Sara Hussey, MBA, CAE ACMS Executive Director shussey@acms.org
MEDICAL EDITOR
Natalie Gentile, MD acmsbulletin@acms.org
BULLETIN DESIGNER
Victoria Gricks koonacreative@gmail.com
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New Year, New Voice
WELCOMING NATALIE GENTILE, MD, AS MEDICAL EDITOR OF THE ACMS BULLETIN
The Allegheny County Medical Society is pleased to welcome Natalie Gentile, MD (she/her) as the new Medical Editor of the ACMS Bulletin.
Dr. Gentile steps into the role following the appointment of Reshma Paranjpe, MD, as Editor Emeritus in 2025. ACMS is deeply grateful to Dr. Paranjpe for her years of editorial leadership, clinical insight, and commitment to elevating physician voices. Her thoughtful, steady stewardship helped shape the Bulletin into the trusted publication it is today, and her influence will continue to be felt as we move forward.
Dr. Gentile is a board-certified Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician whose work is grounded in relationship-centered care, clear communication, and innovation in primary care. A Pittsburgh native, she completed her medical training at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic before returning home to build practice models that prioritize trust, accessibility, and whole-person health.
In 2019, she founded Gentile Family Direct Primary Care, a practice designed to remove unnecessary administrative barriers and restore time and continuity in the physician–patient relationship. She later cofounded Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh, a physician-led management services organization supporting independently owned direct primary care practices across the region. In 2023, she launched
Rebel Wellness, Pittsburgh’s only woman physician-owned lifestyle medicine studio.
Across her clinical, entrepreneurial, and writing work, Dr. Gentile integrates evidence-based lifestyle medicine without moralizing health or weight. She is also outspoken about the structural barriers that
affect patient outcomes and physician sustainability. In addition to her clinical work, she serves on the board of Plant-Based Pittsburgh and remains actively engaged in physician education and public health dialogue.
EVOLVING THE ACMS BULLETIN Dr. Gentile’s appointment comes at
an exciting moment for the ACMS Bulletin. We are entering a new chapter, one focused on growth, renewed energy, and deeper engagement with our members.
Members will begin to notice changes not only in design, but in tone, content, and reach. The Bulletin now includes a quarterly print edition, quarterly digital editions, and bi-weekly e-newsletters, creating more frequent and flexible ways to stay informed and connected throughout the year.
This expanded approach allows ACMS to be more timely, more responsive to emerging issues, and more inclusive of the diverse voices and perspectives that make up our physician community. Our goal is a Bulletin that reflects the realities of modern medical practice and the strength of organized medicine in Allegheny County.
THE ROLE OF MEDICAL EDITOR
The Medical Editor provides clinical and editorial leadership for the ACMS Bulletin, helping ensure that content is accurate, relevant, and reflective of the issues physicians face in daily practice. The role includes medical review, editorial guidance, and close collaboration with ACMS leadership, staff, and contributors, while maintaining editorial independence and professional integrity.
In alignment with recent updates to the Bulletin’s governance structure, the Medical Editor is appointed by the ACMS Board of Directors and serves a defined three-year term, with the option for reappointment. This structure supports continuity, transparency, and a strong editorial voice as the Bulletin evolves across print and digital platforms.
A MESSAGE FROM DR. GENTILE
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Medical Editor for the ACMS Bulletin. As a physician deeply engaged in medical writing and community education, I see this role as an extension of my commitment to clear, accurate, and responsible communication. In an era of information overload and misinformation, thoughtful medical writing matters. My goal is to help translate complex clinical issues into language that is rigorous, accessible, and grounded in evidence, serving both our professional
community and the public we care for. I’m excited to collaborate with colleagues to highlight meaningful work, elevate diverse perspectives, and foster dialogue that supports excellent patient care and professional integrity.”
ACMS looks forward to Dr. Gentile’s leadership as the ACMS Bulletin continues to serve as a trusted platform for physician voices, clinical insight, and thoughtful discussion of the issues shaping healthcare in our region.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE ACMS BULLETIN
As the ACMS Bulletin continues to grow across print and digital platforms, member voices matter more than ever.
