ECMS July/August Bulletin Newsletter

Bulletin

Physician Advocacy Since 1873

JULYAUG 2020 VOLUME 50, NO. 4

Editors: Maureen Padden, M.D. | Erica Huffman, Executive Director www.escambiacms.org

President’s Message

valuable program, please contact Erica Huffman to reserve your spot. Also don’t forget that the ECMS Wellness Program for physicians has discrete, individual counseling available to our members at no cost. Visits are now available through telemedicine.

How is it that July is almost over? I guess time still flies even when you are in the midst of a pandemic.

Anyone else feeling stressed right now?

After all, life as we had planned it has been cancelled until further notice.

If you are looking for ways to cope with the stress in your life, check out the S.M.A.R.T. (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) Program being offered to ECMS physicians. The cost of the program is being covered by an ECMS Foundation Wellness Grant thanks to the MAG Mutual Foundation. Your only cost is $50 for materials. The program is designed to help you learn how to recognize your personal response to stress and use meditative and relaxation techniques to alter thought patterns and promote a positive emotional outlook. You will also learn skills to improve your diet, sleep, and physical activity. The S.M.A.R.T. Program will begin September 9, 2020 and spots are limited. If you are interested in this

Dr. Ellen W. McKnight had this to say: “The foundation board is pleased to offer the Mind-Body wellness course to our members. In 2018, the foundation developed the wellness program under the leadership of Dr. Kurt Krueger. The first phase of the wellness program was geared to physicians who might be suffering from “burnout.” This program provides three private sessions with a psychologist. These confidential sessions can be very helpful to physicians experiencing professional angst and discontentment. However, the board also felt it was important to introduce a program where physicians can learn the benefits of unlocking the mind-body connection.

When put into practice, these techniques can improve one’s ability to withstand or adjust to challenges. This applies to all aspects of life not just one’s career. It should be of no surprise that human beings have dealt with these types of challenges for a very long time...

“To live happily is an inward power of the soul.”

- Marcus Aurelius

Continued on page 4

Contents Page 4 - President’s Letter Ctd. Page 6 - Medical/Legal Page 12 - Foundation Page 15 - Community

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E.C.M.S. Bulletin The Bulletin is a publication for and by the members of the Escambia County Medical Society. The Bulletin publishes six times a year: Jan/Feb, Mar/ Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/ Oct, Nov/Dec. We will consider for publication articles relating to medical science, photos, book reviews, memorials, medical/ legal articles, and practice management.

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Advancing physicians’ practice of medicine in our community.

THANK YOU John J. Lanza, M.D. 1996–2020

Editor Maureen Padden, M.D.

Thank you Dr. John J. Lanza for your service to the Escambia/Santa Rosa County Medical Society and ECMS Foundation

Mission:

Executive Director Erica Huffman 4771 Bayou Blvd. # 157 Pensacola, FL 32503 Ph: 850-478-0706 Fx: 850-474-9783 Email: info@escambiacms.org www.escambiacms.org

Ad placement Contact Erica Huffman at 478-0706 Ad rates 1/2 page: $350 · 1/4 page: $200 · 1/8 page: $150 View and opinions expressed in the Bulletin are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the board of directors, staff or advertisers. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.

THANK YOU John J. Lanza, M.D. 1996-2020

J

Thank you Dr. John Lanza for your service to the Escambia/Santa Rosa County Medical Society and ECMS Foundation.

ECMS Board Member for 24 years serving as the Liason for the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County

Delegate to the Florida Medical Association

Thank you Dr. John Lanza for your ser Medical an ECMS Board Member for 24 years serving as the Liasion for Society the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 2004 ECMS President

Foundation

Chair of the Community Health Action Team (CHAT)

ECMS Foundation Board Member

Delegate to the Florida Medical Association ECMS Board Member for 24 years ECMS Foundation Board Member Department of Hea

2004 ECMS President Chair of the Community Health Action Team (CHAT)

2004 ECM

Chair of the Community

Delegate to the Flor

ECMS Foundati

www.escambiacms.org | 3

Letter Cont’d

“ You have power over your mind, not outside events.

Realize this, and you will find strength.”

- Marcus Aurelius Make sure that you are staying connected with the ECMS for up-to-date information on the CoVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our members and community. Erica Huffman posts updates almost daily, and I have found these to be very helpful to me in my medical practice. If anyone has needs that are not being met, such as access to PPE, please contact Erica or myself and we will see what the medical society can do to help. The ECMS is always looking for ways to provide value to its members. Through a partnership with the Escambia County Health Department, Erica, on behalf of the ECMS, helped distribute more than 30,000 face masks to our community. She also partnered with the

Did you know?

