Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce the recognition of three physician members at its 67th Annual Meeting on June 15th at Arthrex One Conference Center. Erik Hiester, D.O.; Nena Korunda, M.D.; and Rebecca Smith, M.D. are recipients of the newly established CCMS President’s Award for their efforts in reviving the Physicians’ Community Talent Show. To join CCMS in honoring these physicians, interested attendees can register at ccmsonline.org/events.
The President’s Award, while not an annual recognition, is presented when the CCMS board of directors wishes to honor someone for their unique accomplishments related to healthcare. This year, the board has selected Drs. Hiester, Korunda, and Smith as the planning committee co-chairs of the Talent Show, which was held on November 11, 2023 at NCH.
The co-chairs planned a successful show that highlighted the talents of local physicians and healthcare providers, offering an entertaining night of song, dance, comedy, and more, while addressing access to care and physician burnout. The event raised nearly $25,000, and donated $8,265 each for the Foundation of CCMS, Physician Led Access Network (PLAN) of Collier County, and the Neighborhood Health Clinic. Watch video highlights at youtu.be/LXDFkELWgVc. The next Talent Show is planned for fall 2025.
Dr. Hiester is a board-certified Family Practice physician at NCH where he works with his wife, Dr. Karen Hiester. He has a piano performance minor from the University of Miami and has accompanied instrumental and praise bands the last 20 years. He is a director-at-large on the CCMS board.
“It is my honor to share the President’s Award with my colleagues Dr. Smith and Dr. Korunda,” remarked Dr. Hiester. “Our combined and sustained efforts developing the re-envisioned 2023 Physicians’ Community Talent Show resulted in an exceptionally successful event. Moreover, having the opportunity to discover and share hidden talents with our colleagues, transcending our medical spheres, has been inspiring and moving.”
Dr. Korunda, who opened Korunda Medical Institute in 2008, has also founded “Little Angels Worldwide”, a nonprofit organization to help orphanages in Croatia and Nigeria. She is vice-chair of the CCMS Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and a board member of PLAN.
“Through our collective efforts, we brought together a remarkable showcase of talent and strengthened our bonds with fellow physicians and the wider community,” said Dr. Korunda. “Witnessing the results of our meticulous planning during that unforgettable evening was truly special. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful event.”
Dr. Smith is a physician with NCH Medical Group and specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, and Pain Medicine. She has maintained a lifelong appreciation of the role of “mind body spirit” in maintaining wellbeing. She is the immediate past president of the CCMS board.
“It was terrific to see the amazing talents of our physicians and healthcare community,” Dr. Smith commented. “I am thankful for the amazing support that was given to us by our local sponsors and hospital systems, as well as the participation of our Naples community. “