Contributors to This Issue

J. Bianca Roberts, MD
Physician suicide is almost twice the rate of the general population. Dr. Roberts says an honest answer to a simple question — “How are you doing” — and resources for treatment can save a life.
Aileen Wetzel
As America ages, Medicare is becoming a growing part of physicians’ practices. But payments are dropping, including a 2% cut this year. Aileen shares how CMA and SSVMS are fighting for reform.
Caroline Giroux, MD
Meditation can provide tremendous benefits, but it takes practice. Dr. Giroux explains how being clumsy at a retreat didn’t prevent her from aiming toward enlightenment.

To email an author with comments, click on their picture.
Eric Williams, MD
Picture yourself standing at a busy intersection in a cosmopolitan city, as thousands of people pass by. “Us People,” Dr. Williams’ new poem, reminds us that each person has a story, yet we are all connected.
Emma McIntyre, MS I
Emma had a memorable childhood dream in which she could breathe underwater. Years later, her dream, with its fears and acceptance, has an amazing parallel with her first year of medical school.
Sam Mello
Sam, our program and events manager and all-around go-to person at SSVMS, had the daunting task of compiling and leading the design of our 2022 Annual Report. We think you’ll agree she did a great job.
2022 Annual Report
This issue features the 2022 SSVMS Annual Report, in which we recount your Medical Society’s accomplishments, member events, programs and thank our many volunteers who help make those services possible. We’re making a difference among physicians through Joy of Medicine and in the community through our opioid outreach, SPIRIT and Honoring Wishes programs. Our Annual Report also gives us a chance to thank our volunteers, donors and partners who make all we do possible.
All articles are copyrighted for publication in this magazine and on the Society’s website. Contact the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society for permission to reprint.
Editorial Committee
Megan Babb, DO
Sean Deane, MD
Caroline Giroux, MD
Aidan Healy, MD
Manoj Kesarwani, MD
Robert LaPerriere, MD
Karen Poirier-Brode, MD
Gerald Rogan, MD
Leslie Tamura, DO
Glennah Trochet, MD
Lee Welter, MD
Eric Williams, MD
Medical Student Representatives

Aileen Wetzel, Executive Director
Ken Smith, Managing Editor

Cover photo: Poppies welcome the arrival of spring. Photo by David Evans, MD.
Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine, the official journal of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, is a forum for discussion and debate of news, official policy and diverse opinions about professional practice issues and ideas, as well as information about members’ personal interests.
Advertising rates and information sent upon request. Acceptance of advertising in Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society of products or services advertised. Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine and the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society reserve the right to reject any advertising.
Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine or the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as to reject any material submitted. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. ©2023 Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society
Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine (ISSN 0886 2826) is published bimonthly by the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, 5380 Elvas Ave., Sacramento, CA 95819. Subscriptions are $26.00 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA and additional mailing offices. Correspondence should be addressed to Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine, 5380 Elvas Ave., Sacramento, CA 95819-2396. Telephone (916) 452-2671.
2023 Officers & Board of Directors
J. Bianca Roberts, MD, President
Vanessa Walker, DO, President-Elect
Paul Reynolds, MD, Immediate Past President
District 1
Lisa Guirguis, MD
District 2
Janine Bera, MD
Adam Dougherty, MD
Raminder Gill, MD
Susan Murin, MD
District 3
Ravinder Khaira, MD
District 4
Shideh Chinichian, MD
District 5
Christina Bilyeu, MD
John Coburn, MD
Farzam Gorouhi, MD
Roderick Vitangcol, MD
District 6
Karen Hopp, MD
Volume 74/Number 2
Official publication of the
Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society
5380 Elvas Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95819
916.452.2671
916.452.2690 fax
info@ssvms.org