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Hillsborough County Medical Association
3001 W. Azeele St. Tampa, FL 33609 813.253.0471 HCMA.net
Debbie Zorian Executive Director |
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SAVE THE DATE!
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:30 pm - Social, 7:30 pm - Dinner & program
The Centre Club
This Membership Dinner will honor the legacy of Tapan Padhya, MD, with special guest speaker Karen Clay, president and founder of the Michael Phillips Foundation. Karen has received numerous recognitions and awards for her outstanding work in healthcare advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Join us as she shares her and her son’s incredible story. Co-Sponsored by Tampa General Hospital, USF Credit Union, and USF Health. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO RSVP.
Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP) Targeted for Defunding
Contact your Board of County Commissioners to encourage them to preserve the HCHCP and its dedicated funding!
Support medicine's voice this election year
It's an election year, and your support of HILLPAC is more important than ever. HILLPAC meets with candidates and contributes to pro-medicine leaders who understand healthcare issues and support policies that benefit patients and physicians. Please consider contributing to help ensure medicine has a strong voice in the political process. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
American Red Cross declares national blood supply crisis
The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for only the second time in its history as blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, it said Monday. The organization has less than a one-day national supply of O-positive blood, the most commonly transfused blood type, and has begun limiting distributions of the blood to hospitals. Extreme heat, poor air quality and the spread of foodborne illnesses all contributed to a lower donor turnout this summer.
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There are already more U.S. measles cases this year than in all of 2025
According to the Florida Department of Health, there have been 155 measles cases in Florida this year across 16 counties. Of those, 107 were in Collier County, likely tied to a winter outbreak at Ave Maria University. The other counties were in single digits. Last year, there were seven cases statewide. Read more.
RFK Jr. says parents should vaccinate children against measles
When pressed by host Dana Bash during a contentious appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kennedy eventually said the measles shot is safe, and parents who have not should vaccinate their children against the viral disease. Read more.
Pediatricians and health officials are sidestepping Trump's CDC on vaccine advice
Within months of his confirmation as secretary, Kennedy had dismissed every member of the CDC's vaccine advisory board and replaced them with new appointees, some of them prominent vaccine skeptics. "It turned into a completely unreputable source of information," remarked John Snyder, MD. Read more.
Anthony Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment in Rand Paul Senate hearing
"Although it pains me to do so, because of the respect I have for the legislative branch of government, and my decades-long record of cooperating with Congress, under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to refrain from answering your questions," Fauci said in front of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Read more.
Ladapo issues new Florida guidance on children’s psychiatric medications
On July 24th, during a roundtable on youth mental health, Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo introduced guidelines urging broader evaluations by providers before children are prescribed psychotropics. Read more.
Florida judge won’t order state to implement expanded access to KidCare insurance
A state judge has refused to order Florida health care officials to implement a 2023 law that would allow as many as 68,000 uninsured children to access subsidized health insurance coverage through the Florida KidCare program. Read more.
"One Big Beautiful Bill" cut healthcare funds. Now, GOP has to sell the costs Ahead of midterms, Republicans run ads after cutting healthcare funds. With the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year, there are now stiffer requirements for insurance and reduced funding for state programs. About 10 million fewer people are expected to have health insurance in 2034, according to a report by the Congressional Budget Office. Read more.
Ending the HIV Epidemic: Provider Technical Assistance Opportunity
The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disease Control and Health Protection and HealthARCH have partnered to engage health system organizations with one-on-one technical assistance to improve HIV screening and re-screening rates. This Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) program focuses on Florida counties with an aim to increase the performance of health systems in managing Opt-out testing using electronic health record systems. More information is available on the HealthARCH HIV EHE webpage. Additional detailed information on the program is outlined in the overview document HERE.
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How patients find care across Hillsborough County
The HCMA Patient Access Index measures which practices appear when patients search for care across Hillsborough County. Explore the results by specialty and area to see who leads, who is missing, and how independent practices compare with hospitals, health systems, and directories. CLICK HERE for more information. |
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HCMA Annual Membership Directory is here!
Watch your mailbox for the 2026 HCMA Membership Directory. Our directory lists HCMA members alphabetically and then by primary specialty. Listings include office address, phone, website, medical school, and board certifications. Can't wait for the mail? CLICK HERE to view the digital version! If you have any changes to your listing, please complete this online form.
