Leaders of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS), the local professional association for physicians, were recently elected to positions and recognized at the Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting, July 25-27 in Orlando.
CCMS Past President Dr. Rebekah Bernard was elected FMA Treasurer, serving on the FMA Executive Committee and the FMA Board of Governors, and to the FMA delegation to the American Medical Association. With over 20 years of clinical experience as a family medicine physician across community health, hospital-based practice, and private ownership, Dr. Bernard brings a deep understanding of the challenges Florida physicians face every day. For more than a decade, she has been a leader in organized medicine, advocating for physicians, patients, and the integrity of the profession. Dr. Bernard is also a member of Lee County Medical Society.
CCMS Past President Dr. Rafael Haciski was re-elected to the FMA’s delegation to the American Medical Association. He has served on the delegation since 2018. A board-certified gynecologist in solo private practice, Dr. Haciski is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Haciski is committed to strengthening and redirecting the voice of the AMA ensuring that it is effective and represents what physicians want and need at the grassroots level.
CCMS Executive Director April Donahue was honored with the FMA Certificate of Appreciation, which recognizes outstanding service to the Association, to the medical profession, and to the public. In addition to her role with CCMS, she serves as Managing Director of both the Miami-Dade County Medical Association and Broward County Medical Associations. Her work experience spans nearly two decades in organized medicine, including previous roles at the Hawaii Medical Association.
Additionally, CCMS past president Dr. Catherine Kowal continues to serve on the FMA Board of Governors as the medical specialties representative. Dr. Kowal is a rheumatologist in private practice in Naples.