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Members began to congregate at 6:30 PM. The meeting was called to order at 6:55 PM by SCMS President Dr. John Robertson. The minutes from the November 14, 2006 Quarterly Meeting were approved as posted on the website.
Dr. Robertson announced that SCMS is celebrating its 80th anniversary of organized medicine in Seminole County. The theme for the meeting was “College Days”, and Dr. Robertson recognized the areas of the US that were represented.
Guests were introduced:
Joyce Malone - FMA lobbyist/grassroots
Linda Nagle, Executive Director – Lake/Sumter Medical Society
Jeff Scott, JD – FMA Associate General Counse;
Bill Sutton, Ruden McClosky
Mike Bittman, JD – GrayRobinson
David Schick, JD – GrayRobinson
New members since the last meeting were announced:
Keith Fisher, MD
Mohammed Masri, MD
Volunteers for the evening Sharon Hill and Rebecca Nichols were thanked for their help.
The Table Exhibit Partners were thanked:
- Vitas Hospice
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Physicians Sales & Service
- Evercare
Member Recognition – Dr. Robertson presented 2006 SCMS President Dr. Glen Davis with a plaque and thanked him for his efforts on behalf of SCMS.
SCMS Executive Director – Dr. Robertson announced that Amy Logan resigned as the SCMS Executive Director. Shirley Davis is the SCMS Acting Director until a new person is hired. Anyone wanting to apply for the job should contact Shirley or Dr. Robertson.
New SCMS logo – Dr. Robertson announced that a new logo has been designed for SCMS. The new one no longer has the outline of Seminole county.
SCMS Volunteer opportunities:
The FSU Medical School Orlando Campus needs physicians willing to help 3rd and 4th year medical students with clinical diagnosis. SCMS will contact the FSU Orlando Campus Dean Dr. Michael Muszynski if you are interested in helping.
Jesse Johnson MD asked for a show of hands on members interested in providing shadowing opportunities for 3rd and 4th year UCF Pre-Med students.
The Seminole County Science Fair on February 17th needs judges – anyone interested should contact Dr. Robertson.
Haiti Help Med Plus – Dr. Thomas Kelley presented Dr. Ralph Gousse with a $1500.00 check for Haiti Help Med Plus collected from physicians, staff and patients as the SCMS Foundation 2006 Holiday Charity Project.
Other charity and volunteer opportunities – Dr. Kelley reviewed the other charity projects the SCMS Foundation is involved in, and encouraged member support:
- The Shepherd’s Hope Clinic in Longwood
- United Servants Abroad - contact Dr. Michael Branch
- Pathways to Care in Casselberry – contact Dr. Kelly
Information about SCMS volunteer activities is on the SCMS website.
Next Meeting – May 22, 2007 - was announced. The topic will be “The UCF Medical School”. Dr. Deborah German, Dean of the UCF Medical School, and Eduardo Salas, PhD, from the UCF Department of Psychology, are expected to be the main presenters.
Program: Dr. Robertson introduce the program for the evening – “The SCMS Legal Benefit Program”; and introduced Jeff Scott, JD – FMA Associate General Counsel.
Mr. Scott reviewed the 2007 FMA legislative agenda, the FMA medical liability waiver, and the SCMS Legal Benefit Program.
Mr. Scott introduced the attorneys working with SCMS on the Legal Benefit Program:
Bill Sutton, JD - from Ruden McClosky. Mr. Sutton told the members that if they have an issue they must call an attorney and talk through it. Physicians should make sure an attorney reviews all contracts.
Mike Bittman, JD - from GrayRobinson. Mr. Bittman is an expert on Health law and echoed Mr. Sutton’s statement that physicians should seek their own counsel during a medical liability claim - even if the insurance company is providing an attorney. Physicians need to have a lawyer looking out for their best interest.
David Schick, JD – from GrayRobinson. Mr. Schick is a tax law and corporate health care tax law expert. He advises physicians on asset protection.
The attorneys entertained questions and answers from the floor. Information about the attorneys and the SCMS Legal Benefit Program is on the SCMS website.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Tanya Agard, MD
Secretary, SCMS
As recorded by Norma P. Ryan
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