Tampa General Hospital develops a program for emergency drone delivery of whole blood
TGH says the aircraft need less than three minutes, on average, to cross a 70-square-mile area, allowing paramedics to begin transfusions before trauma patients reach the hospital. Read more.
AMA Honors - Now Accepting Nominations
The American Medical Association is now accepting nominations for AMA Honors, a new awards program celebrating individuals shaping healthcare’s future through transformative innovation, public health leadership, and trusted communication. The inaugural awards will recognize outstanding achievement in three categories:
- Tech Innovator Award – Honoring transformative contributions at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
- Public Health Champion Award – Recognizing leadership that advances population health and improves health outcomes.
- Excellence in Communication Award – Celebrating individuals who elevate public understanding of health and medicine through accurate, trusted communication.
Recipients will be honored at the inaugural AMA Honors ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C., on February 23, 2027, in conjunction with the AMA’s National Advocacy Conference. Each honoree will receive $25,000 – payable to the recipient or a charity of their choice. Nominations are open through November 2. To learn more, review eligibility requirements, and submit a nomination, visit www.ama-assn.org/amaone/ama-honors.
About 30% of adults report seeking health information and advice from social media or chatbots
Fierce Healthcare recently reported, “Roughly three in ten adults self-reported turning to social media (31%) or AI chatbots (29%) at least onthly for health information and advice,” a recent poll found. The KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust found that “among those who used social media for healthcare advice, the three most frequently cited reasons for its usage were: wanting to learn from people who have the same health condition or share similar experiences (36%), wanting immediate information or support (35%) and not having a regular” healthcare professional “or not being able to afford the cost of seeing a” healthcare professional (17%). Read more.
Health vs Hype
Help patients understand if health trends are real, risky, or backed by science. Listen to the new Health vs. Hype podcast from the AMA and iHeart Radio.
Where’s your acnestis (and other interesting body parts)?
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes — but what about the rest of our body parts? Learn some of the more interestingly named body parts of the human body, both in technical terms and slang. Test your knowledge. |
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Connect with us! Follow and connect with the HCMA on social media. Tap the icons on the left and also connect with HCMA administrative staff on LinkedIn:
Debbie Zorian, Executive Director and Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant |
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Interested in sponsoring an HCMA event? Sponsorship opportunities to consider:
- Women in Medicine Social
- Membership Dinners
- Holiday Social
- Resident Reception
- Foundation Charity Golf Classic
To learn more about these upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, at dzorian@hcma.net or call 813- 253-0471. |
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From the Boards of Medicine
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Signs you may be near a breaking point...
There is no one cause of a nervous breakdown. Anything that leads to excessive stress can trigger it. In general, feeling stressed and being unable to cope with it may lead to feeling so overwhelmed that you can’t perform your normal daily functions. Read more.
The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program (PWP) provides a safe harbor for members to address difficulties, challenges, and work/family/life balance through counseling and coaching services, up to six sessions in twelve months. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category. |
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The PWP relies on donations and the generosity of members in order to provide counseling and coaching services at no cost. We want to be able to continue providing this valuable benefit to all HCMA members! Please consider donating to the HCMA Foundation PWP.
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Your Representatives
in Action
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2026 HCMA Delegation to the FMA The HCMA extends its sincere appreciation to the members of our delegation who represented the Association at the Florida Medical Association Annual Meeting. By volunteering their time and expertise, these dedicated physicians help ensure that the voice of Hillsborough County is heard in shaping organized medicine and advocating for our profession and our patients. Their commitment to serving beyond their practices strengthens both the HCMA and the FMA, and we are grateful for their leadership, service, and willingness to represent our members. |
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Michael Albrink, MD
Paul Anderson, MD
Lili Buzsaki, MD
Jennifer Caputo-Seidler, MD
Amanda Dailey, MD
Rosemarie Garcia-Getting, MD
Neil Manimala, MD
Radhakrishna Rao, MD
Bruce Shephard, MD - served on Reference Committee II (Finance & Administration)
Nam Tran, MD - Delegation Chair
Jared Weinfurtner, MD - served on Reference Committee I (Health, Education, & Public Policy)
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Stacie Wenk, DO
Michael Zimmer, MD - served on Reference Committee IV (Medical Economics)
We would also like to recognize HCMA Past Presidents who attended the meeting and continue to contribute their time and expertise through service to the FMA.