We invite ACMS members to submit story ideas, content requests, opinion pieces, and topics you’d like to see covered, from clinical insights and policy issues to practice innovation, wellness, and physician leadership.
This is your publication, and our goal is for it to reflect the realities, challenges, and successes of physicians practicing in Allegheny County today.
Submit ideas or pitches anytime by emailing us at acmsbulletin@acms.org.
Whether you have a fully formed article in mind or just a question or idea you’d like us to explore, we want to hear from you as we continue building a Bulletin that is timely, relevant, and truly member-driven.
Purpose in Progress
A NEW YEAR OF ADVOCACY, ENGAGEMENT, AND MOMENTUM
written by SARA HUSSEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we begin a new year, I want to thank you for your continued engagement with the Allegheny County Medical Society. Organized medicine is facing a rapidly evolving landscape, and 2026 is shaping up to be an important year for ACMS as we strengthen our advocacy efforts, expand meaningful programming, and plan thoughtfully for the future, all while staying focused on delivering real value to our members.
ELEVATING OUR ADVOCACY VOICE
Over the past several months, ACMS has taken a more visible role in public conversations around key healthcare issues, including recent changes to vaccination requirements. These moments underscore why a strong, unified physician voice at the local level matters, particularly as we navigate
challenges related to public health, scope of practice, workforce sustainability, and increasing administrative burden.
At the end of February, I will be attending the AMA National Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, where I will engage with physician leaders from across the country and bring back national perspectives, best practices, and connections to inform our local advocacy efforts. Through continued national engagement, ACMS is strengthening its role as a leading county medical society and ensuring our members benefit from both local action and national insight.
To build on this momentum, our Advocacy Task Force, spearheaded by ACMS President-Elect Richard Hoffmaster, MD, is helping to guide our policy priorities and advocacy
strategy. As part of this work, ACMS will host a Virtual Legislative Town Hall on March 3, providing members with the opportunity to hear directly about current legislative issues and share their perspectives. Registration information will be shared via email, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
We encourage members who are interested in advocacy to attend, engage, and help shape the collective physician voice in Allegheny County.
STRENGTHENING MEMBERSHIP AND GROWING OUR VOICE
A strong advocacy presence begins with strong membership. As we move through 2026, we are focused not only on retaining our current members, but also on welcoming new physicians, residents, and medical students into
the ACMS community. Expanding our membership strengthens our credibility, amplifies our voice, and ensures that organized medicine truly reflects the full spectrum of physicians practicing and training in Allegheny County.
If you have not yet renewed your ACMS membership, this will be the final edition of the ACMS Bulletin that you receive until your membership is renewed or reactivated. Our team is always happy to help. Please contact us at hthon@acms.org to renew or to check the status of your membership.
We also encourage you to invite colleagues, residents, and students to get involved with ACMS in 2026. Their participation is essential as we advocate for the future of the profession.
STRATEGIC PLANNING: LOOKING AHEAD TOGETHER
This year, ACMS is engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process that will help guide our work over the next several years. This effort includes input from members, leadership, staff, and key stakeholders and is focused on ensuring that ACMS remains responsive, relevant, and impactful in a changing healthcare environment.
We are committed to keeping members informed throughout this process and will continue to share updates, progress, and opportunities for engagement as the plan takes shape.
CME OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2026
We also recognize the ongoing challenge of balancing clinical responsibilities with licensure requirements. ACMS is currently working to schedule several virtual and in-person CME programs in
2026 to support members as they prepare for license renewal. More information will be shared as these programs are finalized.
WOMEN PHYSICIANS OF ACMS
We are excited to share that we have renamed our Women in Healthcare Committee to the Women Physicians of ACMS Committee, reflecting both the focus of the group and the voices it seeks to elevate.
Several events are already planned for 2026, including a February 24 program featuring a panel of physicians discussing perimenopause, an important and often under-addressed topic in women’s health. Additional events and opportunities for connection and professional development will be announced throughout the year, and members interested in participating are encouraged to reach out and get involved.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the upcoming print edition of the ACMS Bulletin, you’ll hear directly from Kirsten Lin, MD, as she begins her term as 2026 ACMS President. Members can expect their print Bulletin to arrive in late February or early March.
