Moving into the New Year with Cautious Optimism
By Mary Ann McCauley, Executive Director
Washoe County Medical Society moved steadily forward in 2021. We held an outdoor even in June to celebrate our 2021 board and Patrick Woodard, MD, as president. It was refreshing break from the many virtual gatherings. We then transitioned in September to bring Shaina Richardson, MD, president-elect, into the role of president when Dr. Woodard accepted a position in Memphis.
Renewals were strong in 2020 and 2021 as members recognized the value of being a part of organized medicine during the pandemic. WCMS and NSMA have served as clearinghouses for the dearth of information circulating about Covid.
We also gained several new members who joined as they moved to the Reno area to practice and some groups who joined to benefit from the association health plan.
Welcome to the 2022 Board
We welcomed new board members Mariko Rajamand, MD, and Colin West, MD, at our Jan. 12 board meeting. Congratulations newly elected officers Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, president-elect, and Daniel Spogen, MD, secretary/treasurer. Re-elected to board is Ali Nairizi, MD, Reno Tahoe Pain Associates, and United Pain Express Care, was re-elected to serve a second three-year term. Also re-elected was Tom Christensen, MD, Reno Orthopedic Clinic.
Dr. Rajamand, Renown Women’s Health, and Dr. West, emergency physician at Renown, will serve three-year terms. Dr. Curry-Winchell will automatically succeed to president in 2023. Dr. Spogen, who will serve a one-term as secretary-treasurer.
Returning board members include Shaina Richardson, MD, president; Jay Morgan, MD, past president; John Hardwick, MD; Tim O’Mara, MD; Tim Grunert, MD; Lars, MD; Robin White, MD, and Sharon Wright, MD.
Committee Opportunities
The board is not the only way to be engaged in WCMS. There are several NSMA joint commissions and WCMS committees you can join. The joint commissions are Medical Practice, Public Health and Governmental Affairs. WCMS has Membership/Public Relations, Internal Affairs and an ad hoc task force to review and recommend changes in our structure. Contact Mary Ann at [email protected] or text at 952-292-8130 to talk about your interest in joining one of these groups. The groups meet at different intervals and are meeting virtually.
Networking
We held our first happy hour on Jan. 6 at BeerNV. We welcomed several prospective members and renewed friendships with members who introduced us to the prospects. It also was terrific to chat with some long-time members and former presidents.
We plan to continue our happy hours every couple of months. These are small, casual gatherings with light appetizers and adult beverages.
Our main event will be June 11 at The Elm Estate. It will celebrate Dr. Richardson’s presidency. She’s chosen Flamenco as her theme. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Cocktails will be on the lawn followed by dinner indoors. Special entertainment is planned to make it a delightful evening.
Discounts for Newly Licensed
The boards of NSMA, WCMS and CCMS approved a special new members’ dues program. Physicians who have been licensed in Nevada no more than four years will join at 40% of the total dues owed. They then will renew on a graduated scale of 50%, 75% before reaching 100% in year four. We are exploring how we recognize those members who joined in 2021 who qualify for this program before the 2023 dues renewal cycle. If you have additional questions about this program, contact Wendy Hernandez, WCMS membership coordinator, at [email protected] or call her at 775-825-0278.
Dues Renewals
Thanks to those who have renewed their dues for FY2022 which began Oct. 1. I’m happy to report that we are within about 10% of reaching our dues revenue goal. However, time is running to renew so please do so soon by going to
https://nvdoctors.org/renew-today/.
