And Surgeons
Healthcare News and Updates from CVMS and MSV
This page will provide updates on medical news you need to know regarding our healthcare system, healthcare delivery, interesting articles, meeting updates, events, and even some entertainment. If you have an article you would like to share or a thoughtful, constructive concern or opinion, please send it to cvmedsoc@gmail.com so we can publish it here.
"Knowledge has power. It controls access to opportunity and advancement."
--Peter Drucker
Oct 16, 2025
Letter to Governor Youngkin re: COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
The Honorable Glenn Youngkin
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218
Dear Governor Youngkin,
On behalf of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society (CVMS), based in the Hampton Roads area of Southeast Virginia, I would like to bring to your attention the concern of our members regarding the potential public health risks associated with the current VDH guidance on the administration of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to citizens of our Commonwealth. Similar to influenza, the COVID-19 virus is a respiratory virus that can result in illness that ranges from mild to severe. Although those at the opposite ends of the age ranges, infants/young children and the elderly, have historically been seen as most vulnerable, we now have 5 years of data that confirm that the impact of this virus on individual patients is not always predictable. In 2024, 47,000 Americans died from COVID-19 infections vs 28,000 from influenza. Given this data, it is counterintuitive that the influenza vaccine continues to be recommended for all age groups but the Virginia Department of Health has adopted the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines that stratify patients based on age and underlying medical conditions which increases the risk of preventable illness and disease spread during the upcoming holiday and winter seasons.We would also like to ensure that you are aware of the fact that on Sept 19, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revised Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously recommended that vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual decision-making. Although they acknowledged the risk-benefit of vaccination in individuals under age 65 is most favorable for those who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for individuals who are not at an increased risk, they focused on the importance of shared clinical decision-making between patients and their medical providers, rather than focusing on age and condition-based criteria. They have also stated that this approach allows for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms including entitlement programs such as the Vaccines for Children Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as insurance plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.We do appreciate that Virginia Health Commissioner Karen Shelton issued updated guidance on 9/30/25 on the “Management of Healthcare Personnel (HCP) Exposed to or Infected with COVID-19 or Seasonal Influenza” which specifically supersedes prior CDC guidance and encourages HCP to stay up to date on influenza and COVID-19 immunizations based on occupational exposure rather than on their age or underlying personal medical conditions.The membership of CVMS strongly endorses that all Virginians who desire a 2025-2026 COVID vaccine should be able to receive one without restrictive criteria or financial barriers. The Republican party platform emphasizes a commitment to individual rights and liberties, limited government, and the importance of individual decision-making. As a Republican Governor, our expectation is that you would appliy these values to all areas that impact the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly to their healthcare decisions.
Sincerely,
Gregory Warth, MD
President
Coastal Virginia Medical Society
cvmedicalsociety.org
Email: cvmedsoc@gmail.com
Phone: 757-816-8399
Oct 16, 2025
Physician of the Year 2025
October 13, 2025
Sentara chief of cardiology named Physician of the Year:
The John J. Krueger Foundation selects Dr. Deepak Talreja for annual Hampton Roads award recognizing clinical excellence and community service.
Superman. Angel on earth. Heroic. Kindhearted. Hardworking. Mentor. Friend. Those are just a few of the terms patients and colleagues use to describe the John J. Krueger Foundation 2025 Physician of the Year,Deepak Talreja, M.D. Dr. Talreja is the clinical chief of cardiology for Sentara Health and the director of the Cardiovascular Division at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. He is also an associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School and spearheaded the development of the new cardiology fellowship program.
Additionally, Dr. Talreja has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, volunteers his time at the Beach Health Clinic as well as the Krueger Foundation, and shares countless hours with students considering a future in medicine.
The Krueger Foundation’s mission is to further the educational, philanthropic, and collegial efforts of the Virginia Beach medical community. Dr. Talreja exemplifies that mission through his exceptional contributions in service, leadership, and teaching.
As a high schooler, Dr. Talreja was taught and mentored by Dr. Krueger himself. Dr. John Krueger was a pathologist who served his patients and other physicians at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for more than 30 years. He was committed to providing young men and women with opportunities to consider pursuing a career in health care. Coming full circle, Dr. Talreja shares the same passion, allowing students to shadow, observe, and participate in research projects.
The Krueger Foundation was established in honor of its namesake who passed away in 1996. His legacy lives on in highly revered physicians like Dr. Talreja, who is the 29th Physician of the Year. His father, Roshan Talreja, M.D., won the award in 2016.