Downtown Improvement Board, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Pensacola Mayor’s office on the “Wait don’t congregate” campaign and helped distribute flyers and posters to medical facilities and local businesses.

Mark your calendar for the Young Physicians Section meeting on Sunday, August 16, 2020. We are currently investigating outdoor venues to meet so that we can socialize while being compliant with social distancing. More details to come soon.

– Dr. Karen Snow

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STRESS MANAGEMENT AND RESILIENCY TRAINING S.M.A.R.T PROGRAM Group Sessions:

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This 8-week program will help you develop self-care tools to manage your stress, reduce medical symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

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Header Medical/Legal FLORIDA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

A Physician's Guide to Florida's A physician’s guide to Florida’s Executive and Emergency Orders

By Mary Thomas, Esq. FMA Assistant General Counsel

executive and emergency orders

Confused by the constant barrage of executive and Executive Order 20-52: Declaration of State of Emergency Valid for 60 days unless extended emergency orders By Mary Thomas, Esq. that all reference other orders with Effective: March 9, 2020 FMA Assistant dates Generalthat Counsel expiration are constantly extending? We Extended: May 8: EO 20-114 and July 7: EO 20-166 Expiration unless extended: September 5, 2020 don’t blame Let’s take a look atandwhere we’ve Executive Confused by the you! constant barrage of executive emergency Order 20-52: Declaration of State of Emergency been and where we are: Valid for 60 days unless extended orders that all reference other orders with expiration dates that The Details: Executive Order 20-52 declared the official state of are constantly extending? We don’t blame you! Let’s take a look Executive Order 20-51 at where we’ve been and where we are: Effective: March 1, 2020

Executive Order 20-51

The Details: Executive Order 20-51 was the first order in response Effective: March 1, 2020 to the COVID-19 crisis directing the state Surgeon General to The Details:

issue a public health emergency and take any action necessary to Executive Order 20-51 was the first order in response to the protect the public. the Department of Health subsequently issued COVID-19 crisis Emergency directing theestablishing state Surgeon to issue a Public Health theGeneral framework for the astate’s publicCOVID-19 health emergency and take any action necessary to response. protect the public. the Department of Health subsequently issued a Public Health Emergency establishing the framework for the state’s COVID-19 response.

6 | Escambia County Medical Society in conjunction with Santa Rosa County

Effective: March 9, 2020 emergency in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Relevant to the Extended: May 8: EO 20-114 and July 7: EO 20-166 medical profession, this order made federal funds available for the Expiration extended: September 2020 Governorunless to utilize in response to the5,pandemic and grants the The Details: state Surgeon General the authority to issue emergency orders.

Executive 20-52non-Florida declared themedical official state of emergency EO 20-52Order also allows professionals licensed ininresponse to the COVID-19 Relevant to free the medical other states to provide suchcrisis. medical services of charge to Floridiansthis affected COVID-19 under the guidance profession, orderby made federal funds available for the of the Florida Department of Healthtoorthe thepandemic American Red Cross.

Governor to utilize in response and grants the state Surgeon General the authority to issue emergency orders.

EO 20-52 has become the anchor for the expiration of several EO 20-52 also allows non-Florida medical professionals licensed other orders as discussed below. in other states to provide such medical services free of charge

Medical/Legal Emergency Order 20-002: Expanding Use of Telehealth Effective: March 9, 2020 Extended: April 15: EO 20-004; May 9: EO 20-007; May 31: EO 20-009; & June 30: EO 20-011 Expiration unless extended: Tracks with EO 20-52 September 5, 2020 The Details: The Surgeon General, pursuant to the authority granted him by Executive Order 20-52, issued Emergency Order 20-002 to respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 with the following provisions: • MDs, DOs, PAs and APRNs who are designated as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner may issue a renewal of a controlled substance without having to conduct a physical examination of the patient, but only for an existing patient for the purpose of treating chronic nonmalignant pain. Telehealth may only be substituted for the physical examination.

• Physicians qualified to certify patients for medical marijuana may issue a certification only for an existing qualified patient with an existing certification that was issued by that qualified physician without the need for an in-person physician examination.

• Any healthcare professionals, advanced life support professionals, and basic life support professionals holding a valid license in another state, territory or district may provide such services in Florida. Such health care practitioners may not represent or present themselves as licensed to practice in Florida. There is no requirement that such practitioners practice in an underserved area, or free of charge.