As always, we welcome your questions, ideas, and feedback. Whether you are interested in advocacy, education, leadership, or committee involvement, we encourage you to stay engaged and connected.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Lin at board@acms.org or to me directly at shussey@acms.org.
Thank you for being part of the ACMS community. I look forward to the year ahead.
AN EVENING OF CONNECTION
The Annual ACMS Leadership Social took place on January 14 at Cadence + Cellars Speakeasy, bringing together physician leaders from across Allegheny County for an evening of connection and conversation.
2026 ACMS President Dr. Kirsten Lin invited attendees to reflect on a simple but powerful question: What is your why? The discussion focused on how the Allegheny County Medical Society can continue to advance its mission and support physicians as the organization looks ahead to 2026.
The evening celebrated new leadership, shared purpose, and ACMS’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, education, and professional development.
2026 Board of Directors
A LOOK AT THE PHYSICIAN LEADERS GUIDING ACMS INTO THE NEW YEAR
Michael Aziz, MD, MPH
Michael Best, MD, FASA, Lt Col, USAF
William Coppula, MD 2026 Secretary
David Deitrick, DO Andrew Eller, MD
Amber Elway, DO Sharon Goldstein, MD, FACS
Richard Hoffmaster, MD 2026 President-Elect
Micah Jacobs, MD, FIDSA
Keith Kanel, MD 2026 Board Chair
Kevin Kotar, DO, FAAFP
Jody Leonardo, MD
Geoffrey Lim, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Kirsten Lin, MD 2026 President
Prerna Mewawalla, MD
Charles Mount III, MD Raymond Pan, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP
Nicole Velez, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Meilin Young, MD, FCCP Alexander Yu, MD 2026 Treasurer
Four Decades of Care
HONORING OUR ACMS MEMBER OF THE MONTH, DR. ANTHONY KOVATCH
Dr. Anthony Kovatch is a boardcertified pediatrician with more than four decades of experience caring for children and families in the Pittsburgh region. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College (now Drexel University College of Medicine).
Dr. Kovatch completed his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Long Island, part of the Cornell Medical Network, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh - a place of both professional and personal significance, where he met his wife.
He spent 42 years in group practice in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, building long-standing relationships with generations of patients and
written by ANTHONY KOVATCH, MD
families before retiring from fulltime practice in 2022. Dr. Kovatch continues to serve the community part-time as a pediatrician at Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare, remaining committed to the health and well-being of children with complex needs.
CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT LED YOU TO A CAREER IN MEDICINE?
Having witnessed firsthand the turmoil experienced by my family— both nuclear and extended—during my mother’s battle with Huntington’s disease, I became compelled at an early age to pursue a profession dedicated to relieving the suffering of others, especially the less fortunate. I was also inspired to follow in the footsteps of my mother’s older brother—one of thirteen children in an immigrant
family—who was a beloved “country doctor” in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
My ultimate decision was crystallized by reading physicianwriter A.J. Cronin’s revelatory novel, The Citadel.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR CURRENT SPECIALTY?
I was born to be a pediatrician. I have always held the concept of the “happy family” in the highest regard.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT A TYPICAL WORKDAY OR WEEK LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU?
When I entered retirement four years ago, I realized it was essential to keep my identity as a physician alive. I currently work three days per week at Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare, both at the hospital and
Dr. “Slow Tony” Kovatch addressing fellow runners as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.
its associated Residential Treatment Facilities.
I find working with autistic children both challenging and deeply rewarding, and the experience has inspired me to write articles that help reveal their individual stories.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY, AND WHAT HAS YOUR OVERALL ENGAGEMENT BEEN WITH ACMS?
I joined ACMS late in my professional career at the urging of my longtime colleague, Dr. Bill Coppula (the Society’s current secretary - there is no more dedicated physician), when the Pittsburgh Pediatric Society disbanded and Pediablog— my longtime writing forum—was abruptly discontinued. My ACMS membership has provided me with the social connections I sorely needed in retirement, as well as opportunities to continue my “addiction” to writing. Serving as an alternate delegate to PAMED has significantly expanded my horizons and enhanced my interactions with medical students, residents, and colleagues from every medical specialty across the state.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING AN ACMS MEMBER?
