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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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| | HCMA President Dr. Neil Manimala shares a celebratory embrace with his wife, Rachel, after learning he had secured victory in the race for Hillsborough County Commission Seat #5. |
HCMA End-of-Year Soirée
HCMA members and their guests, please join us at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club on Tuesday, December 8th, as we say thank you for a wonderful year. Raise a glass, catch up with friends, old and new, and toast to everything the new year has in store. CLICK HERE to RSVP and get all the details. The evening is co-sponsored by DAS Health.
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| | | 2027 HCMA Dues billing has begun
HCMA membership dues invoices have been sent via email and U.S. mail. If you have not renewed yet, please CLICK HERE. To check your membership status, you can call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.
If you are determining whether to renew or have any questions, HCMA Executive Director Debbie Zorian welcomes the opportunity to connect. DZorian@hcma.net or 813.253.0471.
Dengue activity remains elevated in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties as the state hits 485 cases
For the week of Oct. 18-24, Hillsborough reported 39 new cases of the mosquito-borne illness, for a total of 385 since this year’s onset in July. Pinellas added 16 cases and is up to 67. Read more.
‘Ambitious’ timeline means DeSantis could pass new vax rules before he leaves office
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to pare back the number of vaccines children must receive to enter school or daycare could pay off for him before he leaves office on Jan. 5 in light of a state administrative judge’s agreement on October 30th to expedite a hearing on challenges to them. Florida Division of Administrative Hearings Judge David Watkins consolidated two separate challenges to the proposed new rules and set the week of Dec. 14 to hear arguments. Read more here.
Who is testifying: The proceeding is a formal administrative trial where legal counsel, medical experts, and the specific petitioners involved in the lawsuits will present evidence and arguments. Because this is an expedited legal challenge rather than an open public workshop (like the town halls held in October), general public comment is restricted. However, citizens track the docket and submit legal briefings or affidavits through active advocacy groups or legal counsel representing either side of the consolidated cases.
Liability for clinical AI - Aligning accountability with clinical authority to protect patients and support responsible innovation.
The American Medical Association’s Center for Digital Health and AI released Liability for Clinical AI, a new issue brief on how responsibility for AI-related patient harm should be allocated among physicians, developers, and those who deploy AI. Grounded in existing AMA policy, the brief argues that responsibility should reflect each party's authority, access to information, and ability to prevent or mitigate harm, while ensuring patients have meaningful avenues for redress.
This is an initial contribution to an evolving area of law and policy, rather than a comprehensive liability framework or new formal AMA policy. It also marks the beginning of a broader body of work through which the AMA will engage physicians, patients, policymakers, and leaders across healthcare and technology to address outstanding questions and develop practical approaches.
Obamacare Premiums to Rise by Double Digits in 2027 — Healthcare experts predict less coverage and higher prices
People heading into the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period with plans to sign up for insurance should expect a variety of changes in 2027, including double-digit increases in premiums and fewer coverage options. The sign-up window for the marketplace started Nov. 1 in most states and runs through Jan. 15. Big changes to the exchange include expiring financial assistance, rising rates, potential delays in working with a broker, new restrictions on immigrants, and stricter enrollment checks. Read more.
CMS Proposes New Verification Requirements to Implement Law that Combats Exchange Fraud and Protects Taxpayer Dollars
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken another step to combat fraud and strengthen program integrity in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchanges by improving the consumer eligibility verification process for premium subsidies. Under the proposed rule, consumers seeking advance payments of the premium tax credit or income-based cost-sharing reductions must first pass eligibility verification before receiving subsidies, ending a vulnerability that has been used for fraudulent or ineligible enrollments.
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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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2026 FMA House of Delegates update
A final report of actions taken by the 2026 FMA House of Delegates during the Annual Meeting is now available. The FMA will continue providing updates on resolutions referred to the Board of Governors as developments occur.
Innovation has a new home at Moffitt!
Moffitt has recently celebrated the grand opening of their 250,000-square-foot Discovery and Innovation Center at Speros by Moffitt in Pasco County, bringing scientists, researchers, and innovators together to accelerate discoveries and advance the next generation of cancer treatments.
USF Bridge Clinic needs volunteers
Established in 2007, BRIDGE Healthcare Clinic is a student-run, free clinic that provides primary care to uninsured residents of the University Area Community. Their goal is to create a health facility where patients are treated compassionately and cared for through an interdisciplinary approach with collaboration from medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, social work, and public health. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach medical students, give back to medically underserved populations in your community, and see how the student-run, free clinic operates! For more information, CLICK HERE, or email Monika Domenech Acevedo. Volunteers must complete a DOH application and obtain approval (time to complete paperwork and obtain approval ~ 2 weeks).
Mentor a future physician!
Both medical and pre-medical students have expressed interest in shadowing HCMA members to gain early clinical exposure. If you are willing to serve as a mentor and welcome a student to shadow you in your office or facility, please register using THIS LINK. The HCMA is compiling a list of volunteer mentors. When a student contacts us, we will reach out to participating HCMA members and share the student's details, so the student and physician can coordinate final mentoring arrangements directly. Thank you for helping shape the next generation of physicians!
Plan Ahead: Directory Ads Now Open
For more than 11 years, HCMA has partnered with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce our Membership Directory. E&M handles every aspect of the project, from advertising sales to layout and graphic design, and will soon be reaching out to members by phone and email about available advertising opportunities. Their team is highly professional and consistently delivers a high-quality publication, so we encourage you to take a moment to connect with them when they reach out. The directory is distributed to every HCMA member, which makes it an excellent opportunity to promote your practice and gain additional exposure.
