Aug. 19, 2026

On Aug. 10, President Donald Trump signed an executive order regarding childhood vaccine recommendations. The order has generated discussion among physicians, public health leaders, and policymakers nationwide.

However, because state governments retain the authority to set and enforce school immunization requirements and exemptions, and Colorado lawmakers acted to protect vaccine access in the 2026 legislative session, the impact on practices in the state should be minimal. 

The American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement emphasizing that vaccines are among the most thoroughly studied and effective tools available to prevent serious disease. AMA President Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, stated that decisions about vaccine use should be guided by scientific evidence, patient safety, and independent medical and public health expertise.

Ballots for the 2026 CMS leadership election were sent Saturday, Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. from the sender [email protected], with a reminder sent to those who haven't voted on Aug. 15. Voting will remain open through the end of August. This year's ballot includes one candidate for CMS president-elect and seven candidates seeking six positions on the Colorado Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA). Learn more about the candidates for the AMA Delegation by reading their candidate statements here. 

Ballots and instructions on voting process were sent to the primary email address associated with your CMS membership—the same address where you receive this e-newsletter. To update your contact information, reply to this email or call 720-859-1001.

The Colorado Medical Society is conducting our annual member information update. Thanks in advance for helping us keep your information on file accurate. To update your email address, log in (CMS.org/login) to the CMS website and navigate to the update functionality (UPDATE in the header of the page, CMS.org/update). If you forgot your password, please use the lost password functionality (CMS.org/password-reset).

If your phone number, home address, business address or practice status has changed, please contact the CMS membership department at [email protected] or 720-859-1001.

It is strict CMS policy that your personal information is never sold or shared.

Free webinar for IMG physicians from Panacea Financial: What Your Contract Isn't Telling You (Thursday, Aug. 20, 5 p.m. MT). A physician contract attorney breaks down how to benchmark your pay, spot the clauses that matter most (visa terms, non-competes, bonuses, termination), and negotiate with confidence. Bring your contract questions to ask during the live Q&A. If you can't make it live, register to receive the recording after the live webinar.

The Lodge at Vail is ready to welcome us for our Annual Meeting next month, but the deadline to secure your discounted accommodations is rapidly approaching on Aug. 24.

As Vail's iconic first hotel, this premier alpine property sits steps from Gondola One in the heart of Vail Village, offering an exceptional blend of classic charm and luxury. Before or after programming, you can recharge at the world-class RockResorts Spa, relax by the heated outdoor pools, or experience fine dining on-site at Cucina and Elway’s.

Rooms are filling quickly, and our discounted group rate expires on Monday, Aug. 24. Please book your stay by calling 855-953-0197 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MT and reference the group name (Colorado Medical Society 2026 Annual Meeting) and group code (BVLCMS26) for preferred rates. 

Webinar: Serious Illness Conversations – Tools, Frameworks and Case Studies
Wednesday, Aug. 26 | 7–8 a.m. | Virtual via Zoom
Earn 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Every physician encounters patients facing serious illness, difficult treatment decisions, or uncertainty about the future. Having meaningful conversations about goals of care is one of the most important skills in medicine, regardless of specialty.

Join us for this practical one-hour webinar and gain tools you can use immediately in your practice. Better yet, the 7-8 a.m. timeframe makes it easy to listen in during your morning commute or before clinic begins.

Accreditation Statement: 
The Colorado Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation: 

There's still time to take a more active role in the Colorado Medical Society. CMS is seeking member volunteers for a variety of leadership, mentorship, and committee opportunities, including the Committee on Professional Education and Accreditation, the new Membership Committee, local and state Board of Directors positions, and mentorship programs.

Whether you can contribute a few minutes each month or are ready to take on a larger leadership role, volunteering is a great way to expand your professional network, develop new skills, and help shape the future of medicine in Colorado. Deadline: Aug. 21. Questions? Reply to this email or contact [email protected].

Seventy percent of individuals 65 and older will need long-term care. The best time to prepare financially for your own long-term care is now. Why? Because your health insurance does not cover long-term care nor does Medicare. 

The Colorado Medical Society, in partnership with Copic Financial, has worked with BuddyIns to develop a special offer: long-term care with a life insurance benefit. Maximize your member benefits by setting up your policy during long-term care enrollment, available on a rolling monthly basis. Purchase coverage during an enrollment period with guaranteed approval and affordable premiums. This is a policy that you can keep for the rest of your life and use anywhere in the U.S.

For over a century, the white coat has been the preeminent symbol of the physician, and for more than 30 years, the White Coat Ceremony has marked a physician’s first promise to their patients. This month, thousands of new medical students nationwide will don their first white coat, continuing a tradition created to instill compassion at the very start of a medical career.
 
As they take their first oath these students are not just starting school. They are beginning a lifelong commitment to the doctor-patient relationship, to protecting time in the exam room, and to putting patients' needs at the center of every decision. Read more on the history of White Coat Ceremonies.

This post is part of the You Care is at our Core campaign. Read more about Your Care is at our Core here and share your story to be used in CMS publications.

Between long shifts and packed schedules, your checking account is probably the last thing on your mind. But the right one can actually work for you, and right now, opening a Panacea Checking Account can put up to $300 back in your pocket. Here are three simple ways to earn it:

Panacea Checking was designed for doctors with unpredictable schedules and busy lives — no maintenance fees, no minimums after opening, and free overdraft protection, all connected to the rest of your financial life in one platform.

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Panacea Financial is a division of Primis Bank. Member FDIC. See full account and offer terms and conditions.

Orthopedic Clinic Space Available for Lease at Boulder Community Hospital Campus

Clinic space available to lease on campus at Boulder Community Hospital - in the Riverbend Complex, corner location.  Partial or full week space available.  2-5 exam rooms, front desk and waiting room, physical therapy space, xray room, casting/DME room in a functioning orthopaedic surgery clinic space.  Prime location on top/2nd floor with elevator and stairs access.  Parking right outside.  Call for more information - 303-665-0286, hit option 4 for a staff member.

Family Medicine Office Space & Practice Opportunity – Lafayette

Established family medicine physician (30 years in practice) offering flexible opportunities in a unique, patient‑friendly office setting located in a renovated home in Lafayette. Available options include rental of two treatment rooms (approximately $900/month per room), with additional space for reception and storage.

Opportunity to see existing patients while building your own panel, with most major insurances accepted (excluding Medicaid). Ideal for a physician seeking a gradual transition—also includes potential purchase of a well‑established practice with 2,000–3,000 patients.

Contact for more details: 303-588-4740 [email protected]

Do you have a position open at your practice? Space to sub-let? Selling your practice? Place a CMS Community Marketplace ad! CMS members receive the first month free. Contact [email protected] for more information!