I have greatly cherished serving on the Editorial Board of the ACMS Bulletin. I hope to keep writing for it until the day I am buried.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO MEDICAL STUDENTS OR EARLY-CAREER PHYSICIANS?
The most valuable advice I ever received came from a mother whose child was undergoing intense chemotherapy for leukemia with a dire prognosis. Over 43 years
ago, I asked her for guidance about entering marriage. Her simple response:
“Just get married and worry about it later.”
My sincere advice to those entering the medical profession is similar: put your heart and soul into it, and worry about burnout later—because, ironically, it will probably never happen.
OUTSIDE OF MEDICINE,
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR INTERESTS?
Although I ran only casually as a teenager and young adult—on dark summer nights and in the quietude of cemeteries—I began my “weekend warrior” phase in my early 50s, running marathons and struggling through triathlons. In May 2025, I was unexpectedly rewarded with my “15 minutes of fame,” achieving notoriety as Last to Cross the Finish Line in the Pittsburgh Marathon—a dubious distinction, indeed! The hometown media ran with it.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN WORKLIFE BALANCE?
I think my nuclear family would agree that I have been something of a “failure” in this regard—often stealing time from them in service of my compulsive, and sometimes misdirected, professional ambitions. Fortunately, my dear wife was exceptionally skilled at managing the financial and educational challenges of raising our children.
I will never forget telling my oldest son, as I was leaving to attend a medical conference for CME, “Tony, you’ll have to fill in for me as the man of the house while I’m away.” He replied, “Dad, I already am the man of the house.”
I am now trying to repay that debt in the autumn of life.
WHAT
IS ONE SENTIMENT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW ACMS MEMBERS?
I have personally found “retirementship” to be existentially confounding. I would advise those approaching this turning point to set aside concerns about legacy and instead develop - well in advance - a solid plan for remaining engaged, productive, and worthy of being a card-carrying member of our sacred profession.
Membership in the Allegheny County Medical Society helps ensure exactly that.
Dr. Kovatch is pictured with his parents and his family.
Proposed Bylaws Update
A PROPOSED UPDATE TO OUR DELEGATION GOVERNANCE
As part of its ongoing review of the ACMS Bylaws, the ACMS Bylaws Committee recently recommended a proposed structural update related to the ACMS Delegation to the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED).
The proposed change would retain the existence and authority of the Delegation Chair and Vice Chair in the Bylaws, while moving procedural details—such as the method of selection, term limits, and related operational specifics—into a separate Delegation Charter approved by the ACMS Board.
This approach reflects governance best practices that distinguish between:
• Bylaws, which define the organization’s structure and authority, and
• Policies or charters, which outline operational processes and are designed to be more flexible and responsive over time.
Creating a Delegation Charter would allow the Delegation and Board to refine leadership selection and procedures as needed without requiring formal Bylaws amendments or member votes for operational changes. This structure is also consistent with governance models used by PAMED and other professional associations.
The Bylaws Committee reviewed this proposal at its October 6 meeting and made final edits to the Bylaws for presentation to the ACMS Board at its December meeting. Members are invited to review the proposed change and share feedback.
Questions or comments may be directed to ACMS Executive Director, Sara Hussey at shussey@acms.org. The deadline to submit comments is February 16, 2026.
View all Bylaws edits by clicking here.
Specialty Group Updates
THIS MONTH’S UPDATES FROM YOUR ACMS SPECIALTY GROUPS
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
IMMUNIZATION COALITION
2025-2026 Chair: Jenny Bender, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC
The Allegheny County Immunization Coalition (ACIC) convenes healthcare, public health, education, and community partners to strengthen immunization awareness, access, and trust across Allegheny County.
Upcoming 2026 Dates
• March 26, 2026 – ACIC General Membership Meeting
• June 18, 2026 – ACIC General Membership Meeting
• September 17, 2026 – ACIC General Membership Meeting
• October 28, 2026 – ACIC Annual Conference
• December 10, 2026 – ACIC General Membership Meeting
All meetings and conference details, including registration and agendas, will be shared via ACIC communications and posted online.