Michael Cromer, MD, Delegate with the FL Academy of Family Physicians - Served on Reference Committee III (Legislation)
Eva Crooke, MD, FMA District C representative |
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Michael Cromer, MD Elected to serve as a Florida AMA Alternate Delegate and recipient of the Harold Strasser Good Samaritan Award. |
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Eva Crooke, MD Elected to serve as a Florida AMA Delegate. |
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Some of the HCMA delegates are pictured: Drs. Stacie Wenk, Eva Crooke, Mandy Dailey, Nam Tran (Chairman), Michael Albrink, Bruce Shephard, Jennifer Caputo-Seidler, Radhakrishna Rao, Michael Zimmer, Jared Weinfurtner, Rosemarie Garcia-Getting, and Neil Manimala. Debbie Zorian (Executive Director) and Elke Lubin (Executive Assistant). |
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Cooper's Hawk provided the perfect setting for the July 22 HCMA Resident Reception. HCMA leaders, Drs. Michael Cromer (HCMA Past President x 2), Neil Manimala (HCMA President), Nam Tran (HCMA Past President), and Stacie Wenk (HCMA Vice President) had the opportunity to connect with young physicians during an evening of networking, meaningful conversation, and camaraderie. The reception fostered new relationships, strengthened existing connections, and highlighted HCMA's commitment to supporting the next generation of physicians.
Debbie Zorian (HCMA Executive Director) and Brooke Lenahan (HCMA Membership & Events Coordinator) were the evening’s hostesses! |
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Joining the HCMA is easy!
Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!
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Providing Group Major Medical Insurance for HCMA employer-members. The program is fully insured by Florida Blue and has operated since 1981. Many coverage options are available, including Qualified/Compatible Health Savings Account Plans. Although the program is fully insured with no assessments, offices benefit from a Profit-Sharing agreement where excess underwriting profits are accumulated in reserves for future rate increases. All plans meet the new 2014 ACA standards and mandatory provisions. Plan administrator, Gallagher Benefits Service, also offers a complete employee benefits program that utilizes a statewide pool, providing clients with the best available rates. |
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Real-World Financial Advice for Medical Students
& New Physicians - Via Zoom
Thursday, August 20, 6:30PM
This 60-minute session with Spencer Gauta is built for medical students and young physicians who want to get ahead financially. Learn how to manage loans, build good habits early, and avoid costly missteps that can impact your future. Register here.
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:30 pm - Social, 7:30 pm - Dinner & program
The Centre Club
This Membership Dinner will honor the legacy of Tapan Padhya, MD, with special guest speaker Karen Clay, president and founder of the Michael Phillips Foundation. Karen has received numerous recognitions and awards for her outstanding work in healthcare advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Join us as she shares her and her son’s incredible story. Co-Sponsored by Tampa General Hospital, USF Credit Union, and USF Health. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO RSVP.
Women in Medicine Reception
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 6-8pm
Palma Ceia Country Club
September is Women in Medicine Month! All female physicians are welcome to join us for an evening of connection and recognition as we celebrate the incredible women who continue to shape the future of medicine. Click here for details and to RSVP.
HCMA Holiday Social Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6:30pm Tampa Bay Yacht Club Our annual year-end gathering for members and their guests to reconnect, celebrate the season, and toast the upcoming year. Watch your email for more details and to RSVP.
HCMA Foundation's 29th Charity Golf Classic Thursday, April 22, 2027 - EARTH DAY! Tournament Players Club - Tampa Bay Celebrate Earth Day on the greens!! On Earth Day, your impact can extend far beyond the fairway. Join us for a day of golf, camaraderie, and giving back to our community. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and golfer registration is open. Click here to see our list of sponsors so far and for more details. |
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The HCMA’s Benefit Provider Program provides value to physicians with members-only products, programs, and services that far exceed the cost of annual dues. Click the logos below for more information about each of our valued partners. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director, at 813.253.0471 or DZorian@hcma.net. |
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PHYSICIAN WELLNESS PROGRAM |
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Advocating for physicians and the health of the communities we serve.
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