ACCMA News

ACCMA Honors Member of the Month

Each month, ACCMA proudly honors a you know a physician who goes above and beyond, creating a lasting positive impact in their community? Share their story with us! ACCMA is seeking nominees for Member of the Month to be highlighted on its social media platforms.  Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond to serve the community and help others? Maybe you know a physician who made an outstanding positive impact?  We want to know. Please complete the form below and tell us why your nominee should be recognized.  Thank you for your participation in acknowledging and celebrating our dedicated members.
Please direct any questions to Christine Maki, Membership Engagement Manager, at cmaki@accma.org.

Nominate a Member: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=BXUhrzImSUuTLiprh_AdVPfUCzPzrXlLnIgmXPPpM3ZUNFJWRjFLQlFTMFJJTFlNVFpCSUpUQzVLWi4u&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=W5Q3PVDJimNRin5FqctZWA.Y8xNpq

ACCMA/CMA Membership Invoice Is Coming Soon!

ACCMA/CMA Membership Invoice Is Coming Soon!

We’re gearing up for the 2026 membership cycle—and want to make sure you’re ready to lock in your early bird discount! Here’s what to know:  Invoices will be emailed in late September and mailed in early October. Early bird pricing ends November 30—a full month earlier than in past years. New this year: The membership drop date is now February 1. To avoid delays (and missed savings), please take a moment to confirm your contact info is current. Email:  accma@accma.org Call: (510) 654-5383 Thank you for standing with us and supporting organized medicine through ACCMA and CMA.

DEA & CMS Warn Physicians About Scams

Two federal agencies have recently issued warnings about scams targeting physicians in attempts to gain access to medical records or personal information and even to fraudulently obtain payments. In one scheme, the scammer—presumably seeking personal information—impersonates a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and tells physicians that they are under investigation. In the other scheme, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says Medicare providers and suppliers are being targeted and are receiving requests for medical records or payment of alleged Medicare debts. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/sustainability/dea-and-cms-warn-physicians-they-are-being-targeted-scams

ACCMA Nominating Committee Presents Nominees for 2025-2026 Slate of Officers

The ACCMA Nominating Committee is pleased to share its slate of nominees for positions up for election this year. You can view the full list in the Electoral Structure Report.

According to ACCMA Bylaws, any active member may submit additional nominations. If additional nominees are submitted, a contested election will be held by mail ballot in September between the nominee(s) and the Committee’s candidate(s).

The deadline to submit nominations is August 31, 2025.

August Member of the Month: Dr. Sharon Drager

Celebrate Dr. Sharon Drager — ACCMA’s Member of the Month for August! 

We’re proud to honor Sharon Drager, MD as the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association’s (ACCMA) Member of the Month for August! 

A dedicated vascular surgeon, Dr. Drager served patients across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties until her retirement in 2022. She operated a successful medical practice in San Pablo and was committed to providing care to patients from all walks of life. A passionate advocate, she fought to keep Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo open, recognizing its vital role in the community—an impact that was deeply felt when the hospital ultimately closed in 2015. 

Though retired from clinical practice, Dr. Drager remains deeply involved with ACCMA. She chairs the Finance Committee, serves on the Executive Committee, and previously led the association as President (2000–2001). She also actively contributes to the Legislative and Judicial committees. 

Congratulations, Dr. Drager! Thank you for your remarkable contributions to medicine and your unwavering dedication to our community. 

ACCMA Op-ed Published in East Bay Times

Published this weekend in the East Bay Times, our op-ed, authored by ACCMA Past-President Dr. Robert Edelman and ACCMA Executive Director Joe Greaves, calls out the dangerous, anti-science agenda being pushed by HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Vaccines are one of the greatest public health successes of modern medicine, having saved millions of lives, protected entire generations from disability and death, and fortified our communities against the spread of infectious disease. Since his confirmation, Kennedy has systematically eroded confidence in vaccines and his fringe views are increasingly becoming the policies of the United States government, carrying real consequences for the health and safety of our nation.

Executive Director, Joseph Greaves Named AAMSE President 25-26

Joseph Greaves, Executive Director of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, has been installed as President of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) for 2025–2026. As President, he will help guide AAMSE’s mission to support professional development, collaboration, and excellence among medical society executives nationwide. Greaves has been an active member of AAMSE for over 15 years, serving on numerous committees and as a graduate of the AAMSE Leadership Academy. He is looking forward to leading AAMSE’s continued commitment to strengthening the role of medical societies in shaping the future of health care. 

July Member of the Month- Dr. Steve Lee

Help Us Celebrate Dr. Steve Lee — ACCMA’s Member of the Month for July! 

We are thrilled to honor Dr. Steve Lee as the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) Member of the Month for July! 

A dedicated medical oncologist practicing in both Alameda County and Contra Costa County, Dr. Lee provides expert care for a wide range of cancers and blood disorders, with a special emphasis on gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies. For the past seven years, he has been an invaluable member of ACCMA, demonstrating exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to both his patients and the broader medical community. 

Dr. Lee serves on the ACCMA Council and is the Chair of the District IX Delegation. He is also an active contributor to the Legislative Committee and Physician Leadership Committee, where he continues to advance thoughtful public policy and champion high-value cancer care. 

Congratulations, Dr. Lee! Thank you for your remarkable contributions to medicine and your unwavering dedication to our community. 

In Memoriam | Dr. John H. Norton, III

Dr. John H. Norton, III, 1935–2025

Dr. John H. Norton, III, a respected urologist, dedicated physician leader, and advocate for justice in medicine, passed away on June 7, 2025. He was 89.

Born in New York City in 1935, Dr. Norton attended public schools and graduated in 1953. He earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia College in 1957 and his medical degree from Howard University in 1962. He completed his surgical and urological training at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center in New York.

Following residency, Dr. Norton served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, achieving the rank of Major. He was Chief of Urology at the 121st Evacuation Hospital in South Korea and later served as a staff urologist at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco.

In 1969, he began private practice in Oakland with Dr. Frank E. Staggers, later expanding to offices in Berkeley and San Francisco. He practiced until 1990 and held numerous leadership positions, including Chief of Urology and President of the Medical Staff at Highland Hospital in Oakland, and Chief of Urology, Medical Staff President, and Trustee at Herrick Hospital in Berkeley.

After private practice, Dr. Norton served for a time at Kaiser Permanente before becoming Assistant Director of Health Services at the West Oakland Health Center, where he remained until his retirement in 2004.

Dr. Norton was a prominent figure in organized medicine. He served as President of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, Northern California Urological Society, Northern California Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association, Golden State Medical Association, and the Sinkler-Miller Medical Association. He held leadership roles with the California Medical Association, the National Medical Association, and served on the Board of Directors of the Alameda Alliance for Health.

Dr. Norton was widely admired by colleagues of all backgrounds for his integrity, intellect, and commitment to equality in healthcare. He was a passionate student of history, a clear and articulate thinker, and a devoted supporter of the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers.

He leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence, principled leadership, and deep compassion. Read more here

ACCMA June Member of the Month: Irina Kolomey, D.O.

We are proud to recognize Dr. Irina Kolomey, D.O. as the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) Member of the Month for June! 

A dedicated primary care physician based in Contra Costa County, Dr. Kolomey is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care. She has been a valued member of ACCMA for 20 years, bringing compassion, leadership, and dedication to both her patients and our medical community. 

Dr. Kolomey currently serves on the ACCMA Council and is actively involved in the Legislative, Membership & Engagement, and Community Health Committees. Her commitment to personalized, high-quality care helps her patients achieve their best possible health and well-being. 

Congratulations, Dr. Kolomey, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to medicine and to our community!