephrology Clinic, PA Care Point Health & Wellness Center

Dermatology Associates

Digestive Disease Clinic

Enhanced Endodontics

Eye Associates of Tallahassee

Family Dermatology of North Florida Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

FSU PrimaryHealth

Gadsden County Health Department

Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates of Tallahassee

HCA Florida Capital Primary Care

Jessie Furlow Medical Center

Ketchum, Wood, & Burgert Pathology Associates

Madison Medical Center

Neighborhood Medical Center

North Florida Nephrology Associates

North Florida Womens Care

North Monroe Medical Center

Oral & Facial Surgery Center

Periodontal Associates of North Florida Radiology Associates of Tallahassee

Red Hills Dental Associates

Shepherds Hands – Monticello

Southeast Radiology Partners

Southern Medical Group, P.A.

Tallahassee Diagnostic Imaging

Tallahassee Ear, Nose, and Throat

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

TMH Family Medicine

Residency Program

TMH Physician Partners

Cancer and Hematology

TMH Physician Partners

Cardiology and Internal Medicine

TMH Physician Partners

Cardiothoracic Surgery

TMH Physician Partners

Endocrinology Specialists

TMH Physician Partners

Gynecologic Oncology

Specialists

TMH Physician Partners

Heart Rhythm Clinic

TMH Physician Partners

Hospitalists Group

TMH Physician Partners

Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists

TMH Physician Partners

Radiation Oncology Specialists

TMH Physician Partners

Surgical Specialists

TMH Physician Partners Southwood

TMH Physician Partners

Urology Specialists

TMH Physician Partners Wakulla

TMH Transition Center

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

TOC Canopy

Tallahassee VA Clinic

Wakulla County Health Department

Wakulla Medical Center

Women’s Imaging Center

Please contact Diana Bixler at dbixler@capmed.org or (850) 201-0130 if you are a We Care Network volunteer and you provided volunteer specialty care in the month of May 2023, 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!

We thank our referring providers from May 2023:

Ebonie Allen, APRN

Anne Ananga, APRN

Erin Ayers, APRN

Katrina Ball, APRN

Daniel Bernabe, M.D.

Shelby Blank, M.D.

Robert Bradford, M.D.

Kendra Brady, APRN

Sherry Bramblett, APRN

Daniel Breivogel, APRN

Alexander Brickler III, M.D.

Fran Bridges, APRN

Tim Broeseker, M.D.

Callie Burch, APRN

Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, M.D.

Rachel Busby-Drewek, APRN

Efrein Carbonell, M.D.

Francisco Carpio, M.D.

Carlos Castro, M.D.

Carmen Colon, APRN

Melba Colon-Renta, M.D.

Raymond Cottrell, M.D.

Brittney Craig, D.M.D.

Jill David, APRN

Brian Del Carlo, D.D.S.

William Dixon IV, M.D.

Nathalie Esellem, APRN

Sharron Foster, M.D.

Juan Gallegos, M.D.

Spencer Gilleon, M.D.

Gian-Carlo Giove, M.D.

Lillie Green, APRN

Judy Griffin, APRN

Hantz Hercule, M.D.

Brett Howard, M.D.

Joey Jarrard, M.D.

Anneka Johnson, APRN

Ramiz Kseri, M.D.

Elaine Larkins, APRN

Jessica Lea, APRN

Ashok Manocha, B.D.S.

Damon McMillan, M.D.

Lisa Menchion, APRN

Jennifer Miles, APRN

Kelley Miller, APRN

Marcia Morris, APRN

Manoela Mota, M.D.

Abiodun Ogunremi, APRN

Chukwuma Okoroji, M.D.

Rose Origa, APRN

Anthony Otekeiwebia, M.D.

Jorge Perez de Armas, M.D.

Lisa Perkins, APRN

Hussein Rayatzadeh, M.D.

Shobha Rebala, APRN

Martha Reeves, APRN

Charlie Richardson, M.D.

Carla Robertson, APRN

Andres Rodriguez, M.D.

Expedito Salvador, P.A.

Lucilita Salvador, P.A.

Kyla Shillington, APRN

Hardeep Singh, M.D.

Scott Tetreault, M.D.

Faye Tinson, APRN

Barrett Tolley, D.D.S.

Leonard Tolley, D.D.S.

Prashanth Vennalaganti, M.D.

Beatriz Cepeda Valery, M.D.

Andrew Venturini, M.D.

Lakeshia Washington, APRN

Jeffrey Wasserman, D.O.

Eula Weaver, APRN

Jacob Zellner, D.M.D.