Learn more here
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF
SURGEONS SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER
2025-2026 President: Richard Fortunato, DO, FACS Planning is underway for the 2026 Resident Events! ACS-SWP will once again host our three annual resident programs: Debates and Dilemmas, Most Interesting Case, and Surgical Jeopardy. Additional details, including dates and participation information, will be shared soon. Residents won’t want to miss these interactive events!
We’re back in person! After five years of virtual learning, we are thrilled to reconvene for the 34th Annual Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine. This energizing event offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect, exchange best practices, and learn together through the Age-Friendly 5Ms framework— Medication, Mentation, Mobility, Multicomplexity, and What Matters Most. As the fastest-growing segment of our population includes adults over the age of 85, this annual conference is designed to provide clinicians with an evidence-based approach to delivering exceptional care for these often complex and frail individuals. Registration will begin in February. Agenda, exhibitor, and sponsorship information are available here
PITTSBURGH OPHTHALMOLOGY
SOCIETY
2026 President: Laurie A. Roba, MD
More than 50 POS members gathered on January 22 at the PNC Champions Club to welcome guest faculty Raymond Cho, MD, FACS, Director of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Thank you to POS board member Lance Bodily, MD, for extending the invitation, and to meeting sponsors Amgen, BioTissue, and Zeiss for their support.
Dr. Cho delivered two impactful lectures. Making Sense of Orbital Tumors offered a practical framework for evaluating and
managing orbital pathology, while The Faces of Ukraine provided a powerful, firsthand perspective on the human cost of conflict through his clinical experiences.
This meeting concluded the 2025–2026 monthly meeting series. Members are invited to attend the 61st Annual Meeting on March 20, 2026, at the Omni William Penn. Monthly meetings will resume in September, with details announced in July.
CHANDLER GRANT GLAUCOMA SOCIETY
2025-2026 President - Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD Chandler Grant Glaucoma Society (CGGS) members attending the American Glaucoma Society meeting in Rancho Mirage, California, are cordially invited to the CGGS Annual Meeting on February 19, beginning at 6:15 pm. The program will be moderated by CGGS President Peter Netland, MD, PhD, and Board of Directors member Joel Schuman, MD, FACS, and will feature the tradition-rich “Glass of Wine with Chandler Grant,” as well as the announcement of the David Epstein Clinician-Scientist Award recipient. A highlight of the evening will be a presentation by CGGS members Sandra Johnson, MD, and Arjun Dirghangi, MD, on “Travel for Enrichment, Well-Being (and Ophthalmology!),” a topic especially meaningful to Dr. Chandler, who wrote extensively about travel in his memoir. Thank you to New World Medical for support of the program.
Make Your Voice Heard
A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION ON ADVOCACY AND POLICY
Healthcare is changing rapidlyand many of the most significant changes affecting physicians today are being shaped outside the exam room. From reimbursement pressures and administrative burden to scope of practice and public health policy, legislative decisions increasingly influence how medicine is practiced in Allegheny County. Recognizing this reality, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) is intentionally strengthening its advocacy efforts to ensure that physicians have a clear, informed, and collective voice.
As part of this commitment, Richard Hoffmaster, MD, 2026 PresidentElect and Chair of the ACMS Advocacy Task Force, invites ACMS members to join an upcoming Virtual Legislative Town Hall on March 3, hosted live on Zoom. This membersonly event is designed to inform,
written by RICHARD HOFFMASTER, MD
engage, and amplify the physician voice.
The Town Hall will provide a confidential, interactive space for ACMS members to:
• Receive timely legislative updates directly from invited leaders
• Learn more about key advocacy issues impacting physicians and patient care
• Ask questions and share candid concerns in a trusted, physician-only forum
• Help identify shared ACMS advocacy priorities and positions
Featured speakers include:
• Rep. Arvind Venkat, MD, State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 30th Legislative District
• Ashley Wilkerson, MD, Vice
Chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Board of Trustees and Chair of PAMPAC
ACMS’s growing focus on advocacy is not about politics - it is about representation. As a physician-led organization, ACMS works to ensure that its members have meaningful access to policymakers, credible information, and a seat at the table when decisions affect the practice of medicine.
This Town Hall is a member-only benefit—and your voice matters. By participating on March 3, you help ensure that ACMS advocacy reflects the real experiences and priorities of physicians in Allegheny County.
