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January 2026 E News

Pertinent Information

 

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6:30pm

The Centre Club

AMA President, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, will be our special guest. The HCMA and HCMA Foundation will also award medical student scholarships. For more details and to RSVP, click here


2026 HCMA Membership Dues - PAST DUE

Dues statements for 2026 HCMA dues were emailed and sent via USPS. HCMA dues were due January 1st.  To view your member profile or to pay online, visit the HCMA website.


Health Literacy PART 2: Language Access for the Hearing Impaired

HCMA Benefit Provider, Integris Assurance Company, notes that hearing-impaired patients often face communication barriers that can affect outcomes, costs, and patient satisfaction. This article offers guidance on best practices and required accommodations to support equitable, patient-centered care. Read more.


Florida Legislative Session begins January 13th

Florida's legislators will convene for the 128th time for the Regular Session, beginning on January 13th.  The session will adjourn on March 13th. Be proactive.  The list of proposed Bills can be found via the links below.

    An invitation to serve...

    HCMA President, Dr. Nam Tran, invites members to consider being placed, as a candidate, on the 2026 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories, and your 2026 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full. 

    Open seats include:
    • Vice President - 1-year term
    • Secretary/Treasurer - 1-year term
    • District and At Large seats on the Executive Council - 2-year terms
    • HILLPAC Board member - 2-year term beginning January 1, 2027 (HILLPAC dues must be paid)
    • Delegate to the FMA - 3-year term (FMA dues must be paid) and the HCMA Delegates Policy & Procedures Manual must be reviewed, signed, and returned for consideration.


    Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members in February. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Click here to submit your name for nomination no later than January 30th.


    The US drops the number of vaccines it recommends for every child

    The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child, cutting protection against a half-dozen diseases in a move slammed by the nation’s pediatricians. Read more.


    Why Florida's whooping cough cases doubled in 2025 compared to 2024

    According to a state database, more than 1,400 cases of pertussis were reported in 2025. It's a five-year high for the state. Pediatricians attribute the rise in cases to vaccine hesitancy and waning immunity. Read more.


    Florida bill targets vaccination discrimination by health care providers

    The House measure would prevent physicians from refusing to treat patients because of vaccination status and add disclosure requirements for when children get vaccinated. Read more.


    Doctors sound alarm on meningitis cases at workshop on ending school vaccine mandates

    There were speakers for and against keeping mandates during public comment. Doctors say one shot that could become optional prevents Hib, a deadly form of meningitis that is already more common. Read more.


    Tardy primary vaccines predict the kids most Likely to miss their MMR shots

    Infants who were late to receive their age-2-month doses of routine vaccines were more likely not to have an MMR shot by age 2 years, health records showed. Overall, on-time MMR vaccination rates slid after the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. faces its worst resurgence of measles in more than three decades and could lose its measles elimination status soon. Read more.


    It took me 17 years to get 3,000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course. – Babe Ruth

    HCMA Foundation's 28th Charity Golf Classic is being held on April 23rd at TPC!  Can you beat The Babe's record? Register today so you can provide it in person.  Golfer and sponsor registration is OPEN!  Contact Elke at the HCMA for more details.  


    Get ready for the 2026 HCMA Membership Directory!

    The HCMA has partnered with E&M Consulting, Inc. for the twelfth consecutive year to produce our Annual Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M will manage all aspects of the project, including advertising sales and graphic design. They are a highly professional organization and consistently produce a high-quality publication.

    MEMBERS ONLY ADVERTISING RATESE&M will be contacting all members regarding available advertising opportunities, and we kindly ask that you give them a moment of your time. The directory will be mailed to every HCMA member, making this an excellent opportunity to promote your practice and gain additional exposure. To view advertising options and reserve your ad online, please CLICK HERE!  If you have any questions, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or email advertising@eandmsales.com


    Physicians needed for the Hillsborough County Guardianship Examining Committee

    The Hillsborough County Court, Guardianship Division, is currently seeking physicians for their Guardianship Examining Committee. The application period is open, with more information available on their website. PLEASE NOTE: for other disciplines, the deadline was December 5, 2025, but physician applications are accepted at any time. CLICK HERE. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Branch, Program Coordinator, at 813-301-7162 or email branchjl@fljud13.org if you have any questions.


