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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 End-of-Year Soirée
HCMA members and their guests, this one's for you! 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.
Hearing Scheduled on Proposed Changes to Florida’s School Vaccine Requirements
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has scheduled a public hearing on its proposed changes to Florida Administrative Code Rule 64D-3.046, which include the removal of the requirement for chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines for school entry and the expansion of the Religious Exemption form through the addition of an exemption based on “moral and ethical beliefs.”
People across Florida can weigh in on the state's plan to remove requirements for four vaccines at schools and daycares at the hearing. If Florida ends school rules for vaccines, a new study predicts a wave of measles nationwide.
- October 8, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - noon (ET) or until the conclusion of the hearing, whichever occurs first.
- Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, Grand Ballroom E, F, G, H, 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary, Florida 32746-4708.
- GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Department of Health’s proposed revisions to Rule 64D-3.046, Florida Administrative Code, related to immunization requirements for school entry.
- View the notice of hearing.
- More info: A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting Tom Bendle at Thomas.Bendle@flhealth.gov, (850)245-4342
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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.
Take a moment to visit the 2026 HCMA Membership Directory to check your listing. If your status has changed, such as being newly retired or having a new office location, here are three ways you can update your information:
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.
Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties declare states of emergency to battle dengue fever
Hillsborough County, which remains an active area for dengue fever, declared a state of emergency recently over the mosquito-borne illness. So did neighboring Pasco and Pinellas, which took the proactive step to prevent the disease from spreading across county lines. Read more.
Leadership Academy deadline approaching
Oct. 9 is the deadline to apply for the Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy, an intensive professional development program exclusively for FMA members who practice in Florida. The Academy helps early and mid-career physicians develop non-clinical skills that are essential for successful healthcare leadership. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to attend five in-person workshops beginning in January. For more information, CLICK 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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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 share the contact information of participating HCMA members so the student and physician can coordinate final mentoring arrangements directly. Thank you for helping shape the next generation of physicians! |
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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 three 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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Meet tour newest PWP provider
Mr. Mark Davis, in private practice since 1993, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, and addiction professional. He has over 40 years of clinical experience in mental health and substance use. Mr. Davis has extensive experience providing care across the continuum, from outpatient treatment to residential care, including clinical work at USF Psychiatry Center, Memorial Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Specialties include: Child & adolescent therapy, couples & intimacy, hypnosis, EMDR, substance use & addiction, impaired healthcare professionals, substance abuse professional (SAP) evaluations, and professional monitoring & advocacy. |
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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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Camp Boggy Creek - last but not least!
On September 8th, Debbie and Elke traveled to Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis to present the final ceremonial Foundation check of the 2026 cycle. Heather Files, Director of Development, gave them a tour and shared the camp's history, including how it became a reality through the vision and dedication of co-founders Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. |
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WOMEN IN MEDICINE 2026
On September 24th, the HCMA hosted its Women in Medicine celebration at the Palma Ceia Country Club. Women at every stage of their careers, from medical students to retirees and across more than thirty specialties, came together for an evening of connection and festivity. Several attendees also took home terrific prizes donated by the HCMA and our generous sponsors.
Our sincere thanks to Humadorables by Susan and Kendra Scott Jewelry, who donated 20% of their sales to the HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program. |
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| The GRIT ladies with their favorite county commissioner, Dist. 5 candidate, Dr. Neil Manimala! |
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Speaking of Women (who used to be) in Medicine...
The GRIT (Grateful, Retired, Independent, & Thriving) ladies are always up to something! Are you a retired female physician and looking for something to do? Mahjong, dancing, museum tours, and get-togethers...they have it all. Contact Dr. Kathryn Kepes (a Founding Mother) at (813) 541-0871 or drkathrynkepes@gmail.com for more information or to be added to the GRIT email list. |
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MercyMed of Tampa Grand Opening! MercyMed of Tampa, a faith-based clinic in Sulphur Springs, celebrated its grand opening today, marking the culmination of a six-year effort to bring accessible health care to the community. Dr. Michael Cromer, past president of the HCMA, was instrumental in making the clinic a reality (read Dr. Cromer's article in the Fall edition of The Bulletin). Though rooted in faith, the clinic welcomes patients of any faith. Pastors from Grace Family Church and Idlewild Church were on hand for the celebration and were deeply involved in the clinic's creation, a reflection of the partnership between the medical and faith communities that carried the dream across the finish line. For the residents of Sulphur Springs, many of whom face barriers to affordable medical care, the clinic is a long-awaited resource. |
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| Newby family members cut the ribbon to the new MercyMed Clinic at the grand opening on October 1st. |
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| MercyMed, grand opening attendees: Dr. Michael Cromer, Debbie Zorian, Elke Lubin, and former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. |
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Alice Lee, MD
Hospitalist
Optum
4211 W. Boy Scout Blvd.
#350
Tampa, 33607
727.824.0780 |
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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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Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. – Certified Public Accountants provides exclusive offers for HCMA members. Since its inception in 1983, Rivero, Gordimer & Company has strived to offer the best accounting service available to the Tampa Bay area’s community. Many of our shareholders and professionals have served as partners and associates with some of the largest international accounting firms in the United States. We bring the strength and knowledge of this experience to the local level. |
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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.
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 to be confirmed. 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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