• Healthcare professionals not licensed in Florida, in order to prepare for, respond to and mitigate the effects of COVID-19, may provide telehealth services to patients in Florida without having to register as a telehealth provider. This exemption initially only applied to MDs, DOs, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses but a subsequent Emergency Order added clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and psychologists. All other requirements of the telehealth statute remain in effect, including the requirement that healthcare professionals practice within their applicable scope of practice.

• Emergency medical services training programs may, with the approval of the training director, substitute supervised remote live videoconferencing or simulation for one-half of the supervised clinical instruction hours and one-half of the supervised field internship hours required by statute. Emergency Order 20-002 has been extended several times in 30-day increments. However, the last extension, dated June 30, provided that EO 20-002 will remain in effect until the expiration of Executive Order 20-52.

The FMA understands that many physicians have taken advantage of this expansion of telehealth services and we will continue to advocate for further extensions.

EXPIRED Executive Order 20-72: Limiting Non-essential Medical Procedures Effective: March 20, 2020 Expired: May 4: EO 20-112 The Details: Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 2072 limiting non-essential medical procedures in an attempt to conserve medical supplies and resources needed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak or for other medical emergencies. Hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, office surgery centers and other healthcare practitioners’ offices were prohibited from providing any medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedure or surgery. EO 20-72 did not prohibit physicians from continuing to see patients for purposes of evaluation and management, treating patients with chronic and acute conditions, performing wellness exams, providing mental health services, providing follow-up care and other non-surgical purposes.

Unfortunately, an unintended consequence of this Order is that patients are still reluctant to seek routine and even emergency medical care out of fear of contracting COVID-19. The FMA encourages patients to continue to see their physicians for appropriate medical care.

Executive Order 20-85* Effective: March 24, 2020 Extended: July 7: EO 20-166 Expiration unless extended: September 5, 2020: EO 20-52 The Details: This Order provides expanded telehealth and immunization services for state employees. EO 20-85* directs the Secretary of the Department of Management Services to amend the state employee health and pharmacy benefits plan to include telehealth services at no additional cost to employees. This Order ensures that all state employees have access to telehealth services through the state’s contracted HMO plans and PPO organization plan without cost sharing.

EO 20-85 further amends the state employee health plan benefits plan to provide employees participating in the State Employees’ Group Insurance Program the option to receive immunizations covered by the employee’s plan in either a participating physician’s office pursuant to the participant’s current PPO Plan Group Health Insurance Plan Booklet or a participant’s current HMO contract, or a participating pharmacy in the State Employees’ pharmacy benefit manager’s network. This Order will expire upon the expiration of EO 20-52.

EXPIRED Executive Order 20-91: Safer at Home Effective: April 1, 2020 Expired: June 5: EO 20-139 The Details: Executive Order 20-91, the “Safer at Home” order, provided that senior citizens and individuals with a significant www.escambiacms.org | 7

Medical/Legal underlying medical condition stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. This Order also required that all persons in Florida limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.

Notably, essential activities were defined to include healthcare providers, including, but not limited to, hospitals, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, urgent care centers, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physical therapists, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, therapists, and pharmacies.

Emergency Order 20-006* Executed: April 24, 2020 Effective: March 9, 2020 Expiration unless extended: September 5, 2020: EO 20-52 The Details: Emergency Order 20-006* waives certain statutes and rules of the Florida Department of Health as follows: • Allows a pharmacist to order, administer and report the results of a COVID-19 test, including FDA-authorized serology tests at a licensed pharmacy.

• Allows Volunteer Health Care Provider Program participants who provide services to existing indigent patients through an agreement with a governmental contactor to do so without having to immediately complete Form DH 1032 when the services provided are new or otherwise different than the initial referral.

Form DH 1032 must be completed within 30 days of the expiration of EO 20-006, and healthcare providers must provide verbal or electronic notice to each patient that the provider is an agent of the government contractor.

• Provides that all Volunteer Health Care Provider Program contracts that expire during the COVID-19 state of emergency shall be extended until the expiration of Executive Order 20-52 • Suspends FAC Rule 64D-4.007(1)(c) to allow a person applying for initial enrollment or recertification for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program to enroll or be recertified absent an HIV viral load laboratory result less than six months old and an HIV CD4 laboratory result less than 12 months old. This is yet another order that will expire upon the expiration of EO 20-52.

Executive Order 20-112: Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.