    Moffitt research study participants needed through January 2026 - participants will be compensated

    Dr. Susan Vadaparampil’s Moffitt research team (in collaboration with Tufts University, Boston Medical Center, and University of Hawaii-Manoa) is conducting a study to better understand physician perspectives on barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening, HPV self-sampling, and strategies to increase cervical cancer screening for Florida patients.

    • Research study: DOSE-CC (Development of Systems and Education for Cervical Cancer Screening); IRB approved: Boston Medical Center (H-46046); Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC #23622)
    • Healthcare worker eligibility:
    • Clinicians, patient navigators, or other staff who work in the primary care setting (safety net settings are ideal/preferred)
    • Has experience working with patients to educate, perform, or facilitate cervical cancer screening
    • Speaks English
    • Lives in and practices medicine in Florida
    • Participation: 1-hour interview conducted via phone or video call (Zoom)
    • Compensation: $100 for interview completion
    • If interested, please contact neha.patkar@tuftsmedicine.org

    Member Announcement Service

    Moving, new partner, new website, retirement announcement? The HCMA will create a professional, dedicated announcement to members of the Association. Send us your text, logo, and photos, and we will do the rest. This service is for members only and is $125 per emailed announcement. Contact Elke Lubin for details.

        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

        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.

        From the Boards of Medicine

        Visit the Florida Board of Medicine Online Resources – for tools to access applications, forms, statutes, rules, CME education, and other important information. You can also register to receive emails from the Board when new posts are added to their website. The Board can also be reached by calling 850.488.0595. Renewal information and procedure - updated July 2025


        Visit The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine for tools to access applications, forms, statutes, rules, CME education, and other important information. The Board can also be reached by calling 850.488.0595.  Renewal information and procedures - updated July 2025.


        Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met.

        Physician Wellness

        A New Year's Message from the Happy MD

        Hopefully, you got some rest during the holidays. I can't imagine 2025 was anything more than exhausting.

        If that was true for you, you are certainly NOT alone. Your practice has been spinning you like a top. Running you ragged. I get it. In part, that is because you are probably in reaction mode, survival mode, just coping with changes being imposed upon you without your input.

        Today, that changes. I've got your 2026 Best Year Yet Worksheet ready for you. Over 4,113 physicians have used this worksheet over the last 10 years. Now it's your turn. This isn't fluffy New Year's resolution garbage. This is your escape-from-survival-mode plan. Your plan to build a much better year ahead. Starting today.

        You can't get what you want till you know what you want. The worksheet walks you through everything step by step. What worked in 2025? What didn't? What you're letting go of. Then we map out your top three goals for this year and so much more. The ones that will actually make you happy.

        Be honest with yourself, write down your answers, and just watch what happens. Then let's go get it.

        ~ Dike "you-can't-get-what-you-want-till-you-know-what-you-want" Drummond, MD

        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. 

        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.

        Personal News

        Well-deserved recognition

        Dr. Michael Cromer, two-time HCMA Past President, was presented the 2025 Excellence in Advocacy award by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. He was recognized for his extensive work in the county, state, and Washington, DC, advocating for physicians and the patients that we serve.

        Dr. Cromer is pictured with his wife, Carol.

        Dr. Ronald Kennedy celebrated

        HCMA member and Foundation Board member, Dr. H. Ronald Kennedy, was recently bestowed the Donald A. Gifford Service Award. The award recognizes USF alumni who have provided countless hours of service to USF and the Tampa Bay community.

        Read more about Dr. Kennedy HERE.

        Directory Update - Please make note in your 2025 HCMA Membership Directory of this correction:


        Daniella Goldenberg, MD

        Specialty: Sleep Medicine (Updated)

        (813) 929-5226

        2700 Healing Way, Suite 112, Wesley Chapel, 33543

        HCMA Holiday Social Photos

        Did you miss our Holiday Social on December 3rd, or did you attend and want to relive the evening?

        Visit the HCMA Facebook page to view photos from the December Social, along with highlights from all of our recent events.

