All local media outlets covered the simulation and highlighted the importance of the training and preparation: 

• WSYX ABC 6: Behind the scenes at the Arnold: first responders run emergency simulations 
  
• WBNS 10TV: Several agencies leading safety preparations ahead of Arnold Sports Festival 
  
• WOSU: OhioHealth holds simulation training at Arnold Sports Festival ahead of high attendance weekend 
  
• Columbus Dispatch: As the Arnold arrives in Columbus, medical teams are ready for anything 

OhioHealth also shared a story about the event and the collaboration with COTS: How OhioHealth Team Kept Athletes and Visitors Safe at 2026 Arnold Sports Festival, March 9, 2026

SEOHC Healthcare Emergency Drills: On Thursday, March 5, the Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio Healthcare Coalition (SEOHC) held a coordinated full-scale emergency drill involving every hospital in Regions 7 and 8. The drill imagines many serious emergencies related to severe weather – flooding and road closures impacting the ability to transport patients with severe injuries, weeks of rain breaking down infrastructure and leading to an outbreak of a waterborne illness, a hospital forced to evacuate, and more.  

COTS activated their Hospital Incident Command Center and worked closely with each hospital and agency to manage the evolving scenarios and coordinate response efforts across the region. 

Several regional media outlets covered the drill: 

• St. Clairsville Times Leader: Full-scale emergency drill at Neighborhood Hospital today, March 5, 2026
• The Logan Daily News: Local hospital joins many others in emergency exercise, March 7, 2026
• Barnesville Area News: Hospitals Participate in Emergency Preparedness Exercise, March 7, 2026
  
  
  

• William Barson, MD 
• Jeffrey Bell, MD 
• Francis Blais, DO 
• Jeremy Burdge, MD 
• George Calloway, MD 
• G. Patrick Ecklar, MD 
• William Farrar, MD 
• Patrick Fahey, MD 
• Douglas Finnie, MD 
• Medard Lutmerding, MD
• Francine Rasco, MD 

2025 Physician Advocate Award 

Beth Liston, MD received the physician advocate award for her tireless efforts to advocate for physicians and patients in the Ohio legislature. Dr. Liston, a past president of the CMA, is serving her first term in the Ohio senate representing District 16 after serving three terms in the Ohio House. She has advocated for physicians and Ohioans for many worthy causes, like access to prescription medications for those who need it and protecting patients from predatory insurance practices amongst many other initiatives.  

Dr. Liston was not able to attend but shared a video to thank the organization for the award. 

Made for Medicine Impact Award 

Reversa Joseph, MD, received the inaugural Made for Medicine Impact Award. Dr. Joseph is a neurologist and a member of the core faculty for Made for Medicine. Program Director Ciara Stevens said, “She truly is remarkable in her tireless efforts to improve the health of individuals both near and far.” 

Physicians CareConnection Distinguished Service Award 

Two honorees were recognized for their service to the Physicians CareConnection and the PCC Center for Optimal Health. PCC President Isi Green presented the award to Francis X. Blais, DO, and Heather Slattery Woods, saying, “Their leadership, compassion, and steadfast commitment have strengthened our organization and our community. Both honorees have served as officers and volunteers, and guided PCC through seasons of growth, change, and challenge.”

CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award

Robert Lowe, MD, received the first CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award for his dedication and service that exemplifies the mission and vision of the CMA, CMA Foundation, and its affiliate organizations. 

This award was named in honor of Dr. Parnes, who has served more than 15 years as president and board member of the CMA Foundation. Dr. Lowe, an emergency medicine physician and longtime COTS Board Member, has led and volunteered with the entire CMA organization for nearly 20 years. 

“Together with his leadership, Dr. Lowe has strengthened our trauma, medical, and our emergency response systems,” said Foundation Board Chair Karen King, MD. “We are incredibly grateful, and we are all safer because of him.” 

COTS Mission Champion Award 

In the final award of the evening, William Cotton, MD, and Medard Lutmerding, MD, both received the COTS Mission Champion Award.  

“As longtime board members, they've led with vision, heart, and a true passion for community well-being. Their servant leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped COTS and the communities we serve,” said COTS President Sherri Kovach. 

PCC Participant Recognition 

To close out the awards portion of the evening, Physicians Leadership Academy Board President Maria Courser, MD, recognized the PLA graduates in attendance. 

At the Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates (CMAA), we believe learning is more than just a stage in life — it’s a mindset. It doesn’t end when you graduate or put on your white coat. The drive to continue learning lays the foundation for strong leadership, sparks innovation, and bridges generations of healthcare professionals. That’s why this summer, we’ve embraced continuous learning not only as something we provide — but as something we live, grow through, and celebrate together.

In my May message, I shared that our organization had begun a journey to evolve — to remain a vital, trusted partner to our physicians and the broader community. We started by engaging a new public policy partner, who has already provided invaluable insights during these turbulent times. We also partnered with Dr. Mrunal Shah to learn directly from our physician members and ensure your voice is heard. He has held a number of one-on-one and group meetings and shared meaningful feedback. Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your perspective.

On June 30, we kicked off the next phase of this journey with our first visioning session with Just Bloom, an award-winning organization specializing in creativity and leadership development. CMAA staff, physician Board members across the affiliates, as well as community Board participants came together for a thought-provoking workshop designed to expand how we think, lead, and collaborate. These sessions will continue to guide us — using science-backed methods — to unearth a vision that both modernizes and honors our legacy.

That same spirit of lifelong learning was reflected on June 26, as we celebrated 17 physicians graduating from the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA). These individuals dedicated nine months to personal growth, reflection, and peer learning — emerging with tools to lead with intention and compassion. 

Education also drives our work with the next generation. Our Made for Medicine students took their learning on the road in June, embarking on our first-ever HBCU Medical School and College Tour. Fifteen students traveled to Nashville and Atlanta, visiting historically Black colleges, universities, and medical schools — and connecting with professionals who reflected their aspirations. It was more than a tour — it was a transformative experience rooted in representation, access, and belief in their potential.

We continue to be inspired by the CMA Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, a student-led body of 13- to 18-year-olds learning the ins and outs of philanthropy and grantmaking. These young leaders are gaining firsthand experience in how community investment can shape health and equity for years to come.

Our commitment to education and growth extends to medical school. We’re especially excited about our upcoming CMA Medical Student Specialty Fair this October. By polling medical students about their interests and inviting physician members to share their stories and insights, we’re creating a meaningful, two-way exchange that connects curiosity with experience.

Our CMA Practice Managers Group continues to convene for educational sessions that provide real-world value. These gatherings have featured several of our strategic partners in legal and communications — all collaborating to support physician practices across Central Ohio.

While COTS leaders continue to champion life-saving disaster preparedness funding, they also remain focused on what they do best: preparing our emergency responders to act swiftly and save lives. Find out more about their educational offerings here. 

As we continue the essential work of planning for the future of our organization, we never lose sight of the day-to-day value CMA provides: empowering physician, supporting practices, and nurturing growth at every stage.

Learning will remain a constant in everything we do — not just because it prepares us for tomorrow, but because it brings us together today.