As part of its ongoing initiative to foster connections between residents, visitors, and quality healthcare in Southwest Florida, Collier County Medical Society and the Foundation of CCMS hosted the 17th Annual Women’s Health Forum, themed “Stronger Tomorrow: Women’s Health & Vitality.” This free public health education event took place on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM at the Naples United Church of Christ.
Nearly 300 participants attended the highly anticipated Forum, which offered a range of educational sessions from 27 CCMS member physician speakers, panelists, and moderators. In addition to the informative talks, attendees explored an exhibit hall featuring vendors offering women-focused health resources, products, and services. Healthy refreshments were provided, and the event’s success was supported by 19 partner organizations and 16 volunteers, alongside the dedicated Forum committee and CCMS staff.
“We are grateful for the success of this year’s Women’s Health Forum,” said Dr. Theresa Vensel, Forum Committee Chair. “This event once again served as a powerful platform for delivering valuable medical insights to our attendees. We sincerely appreciate the physicians who shared their expertise and the supporters whose generosity helped us raise nearly $6,500 for the Foundation of CCMS.”
The Forum was centered on empowering attendees with the knowledge to enhance their health and vitality for a stronger tomorrow. Presentations covered a broad spectrum of topics, designed to inspire and educate women on their wellness journeys. Key subjects included innovations in women’s health, emerging medical technologies, and the latest developments in preventive care.
Some of the featured topics included Aesthetics, Fitness & Nutrition, GI & Colon Care, Gynecology, Mental Well-being, Menopause, Oncology & Cancer Risk, Orthopedics, Urology, and Vascular Health. Each presentation was followed by a dedicated Q&A session with the presenting physician, offering attendees the chance to dive deeper into each subject.
An essential aspect of the Women’s Health Forum is its role in supporting the charitable Foundation of CCMS. The event raised funds for scholarships for future medical professionals and to support local healthcare programs in need. Generous contributions from sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees made this possible. Donations at the door totaled nearly $1,500, and CCMS will be contributing an additional $5,000 from the sponsor and exhibitor fees. More details on the Foundation’s initiatives can be found at ccmsfoundation.org.
The 17th Annual Women’s Health Forum was made possible thanks to the generosity of title sponsor Apex Brain & Spine, along with other key sponsors including Hobdari Family Health, Inspire Oncology, Life in Naples Magazine, Magnolia Breast Center, McKenney Home Care, Precision Healthcare Specialists, and the Vascular Center of Naples. Numerous exhibitors and supporters were also crucial to the event’s success. Information on participating in the 2027 Women’s Health Forum will be available this fall.
Thank you to the Women’s Health Forum committee:
- Theresa Vensel, MD – Chair
- Caroline Cederquist, MD
- Catherine Kowal, MD
- Susan Liberski, MD
- Ariel Pollock, MD
- Lina Sakr, MD
- Marilyn Varcoe, PhD
Thank you to the Women’s Health Forum speakers, panelists, and moderators:
- Elizabeth Arguelles, MD
- Russell Becker, DO
- Elliot Blau, MD
- Andrew Bonett, MD
- Daniela Burchhardt, MD
- Susan Cera, MD
- Ankit Chander, MD
- Zachary Elstad, MD
- Anika Fernandez, MD
- Edward Grendys Jr, MD
- Lindita Hobdari, MD
- Thad Kammerlocher, MD
- Catherine Kowal, MD
- Susan Liberski, MD
- Tam Mai, MD
- Danielle Matta, DO
- Michael McGee, MD
- Sharla Gayle Patterson, MD
- Raymond Phillips, MD
- Ariel Pollock, MD
- Carol Roberts, MD
- Amanda Sacino, MD
- Stacey Sensor, DO
- Sandraliz Solano, MD
- Linsey Stocco, DO
- Sonal Sura, MD
- Matthew Sweet, MD