Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce that Rebekah Bernard, M.D. is the recipient of the 12th Annual CCMS Physician of the Year Award. This award honors a CCMS member who deserves special recognition for exemplary contributions to the practice of medicine and/or outstanding service to our community. Members of the Medical Society submitted nominations for the award to the CCMS Board of Directors, who this year selected Dr. Bernard, as nominated by Dr. Catherine Kowal.
The award will be presented at the CCMS 69th Annual Meeting & Installation of Officers on June 20 at Arthrex One Conference Center. Interested attendees can register for the event at ccmsonline.org/events, or by contacting CCMS: (239) 435-7727 or info@ccmsonline.org. Sponsorships are also available, please contact CCMS for details. The event is open to the public.
“I’m incredibly honored by this recognition, which I owe to the mentors, sponsors, and colleagues who created room for me at the table and encouraged me to do more,” said Dr. Bernard. “I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, speaking out, and supporting one another. I hope this encourages other physicians, especially women, to step forward, because there is a place for your voice and it truly matters.”
Dr. Bernard is board-certified in family medicine with extensive experience across multiple care settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed a Family Medicine residency at Florida Hospital, Orlando. She is a nationally recognized expert in scope of practice and physician wellness and owns and operates a private practice, Gulf Coast Direct Primary Care.
Dr. Bernard is the co-founder of Physicians for Patient Protection, an organization committed to preserving physician-led care. She is also a published author, podcast host, frequent speaker, and consistently advocates for both physicians and patients nationwide as well as for the integrity of the profession.
A past president of CCMS, Dr. Bernard remains an active leader, serving on the Foundation of CCMS board and endowing a new scholarship fund to be announced this spring. She has held numerous leadership roles, including service on the Florida Medical Association Board of Governors and Audit Committee, and was elected FMA Treasurer at their 2025 Annual Meeting. Last year, she spearheaded the launch of the Florida Women Physicians Retreat, now an annual statewide event for women physicians. Widely respected for her leadership and advocacy, her contributions to patient care and the medical profession have earned national recognition and continue to drive meaningful impact across the field.
“Dr. Bernard has been a tremendous asset to CCMS and a dedicated advocate for physicians, particularly women physicians,” commented Dr. Kowal in her nomination. “Her leadership, service, and commitment to physician-led care represent the very best of our medical community.”
“Recognizing physicians who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their patients and their community is a cornerstone of our mission,” said CCMS Board President, Dr. Jose Baez. “Dr. Bernard’s influence extends far beyond her practice, shaping the future of healthcare and inspiring others across our profession. This honor is a testament to her remarkable contributions.”