To view the ad rates/options and sign up online, CLICK HERE. If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated! |
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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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Renewal time will be here before you know it!!
Approximately half of the physicians in the state will have to renew their medical licenses by January 31, 2027 (that's just over TWO months away).
As of July 1, 2025, all health care practitioners in Florida must comply with new background screening requirements when applying for an initial license or renewing an existing license. Compliance with this new law is essential to maintain licensure and continue practicing.
Applicants for initial and renewal licensure are both required to comply.
Act Now – Understand Your Timeline!
Failure to complete the required background screening will prevent you from obtaining or renewing your license. Given the multiple steps and processing time involved, delaying this requirement could lead to licensing delays or expiration.
The renewal period opens 90 days before expiration. Complete your background screening well in advance to avoid interruptions in your ability to practice.
Why This Matters
- Enhanced Public Protection – Background screening ensures health care practitioners meet high safety and integrity standards, fostering public trust.
- Streamlined Licensure Process – The new background screening requirement is integrated into the licensure process, making compliance simple.
- Improved Practice Reputation – Maintaining compliance demonstrates professionalism, prevents disciplinary action, and strengthens your credibility in the industry.
- Stay ahead of the deadline! Prepare now to ensure a smooth transition under the new requirements.
- For more information, visit flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/.
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Happier Providers Have Better Patient Outcomes
The clearest case for the connection may come from looking at what happens when physicians aren’t doing well. Many studies link physician burnout to poorer teamwork, feeling undervalued, and chaotic work environments. Other research links higher burnout rates to more self-reported prescribing errors and higher physician turnover — both of which are believed to be connected to worse patient outcomes and lower patient satisfaction. 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.
| 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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KGP Wins!
On Tuesday, Karen Gonzalez-Pittman secured re-election to a third term as the representative for Florida House District 65. She is married to HCMA member and past president, Dr. Chris Pittman.
Congratulations, Karen!! |
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CONGRATULATIONS! Members of the Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy's 13th class recently completed their last official session, which was held in concurrence with the FMA Board of Governors Meeting in St. Petersburg. HCMA members included Drs. Bishnoi, Galligan, and Lima-Pereira. |
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| Ram J. Bishnoi, MD Geriatric Psychiatry USF |
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| Andrew J. Galligan, MD Pediatric Hematology Oncology USF |
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| Allan A. Lima-Pereira, MD Oncology Moffitt |
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Well Deserved! In October, Drs. Moira Burke and Sylvia Campbell were honored at the USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy annual symposium. Dr. Burke received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dr. Campbell received the Community Leader Award. What amazing women and role models! Click their images to view the award presentation videos. |
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Physicians Lead With Excellence - MCOM Alumni Award Winners USF Alumns, Drs. Jane Messina (1988) and Valerie Riddle (1989) were recently honored. Dr. Messina received the Distinguished Service Award, and Dr. Riddle received the Distinguished Physician Award in Service. Please click here to read more. More remarkable HCMA women! |
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FMA Fall Board of Governor's Meeting
At the October FMA Board of Governors meeting in St. Petersburg, Board members, meeting attendees, and FMA staff wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Can you spot Debbie Zorian (HCMA Executive Director) and David; Dr. Michael and Carol Cromer; Dr. Lili Buzsaki and her furry friend; Dr. Jared Weinfurtner; Dr. Stacie Wenk; or Dr. Eva Crooke? |
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A Little Sip of History
The Cade Museum in Gainesville features Dr. James Robert Cade’s actual Gatorade laboratory, not simply a replica based on photographs. The furniture and the lab equipment on display are from the laboratory where Dr. James Robert Cade, Dr. Dana Shires, and their colleagues invented Gatorade.
When Dr. David Lubin owned the Swann Avenue Market, he acquired a Gatorade bottle signed by Dr. Dana Shires, who was one of his attendings during his internship at TGH. Dr. Lubin has since donated it to the Cade Museum at the University of Florida. |
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| A chance to wear a costume?!? Yes!
HCMA staff and friends never pass up a chance to become someone else, sometimes even on Halloween.
DJ Kitty (Veronica) Col. Sanders (Bill), a Pirate and her Parrot (Elke & David), Sad Clown (Samantha), Party Animals (Debbie, David, & Charisse), and Tacky Tourist (Karen). |
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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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| Powered by PracticeBeat, which serves as a Benefit Provider for the Hillsborough County Medical Association. The HCMA Benefit Provider Program provides value to physicians with products, programs, and services that far exceed the cost of annual dues.
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Drop In & Ask Me Anything
Thursday, November 19, 6:30-7:30pm.
Money questions? We’ve all got them. Join Spencer Gauta, HCMA Benefit Provider, for a casual, no-pressure Zoom chat where you can ask anything, hear what others are asking, and pick up practical financial insights along the way. Register here.
HCMA Holiday Social
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6:30pm
Tampa Yacht & Country Club
Our annual year-end gathering for members and their guests to reconnect, celebrate the season, and toast the upcoming year. CLICK HERE for more details and to RSVP. The evening is co-sponsored by DAS Health.
GRIT Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 7-9pm
Details TBD
Bring a future GRIT and join the fun! What is a future GRIT, you ask? Any woman physician who may retire anytime between now and 20 years from now! If she is already retired, she can come too - she is already a GRIT! Click here to receive more information.
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, February 9, 2027, 6:30pm
The Centre Club Medical student scholarships will be awarded. Guest speaker: Lindsay Hoy, MD. For more details and to RSVP, click here.
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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| Since 1895... Advocating for physicians and the health of the communities we serve.
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