Plan for Florida’s Recovery Partially Effective: May 2, 2020 Fully Effective: May 18: EO 20-123 Extended: May 22: EO 20-131 and June 5: EO 20-39 The Details: Executive Order 20-112 initiated the first step of the Governor’s plan to reopen Florida. Recognizing the adverse impact 8 | Escambia County Medical Society in conjunction with Santa Rosa County

that Executive Order 20-72 had on patients with non-COVID-19 related healthcare conditions, Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted the ban on elective procedures. Executive Order 20-112 provides that hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental offices, orthodontic offices, endodontic offices or other healthcare practitioners’ offices (i.e., physicians) may perform procedures prohibited by EO 20-72 only if: • The facility has the capacity to immediately convert additional facility-identified surgical and intensive care beds for treatment of COVID-19 patients in a surge capacity situation; • The facility has adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to complete all medical procedures and respond to COVID-19 treatment needs, without the facility seeking any additional federal or state assistance regarding PPE supplies; • The facility has not sought any additional federal, state, or local government assistance regarding PPE supplies since resuming elective procedures; and • The facility has not refused to provide support to and proactively engage with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and other long-term care residential providers.

In subsequent orders related to EO 20-112, the Governor did not amend the provision relating to elective procedures. The Governor’s order came a little over a week after the FMA delivered a letter from FMA President Ron F. Giffler, MD, JD, MBA, requesting that EO 20-72 be lifted to ensure that patients will be able to continue to access the high-quality healthcare services they need.

Executive Order 20-139: Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.

Plan for Florida’s Recovery Effective: June 5, 2020 The Details: The Governor’s transition to Phase 2 of his plan to reopen Florida primarily focused on “responsible individual activity” and increased the capacity for establishments such as restaurants, museums, gyms, and retail. However, this Order did not remove the conditional PPE requirements that physicians must meet before performing elective procedures as set forth above in EO 20-112.

FMA members who have additional questions can contact our General Counsel’s office at legal@FLmedical.org for assistance.

ECMS Foundation Physician Wellness Program Helping Healers Heal

TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE To schedule an appointment 1) Email patrick@psyassociates.com or call (850) 434-5033 x8 2) Identify yourself as a member of Escambia County Medical Society and that you wish to utilize the Physician Wellness Program

FREE & CONFIDENTIAL MEMBER BENEFIT

Medical/Legal

Top 7 Insurance and Legal Questions for Resuming Medical Practice During COVID-19 Todd Zeiter, Vice President of Underwriting, The Doctors Company As a company founded and led by physicians, we have unique insight into medical liability and the factors that lead to lawsuits against doctors. And in these unprecedented times, we are committed to providing information and support so you can focus on practicing medicine.

We’ve heard from physicians that they are concerned about the risks involved in reopening their practices, resuming elective procedures, or otherwise resuming something closer to their usual patient interactions. In response to these concerns, we’re providing answers to common Q: Am I covered for employee claims involving COVID-19?

A: If an employee of yours makes the claim that you failed to provide a safe work environment—for instance, that you did not provide PPE, and they subsequently contracted COVID-19— that claim would fall outside of your medical professional liability coverage.

In those instances, your agent can advise you regarding whether the claim is covered by your employment practices liability insurance.

Q: Am I covered if a patient alleges they contracted COVID-19 in my office?

A: If you are covered by The Doctors Company, the short answer is yes.

The longer answer involves separating what the physician can’t control from what they can: Of course, you cannot guarantee that any given patient will not contract COVID-19. However, you can perform daily reviews of any new CDC guidelines, train your staff, and maintain infection control standards—

insurance coverage questions to help physicians anticipate issues before they become problems.

First and foremost, we urge physicians to check daily for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local medical societies, and local health departments. We also urge physicians to have a plan for how to communicate changes to staff and to document that they are doing so—if only by jotting quick notes in an electronic calendar.

The following are answers to the top questions from our members and doctors across the country:

and document that you are doing those things. In case of a lawsuit, your goodfaith effort to maintain the standard of care as it evolves is in your favor.

Q: Can I continue my practice contrary to state recommendations?

A: We will rely on your professional judgment relative to your practice and your patients’ best interests. That said, as you evaluate your patients’ needs against your local backdrop of infection risks and legal changes, realize that mandates are stronger than recommendations.

We encourage you to follow all state mandates, laws, bulletins, and orders.

