Private Practice, Employed Group, Faculty/Academic, FQHC, and Government (Military and NASA) Physicians

October 14, 2026

Phil Branshaw, MD / Internal Medicine / Partner Fox Valley Medical Associates / Private Practice

Sarah Ahmed, MD / Family Medicine / Rush Copley Medical Group / Employed Hospital Group

Rebecca F. Lara MD / Family Medicine / Assistant Professor Rush University / Program Director Esperanza Family Medicine Residency / Academic

Steve Geraghty, MD / Family Medicine / Geraghty Family Medicine / Team Physician Denver Broncos / Private Practice-Sports Medicine

Stephanie Low, MD / Chief Medical Office Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness / FQHC

Josef Schmid, MD / Family Medicine, Primary Care / NASA Flight Surgeon-International Space Station, Major General (ret) USAF Reserve / Government

Moderated by John Davine, MD, FAAFP, KCMS Past-President / Family Medicine / Medical Director, Rush Medical Group Western Region

Illinois State Medical Society

OCTOBER 2026

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Is October 24

Tell patients about this upcoming event for safe disposal of unwanted medications

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events twice a year to provide a safe way to discard prescription drugs, including controlled substances.

The next event will be held on Saturday, October 24, and you can encourage patients to participate!

For this drug take back event, as well as year-round disposal of prescription drugs, you may choose to let patients know they can locate a convenient collection site in Illinois or access the DEA’s search webpage.

Questions? Please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.

     

Anthony Pace, DO

Primary Specialty:  Family Medicine

McGaw Family Medicine Residency at Delnor Hospital

Message from the Past President

After six years as president, I am happy to pass the torch on to my good friend and colleague, Phil Branshaw, MD.  When I started as president in 2019, we did not foresee the looming COVID 19 pandemic which would alter the way we live life and do business for so many years.  I am proud of the perseverance of the Kane County Medical Society and all its members throughout the last 6 years.  Not only did we perform admirably for our patients and staff against a disruptive and lethal hundred-year virus, but we also persisted in the face of adversity from excessive regulation, insurance hassles, rising costs, and looming liability concerns. 

A great thanks goes out to our executive director, Mara Little, who has been steadfast in her commitment to KCMS through challenging times, along with all our board members.  Phil served as vice president last year and is now aided by longtime historian/new vice president Wayne Polek.  Larry Johnson has given countless hours to KCMS as its long-standing treasurer.  Brad Epstein has been a guiding force for us all but is sadden that he no longer carries the past president title!  Louis Camras, Bob Nudera, Joe Onwuta and Patrick Para have been steadfast and loyal board members for many years.  Will Velasquez, our resident member, has been a breath of fresh air and has reduced the average board age considerably.  And I congratulate Bob Rivers, our KCMS 2024 Physician of the Year recipient, who has worked tirelessly for decades caring for residents of our county. 

We have held numerous programs annually to represent the interests of member physicians, advocate for patients, promote the doctor/patient relationship, encourage the ethical practice of medicine and improve public health.  Comradery is important in our profession, and I encourage all of you to attend more meetings and bring your younger colleagues to continue the mission of our 160-year-old medical society. 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president.

John Davine, MD, FAAFP