        New Members

        Active Members


        Teddy W. Brown, Jr., MD

        Vincent Butano, MD

        Richard F. Fansler, MD

        Donald R. Fridley, DO

        Richard S. Gordon, MD

        Koji Honda, DO

        Kevin L. Huguet, MD

        G. David Lowery, DO

        Laurence J. Martin, MD

        Thanh Nguyen, MD

        Pete Peterson, MD

        Matthew R. Reynolds, DO

        Jill Roehr, MD

        Steven Silverman, MD

        Karthik Sugumaran, DO

        Sebastian Tas, DO

        Andres Vidovich-Ortiz, MD

        Tampa Bay Surgical Group

        727.217.3955

        (multiple offices)


        Erika Cohen, MD

        Shayne Gue, MD

        Christa Martin, DO

        Tyler Moriarty, MD

        Pooja Sarin, MD

        Joseph Alexander Thompson, MD

        Nicholas Toselli, MD

        Excelis Medical Associates

        Emergency Medicine

        2502 W. St. Isabel St., Ste. B

        Tampa, 33607

        813.874.5707

         

        Alexander Geisenhoff, MD

        Michael Massari, MD

        Mohammed Zahra, MD

        Florida Urology Partners

        (multiple offices)


        Noah Reilly, DO

        Forensic Pathology

        Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office

        11025 N. 46th Street

        Tampa, 33647

        813.914.4519


        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!


        Spotlight on Savings

        What's lurking in your network?

        HCMA Benefit Provider, DAS Health, describes how vulnerability management reduces hidden risk in healthcare IT. In recent years, cyberattacks on healthcare have increased by over 120%, according to Dialog Health. In healthcare IT, the most dangerous risks are often the ones you can’t see. Read more.

        DAS Health is a trusted partner for healthcare organizations, providing comprehensive solutions that go beyond IT to support operational efficiency, security, and financial success. With more than 2,200 clients and tens of thousands of users, DAS offers a full suite of services, including managed IT, cloud hosting, cybersecurity, Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), EHR consulting, and more. Their all-in-one approach eliminates the need for multiple vendors, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across all aspects of your practice. By partnering with DAS Health, healthcare providers gain access to industry-leading technology, proactive monitoring, and expert support to keep their systems secure, compliant, and running smoothly. For more information, contact John Sweeney: john.sweeney@dashealth.com, or 813.785.0821, https://dashealth.comDAS Health - YouTube, and On-Demand Webinars - DAS Health. 

        Classified Ads

        For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form

        The Bulletin

         

        If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.


        New Bulletin feature...

        Featuring YOU!

        "Is there a doctor in the house?" is a new feature in which HCMA members will relive an incident when they were in the right place at the right time, and assisted in the emergent care of a stranger.  If you are willing to share your story, please contact Elke Lubin to receive the article guidelines to submit your experience.

        Add someone to The Bulletin email list

        UPCOMING EVENTS

        Complimentary webinar for Practice Owners & Practice Administrators

        Thursday, February 5, 2026

        6:30-7:30pm

        The New Rules of "Search" - What Every Independent Practice Needs to Know! Discover the power of knowing your market size and share. A link to a Zoom webinar and a calendar reminder will be sent to you after your registration is received. Every attendee will have access to a complimentary MarketShifter Report, a $2,500 assessment of their market share, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities. Register HERE.


        HCMA Membership Dinner

        Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6:30pm

        The Centre Club

        AMA President, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, will be our special guest. The HCMA and HCMA Foundation will also award medical student scholarships.  For more details and to RSVP, click here.  


        HCMA Foundation's 28th Charity Golf Classic

        Thursday, April 23, 2026

        TPC - Tampa Bay

        Details, registration, current sponsors, and sponsor info can be found here.


        HCMA President's Installation

        Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:30pm

        The Centre Club

        Dr. Neil Manimala will be installed as the HCMA's 123rd President.  Details are coming soon!

        Benefit Providers

        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.
         
         

        HCMA Foundation

        About/Donate

        PHYSICIAN WELLNESS PROGRAM

        About/Donate

        Advocating for physicians and the health of the communities we serve.