For example, if a state has opened the door for elective procedures but not cosmetic procedures, and a physician is performing cosmetic procedures, this makes it almost impossible for us to successfully defend that physician in court because they have knowingly violated a state requirement or the law. Therefore, reduce liability by following your local health authority’s

10 | Escambia County Medical Society in conjunction with Santa Rosa County

recommendations and abiding by the local current standard of care.

Q: If I cannot yet resume my usual level of patient interaction, can I adjust my coverage to reduce my premium?

A: Many practices have experienced a significant reduction in patient encounters and therefore revenue. Talk to your agent or underwriter about adjusting your service. The Doctors Company offers two types of coverage adjustment: reduction in time (full-time to part-time practice) and/or reduction in the nature of procedures performed (surgical to office-based practice).

Either or both would reduce premium.

In case of temporary practice closure, we can temporarily suspend coverage.

Remember to work with your agent or underwriter to reinstate your customary level of coverage upon reopening or resuming your customary level of patient interaction.

Medical/Legal Q: Am I covered if I provide services outside the scope of my specialty?

A: Check with your agent or underwriter.

If you're being requested to provide services outside of the scope of your specialty such as assisting with triage in an emergency department (ED), whether being remunerated or not, your coverage with The Doctors Company will not be impacted. We will rely upon your professional judgment. If you have the necessary training and are comfortable performing in that particular capacity, your coverage will follow you.

The same holds true for your nonphysician staff when acting under your scope and direction: If they are requested or volunteer to offer services outside of your practice insured with us, coverage under your policy will follow them.

If, however, a non-physician staff member is stepping outside of your scope and direction, they should seek coverage from the facility or practice with whom they're offering services.

Q: Assuming elective surgeries or procedures are allowed, what special considerations apply during COVID-19?

A: The return to offering procedures will not be like flipping a switch; it will be a gradual process. Use your best judgment to determine whether you have the capability to safely perform the procedure based on your location, patient population, type of procedure, your assessment of the degree of increased risk, and your evaluation of the risks and benefits to the patient.

Have a heart-to-heart with the patient, a true informed consent process that accounts for the increased risks during COVID-19, not just a form for the patient to sign—and document those conversations. No one knows what things will look like in a year or two, so documenting clinical reasoning based on conditions right now is critical.

Q: What if I have documented my best clinical judgment, but the insurer disagrees? Will I still be defended in case of a suit?

A: If you are a member of The Doctors Company, you can count on aggressive, effective defense of your claim. We do not cast doubt on our members’ clinical judgment. However, we strongly recommend that you document your clinical reasoning in case of a suit.

The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome.

The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.

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Foundation

ESCAMBIA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION Dear Medical Society Physicians; Greetings from your Foundation! I hope you and your families are staying healthy, and sane!!

As with everything, our programs have been challenged, but continue on course and our "New Program" continues to evolve. And our Board will have some transitions, as below.

• The Blood Pressure Cuff Program: the BP Cuff program has surmounted recent hurdles, and continues to supply cuffs to indigent patients.

These continue to help patients monitor their blood pressure and limit hypertension sequelae.

• The We Care Program: as you know, this program provides indigent care to patients through participating Society physicians. This has become more difficult, but there is no other avenue like it. Let us know if you can help – it makes a big difference!

• The Go Seniors Program: the Go Senior vouchers enable indigent patients to make their doctor's appointments. If your administrators need any help, have them get hold of Erica.

• FSU Medical School Scholarship: your Foundation awards a yearly scholarship to a 4th year medical student. This enables their studies, encourages them to return to the area to practice, and is completely endowed. No further contributions necessary!

• The 1873 Society; commemorating the founding date of ECMS, this arm of membership helps fund all of our programs, while giving you a tax deduction. Please join!

• "New Program"; our new mind-body medicine wellness program is still evolving. We had hoped to have it up and running this month, but have had to delay things with the viral surge. This will be run by Dr. Rohit Amin, certified through the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Mass General.

We are aiming for a start in September. Stay tuned!

As I mentioned above, the Foundation Board is transitioning its members. I will be stepping down as President, but remain on the Board, and Dr. Ellen McKnight will take over as President. Dr. John Lanza is retiring from the DOH and will be stepping off the board. Thanks for allowing me to serve on the Foundation Board, and we will look forward to growing the philanthropic arm of the Escambia County Medical Society.

Thanks to all other Board members; Drs. Joanne Bujnoski, Jennifer Miley, Karen Snow and Wayne Willis.

We will look forward to growing the philanthropic arm of the Escambia County Medical Society.

