Collier County Medical Society (CCMS), the local professional association for physicians, is pleased to announce the installation of its 2025-2026 board president and directors. Dr. Jose Baez began his one-year term as the 68th CCMS board president at the Medical Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting, June 14th at Arthrex One Conference Center. Dr. Michael Patete, Florida Medical Association past president, administered the oath of office, and Dr. Zubin Pachori, outgoing CCMS board president, presented the ceremonial president’s gavel.
Dr. Baez is a board-certified internist with a private practice in North Naples. He attended medical school at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. While in private practice in Connecticut, he was Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine. Dr. Baez has served on numerous hospital committees and medical association boards. He has chaired the CCMS Membership Committee since 2018 and served on the CCMS delegation to the Florida Medical Association for 10 years. He joined the CCMS board in 2015.
“As president, I see the Collier County Medical Society as a powerful force for collaboration. From advancing physician wellness initiatives, and taking action to improve outcomes for chronic illnesses, to advocating for evidence-based assistance of AI that empowers—rather than replaces—physicians,” said Dr. Baez. “Our society must help define how responsible innovation impacts and defines the future of medicine.”
The new 2025-2026 CCMS board of directors joining Dr. Baez are: Dr. Glenn Groat, Vice President; Dr. Alexandra Grace, Treasurer; Dr. Erik Hiester, Secretary; Dr. George Brinnig, Officer/Director at Large; and Drs. Mazen Albeldawi and Sonal Sura, Directors at Large. Dr. Zubin Pachori remains on the board as Immediate Past President. Ex-officio board members are April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director; Robin Babbo, CCMS Alliance President; and Drs. Yenlee Hernandez and Dairon Lago, Resident Physician Representatives. Also elected were alternates for the CCMS delegation to the Florida Medical Association: Drs. Rafael Haciski and Tam Mai.
The installation event was attended by nearly 200 local physicians, community leaders, and guests. Presenting sponsors were Apex Brain & Spine, Millennium Physician Group, and Vascular Center of Naples/Naples Prostate Center.