SBCMS News/Media

SBCMS Now Accepting Application for 2016 Bangasser Medical Student Scholarship

This scholarship established in 2008 honors Ronald P. Bangasser, M.D., a physician who was known locally and nationally for his contributions to health care, medicine and his community. Dr. Bangasser was a well respected and compassionate clinician and served in numerous leadership positions throughout his career including president of the California Medical Association and the San Bernardino County Medical Society.

Scholarship money will be used to assist medical students at Loma Linda University School of Medicine (LLUSM), University of California Riverside (UCR) Medical School, and Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (COMP). The intent is to defray tuition for the scholarship recipient. Medical students from LLUSM, UCR and COMP who have completed two years of medical school are eligible to apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Deadline for submission of application is March 1.

2013 SBCMS Installation of Officers

The San Bernardino County Medical Society’s (SBCMS) Installation of Officers dinner was held on June 11th at the Sierra Lakes Golf Club in Fontana.  Nearly 200 people were in attendance to pay tribute to a number of physicians being recognized and honored at the annual event.

SBCMS President Leroy Ounanian, MD, served as Master of Ceremony for the evening at which the new board officers were introduced including Raman Poola, MD, who will serve as the Society’s 121st president during 2013-14.  Dr. Poola is a Gastroenterologist who practices in Apple Valley, CA.

Joining Dr. Poola on his leadership team will be Montri Wongworawat, MD, President-Elect; Marti Baum, MD, Vice President; Michael Sequeira, MD, Secretary; and Eric Hansen, DO, Treasurer.  Dr. Ounanian will serve as Immediate Past President.  Paul Phinney, MD, President of the California Medical Association, facilitated the installation.

Dr. Ounanian, on behalf of the Bangasser family, awarded Shahrzad Lalezari from Western University of Health Sciences the 2013 Bangasser Medical Student Scholarship of $5,000.  The scholarship is in memory of the late Ron Bangasser MD, former President of SBCMS and CMA. 

Other award recipients included Thomas Gibson, MD for the Nicholas P. Krikes, MD Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Medical Society; Thomas Minahan, DO for the William L. Cover, MD Award for Outstanding Contribution to Medicine; Paul Whiteside, MD for the Merlin A. Hendrickson, MD Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community; and Nancy Young for the Outstanding Citizen Award.

Brad Gilbert, MD, received the 2013 SBCMS Presidential Award.  The award is granted to an individual exhibiting exemplary character and commitment to organized medicine and the medical profession.  Dr. Gilbert is the CEO of Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

The San Bernardino County Medical Society is comprised of nearly 1,700 physicians, residents and medical students within the county.  It is a chartered County Medical Society of the California Medical Association.

Click here to view pics from the event.