Kurt A. Krueger, MD Pres., ECMS Foundation

• Pensacola State College Endowment: this continues to be facilitated by the Foundation and enables students at PSC to pursue health related fields of study. It likewise helps promote graduates to stay in the area after they graduate.

• The Physician Wellness Program; the PWP serves members to help navigate their practises - needed now more than ever! Access more information through our website and take advantage of this service. First three meetings are free to members!

12 | Escambia County Medical Society in conjunction with Santa Rosa County

Foundation

Foundation

THE 1873 SOCIETY Since 1873, Escambia and Santa Rosa County Medical Society physicians have dedicated themselves to their patients and the people of Escambia/Santa Rosa County. To further our mission and build on the loyal support of our members, the Board of Directors approved the formation of The 1873 Society, a special recognition opportunity to formally honor physicians who contribute to our organization and have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the quality of health care and well-being of our community.

As a member of The 1873 Society your good name as a physician will be honored in our community

forever – entwined with the good works of the medical society in a cherished legacy.

Membership in The 1873 Society is for physicians who have chosen to pledge $3,000 to Escambia County Medical Society Foundation, Inc. This can be accomplished through a single gift or a recurring gift of $1,000 over three years, THREE IN THREE! The 1873 Society members are recognized and awarded with their names permanently engraved on a traveling Wall of Honor to be displayed in the ECMS office and at ECMS and ECMSF events.

THE 1873 SOCIETY MEMBERS

The individuals listed below are both founding members as well as others who have joined The 1873 Society since its founding. We thank you for joining their distinguished ranks.

Joanne Bujnoski, D.O.

Jennifer Miley, M.D.

Robert Sackheim, M.D.

Kurt Krueger, M.D.

Jack Kotlarz, M.D.

Michelle Brandhorst, M.D.

Ken Long, M.D.

Hillary Hultstrand, M.D.

Steve Ziller, M.D.

Ellen W. McKnight, M.D.

Brett Parra, M.D.

Who is the Escambia County Medical Society Foundation?

The Escambia County Medical Society Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthcare services on a volunteer and funding basis through its members. The Foundation was created in 1994. The primary goal is to assure access to adequate healthcare for the medically indigent citizens of the area, to study and promote improved methods and facilities for healthcare, to pursue the protection of public health, implement the means of financing healthcare at reasonable costs to cooperate with other organizations and institutions interested in pursuing these goals, and disseminate information concerning healthcare in general. Current Foundation programs include “We Care” and “Go Seniors!”

Contact the ECMS Foundation for more information | 850.478.0706 or info@escambiaCMS.org

www.escambiacms.org | 13

Foundation

THANK YOU Kurt A. Krueger, M.D. 2016-2020 Thank you Dr. Kurt Krueger for your service to the ECMS Foundation.

Creation of the Physician Wellness Program, Blood Pressure Cuff Program, annual holiday wreath fundraiser and 1873 Society $15,000 Grant from the MAG Mutual Foundation for the Physician Wellness Program $33,000 in donations from the 1873 Society Two annual event fundraisers totalling over $8000 in income Expansion and growth of: Go Seniors Voucher Transportaion Program.

We Care Program, Science Fair Scholarship, FSU College of Medicine Scholarship Endowment, Pensacola State College endowment

14 | Escambia County Medical Society in conjunction with Santa Rosa County

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Baptist Medical Group welcomes Vincent B. Barker, M.D., to Baptist Medical Group Primary Care – Gulf Breeze. Dr. Barker is a board-certified family medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in emergency and family medicine. He earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Marten, Netherlands Antilles. He completed his residency at Reading Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania where he served as chief resident. Dr. Barker joins Baptist from Pioneer Community Hospital in Blakely, Georgia where he served as medical director and emergency room director. More information is available at BaptistMedicalGroup.org.

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Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute is pleased to welcome two new physicians, cardiologist Zhaohui Li, Ph.D., M.D., FACC and cardiothoracic surgeon Russell S. Ronson, M.D. Dr. Li is double board certified in internal medicine and cardiology, as well as fellowship trained in adult cardiovascular medicine. He earned his doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China and received his master’s in cardiology at Medical School of Xi’an Jiao Tong University in Xi’an, China. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Mount Vernon Hospital in Mount Vernon, New York and a fellowship in cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Dr. Ronson earned his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire. He completed residencies in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University School of Medicine as well as a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Virginia Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Charlottesville, Virginia.

More information about both Dr. Li and Dr. Ronson is available at BaptistMedicalGroup.org.

Vincent Barker Joins Baptist Medical Group Primary Care – Gulf Breeze

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