The award is based on clinical excellence and community service, with nominations made by Hampton Roads physicians and considered by the Krueger Foundation Committee.
“We thank you for caring for us as patients and becoming a leader in the medical community,” said Mark Winters, M.D., past chairman of the foundation. “Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and colleague.”
By: Jen Lewis
Oct 06, 2025
CVMS-Bulletin-October-2025
The official newsletter of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society.
Sep 13, 2025
Dinner Meeting September 12, 2025
Our Dinner Meeting last evening was a great success. I think most everyone had a great time socializing with their colleagues. The speakers were excellent. Mayor Bobby Dyer gave a wonderful talk about his own healthcare experiences as a physical therapist for over 40 years and later as a patient. He was made an Honorary Member of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society for his contribution to healthcare and his ongoing support of local physicians.
Our sponsor for the evening, Friska AI, was represented by Doug Stewart who provided an excellent presentation on how artificial intelligence can be integrated into a medical office to help improve patient care and reduce physician workloads.
Dr. Emily O'Rourke presented us with a very compelling method of medical practice known as Direct Patient Care (DPC) as an alternative to our current traditional fee-for-service model. She demonstrated that the cost of healthcare with DPC is much less than it is with insurance-based care. DPC truly seems to be the better model for both patients and physicians. Many physicians are reluctant to make the switch because of a temporary loss of income during the transition, but those who have done it are much happier in the long run.
Jul 28, 2025
Final Actions of the 2024 House of Delegates
A Listing of all the final actions of the Medical Society of Virginia House of Delegates in 2024.
Continue reading "Final Actions of the 2024 House of Delegates"
Jul 28, 2025
The Future of Healthcare
The future of healthcare in America depends to a large degree on how our new technology is used.
Jul 21, 2025
CVMS Bulletin July 2025
The official newsletter for Coastal Virginia Medical Society and Foundation
Jun 26, 2025
CVMS Events
This page contains information regarding upcoming events hosted by Coastal Virginia Medical Society
Jun 09, 2025
Podcasts
Coastal Virginia Medical Society is starting a series of Live Podcasts called Healthcare 101 to help everyone learn abut the problems associated with U.S. Healthcare. We are already in crisis mode but no one except providers seems to realize it. There are increasing numbers of patients, decreasing numbers of providers. The quality of care and the access to healthcare is decreasing rapidly. People are already suffering or dying as a result. This is not sustainable. Within the next few years there will very likely be an outcry from the public that too many people are dying due to no access and poor quality of care. Women's deaths are already increasing do to lack of adequate prenatal care. Birth mortality rates are already worse than most other developed countries. This Podcast offers a forum for providers and patients to talk about these problems and search for possible solutions.
These Podcasts will occur live every Thursday evening at 7PM for anyone who wishes to join in using the following link. Just copy and paste it into your browser.
No fees or registration required.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83128939522
Rules: 1. No foul language
2. No personal attacks or bullying
Jun 07, 2025
CVMS Committees
Describes the Committee Structure of CVMS and the tasks that are required of them.
May 27, 2025
CVMS Bulletin May 2025
The official newsletter of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society & Foundation, containing medical news, updates and commentary.
Apr 09, 2025
CVMS Bulletin April 2025
The Coastal Virginia Medical Society offers information, education, advocacy and support for physicians in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk, VA.
Mar 19, 2025
CVMS Bulletin March 2025
The Coastal Virginia Medical Society offers information, education, advocacy and support for physicians in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk, VA.
Mar 17, 2025
Coastal-Virginia-Medical-Foundation
Medical Foundation serving the needs of Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Feb 03, 2025
CVMS Bulletin Winter 2025
The official newsletter of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society
Jan 27, 2025
Physician Rights
A decription of the rights and responsibilities of a physician to provide quality patient care.
Jan 27, 2025
Patient Rights
A listing of patient right that should be listed and respected by any medical institution, clinic, and healthcare workers who provide patient care.
Jan 27, 2025
What are the Qualities of a Good Physician?
This is list of guidelines that all physicians and other health professions should strive to achieve.
Continue reading "What are the Qualities of a Good Physician?"
Nov 13, 2024
People Solutions Digest
Here is the latest edition of the monthly "People Solutions Digest" from Lockton that you might find interesting.
Oct 13, 2024
"Making a Difference" CME Medical Conference Hosted by CVMS on November 2
Our First Annual CME Medical Conference is scheduled for Saturday morning, November 2, 2024. Great topics. New information. You won't want to miss it!
Continue reading ""Making a Difference" CME Medical Conference Hosted by CVMS on November 2"
Oct 10, 2024
CVMS Bulletin October 2024
The Official newsletter of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society - October 2024 Edition
Oct 10, 2024
News from the Richmond Academy of Medicine
Tragic Resident Suicide Sends Warnings
The tragic March 1 suicide of 33-year-old GWU ophthalmology resident Dr. Will West has shaken the medical community, and his recently revealed suicide note sends a stark warning to hospitals about medical residents facing grueling conditions, severe overwork, and inadequate pay.
"Iron Will," as he was known to friends and family for his grit and determination, suffered from ADHD and depression but refused to seek treatment out of fear of the negative impacts it could have on his career. "Imperfection is not allowed. Weakness is not either. When it's there, it's treated with disdain instead of an opportunity for learning and growth," he revealed in his suicide note.
Dr. West also included his parting wish. "I hope that an effort can be made to understand, support, and mentor the residents rather than simply to assess and drive them toward their highest potential as doctors." He also addressed George Washington University's School of Medicine directly with the ominous warning that other residents are fighting a similar "life and death battle."
"Often that battle may cause symptoms that look an awful lot like laziness, lack of motivation or waste of intelligence, all unforgivable sins in our profession," Dr. West wrote and Daily Mail reports.
Continue reading "News from the Richmond Academy of Medicine"
Oct 04, 2024
Physician Satisfaction Survey
Are you satisfied with your career? Answer this anonymous survey.
Oct 04, 2024
How to Respond to an Auditor's Records Request
Thanks to a recent excellent informative document put out by the Hancock-Daniel law firm on the MSV website, physicians now have a reference for what to do when an auditor requests your records...
Continue reading "How to Respond to an Auditor's Records Request"
Sep 26, 2024
Krueger Medical Scholars Program
Through a combined effort among community physicians, the Krueger Foundation, Sentara Health, and local public and private high schools in the Hampton Roads area, and supported by a generous grant from TowneBank, a renewed Medical Scholars Program has been established. This program actually started several years ago but had to be discontinued during the pandemic. It has now been restarted beginning with Bayside High School and Norfolk Academy with plans to expand to most other local high schools as well.
What Is the Medical Scholars Program?
It is a program designed to allow upper level high school students to "shadow" community physicians and other health professionals as they work in their offices or in the hospital for two purposes: To enhance their education in the health sciences, and to provide students with the opportunity to see if they might want to consider a future career in Medicine. This would provide a great service to the community and eventually help to improve access to care.
If you might be interested in participating in this program, please call or email Greg Warth, MD at 757-816-8399 or medicalscholars363@gmail.com.
Here is a link to our website for more information...
Sep 26, 2024
Mark Warden at CVMS Meeting on September 19, 2024
Mark Warden gave a very informative presentation on the economy at our most recent meeting on September 19, 2024. Here is a link to a video showing most of his talk in case you weren't able to attend.
Continue reading "Mark Warden at CVMS Meeting on September 19, 2024"
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Newsletter
Stay up to date on issues and news you need to know. The CVMS Bulletin is published monthly and will list concerns that local physicians have expressed about healthcare in Coastal Virginia and how we can make it better. We will provide potential solutions and let you know what is happening behind the scenes to help solve these problems. Membership is not currently required to receive the newsletter.
Related Links
Association of American Physicians and Surgeons
Virginia Department of Health Professions
Virginia Beach Health Department
American College of Physicians/Advocacy
American College of Surgeons/Advocacy
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
VDH Certificate of Public Need Program
AMA: Certificate of Need: Evidence for Repeal
Educational Sites
Recent Articles
-
CVMS Membership Drive 2025
Oct 16, 25 10:53 AM
Information about the membership importance and benefits. -
Letter to Governor Youngkin re: COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Oct 16, 25 10:45 AM
The Honorable Glenn Youngkin
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218
Dear Governor Youngkin,
On behalf of the Coastal Virginia Medical Society (CVMS), based in the Hampton Roads area of Sou… -
Physician of the Year 2025
Oct 16, 25 10:28 AM
October 13, 2025
Sentara chief of cardiology named Physician of the Year:
The John J. Krueger Foundation selects Dr. Deepak Talreja for annual Hampton Roads award recognizing clinical excellence and com…
Sign Up for the New CVMS Bulletin
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