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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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2027 HCMA Dues billing begins this month
HCMA membership dues invoices will be sent via email and US postal service this month. Please watch your mail and email. 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 County Commission candidates talk Rays, property taxes and indigent healthcare
A crowded field took to the stage of the Cuban Club in Ybor City on August 21st, as candidates for the Hillsborough County Commission, including Dr. Neil Manimala, HCMA President, appeared before the Tampa Tiger Bay Club. Read more.
Data show uptick in COVID-19 test positivity rate
CNN reports, “Although the autumn respiratory illness season hasn’t kicked off, and flu and RSV activity remain low, there’s a growing summer wave of COVID-19.” Infection rates “aren’t especially high, and the United States isn’t recording many hospitalizations or deaths,” but CDC data “puts the test positivity rate for the week ending August 8 above 3% for the first time since March, with numbers climbing in every state.”
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Dengue cases double in Hillsborough as infected mosquito surveillance pools increase
The Florida Department of Health has logged at least 42 cases this year, with Hillsborough reporting the most, by far. Miami-Dade is next with seven, after adding three in the last update. Read more.
Florida seeks to repeal four vaccines from school entry requirements
The rule, which was approved by Ladapo on August 20th, has a 21-day period for public input before final approval (September 14th). CLICK HERE to submit a comment to the Agency. The state of Florida wants to remove four immunizations from entry requirements for PreK-12 public and private schools. The Florida Department of Health is proposing a rule to remove Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for public school attendance, a move that has been in play for almost a year after Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced his intent to get rid of all vaccine mandates in the state. Read more. Read HCMA's Press Release dated August 31st.
Did school vaccines just become a campaign issue in Florida?
GOP gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Byron Donalds says he'd like to "study and really engage it" before making a decision about whether to repeal statutory vaccine requirements for schools. Recently, Donalds suggested a measles outbreak in Southwest Florida may be happening in part because "people have come into the country illegally" and "have not had that vaccination schedule." Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly's camp said if elected Jolly would fire Ladapo. "Floridians are done with people playing politics with our children's health. As governor David Jolly will fire the Surgeon General and follow the guidance of a new Surgeon General who embraces science and evidence-based public health," Mark Riddle, senior adviser to Jolly, said in a text to the Phoenix. Read more.
School vaccination rates inch down yet again and exemptions reach record high
It’s the fourth consecutive year that the national average exemption rate has reached a record, and the vast majority are parents withholding shots for nonmedical reasons. Read more.
5 questions on vaccinations for USF Health pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Takagishi
Dr. Jennifer Takagishi, a Tampa pediatrician and vice president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, knows what happens when the vaccination rate dips below herd immunity. "Your child has a personal risk of getting a disease that could potentially not only make them very sick, but could actually kill them," Dr. Takagishi told the News Service of Florida. "A lot of families don't want to hear that, but I've unfortunately seen a 2-week-old in my practice who died of whooping cough, so I know that it can happen." Read more.
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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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Florida, hard-hit by ACA drop-off, feels the squeeze of rising healthcare costs
The state has a large population relying on the federal health insurance marketplace, making it a focal point for the fallout. Clinics for the uninsured help, but they can't meet the demand. Read more.
In Florida, a policy change threatens care medically fragile children get at home
The Department of Justice asked a federal appeals court earlier this month to vacate its March decision in a long-running case about requiring medically fragile children in Florida to receive the care they need while living at home with their families. The news came as a massive blow to parents who had hoped the state would be forced to provide better support for their children. Read more.
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!
UF Health Provider Research Study on Dementia Care
A research study, “Understanding Provider Perspectives on Dementia Care in Primary Care and Family Practice,” approved by the University of Florida IRB, is examining provider perspectives on a two-step cognitive and blood-based assessment model (CARM-L) designed to support the early identification of Alzheimer’s disease in primary care settings. The goal is to better understand how these tools may fit into routine clinical workflows, support diagnostic confidence, and be implemented in real-world care settings, as well as to better understand clinicians’ concerns about this type of testing and the challenges or barriers that may affect its use in primary care and family practice settings.
Participation involves a 10–15 minute online survey that can be completed at the clinician’s convenience and focuses on feasibility, workflow fit, clinical value, and potential concerns or barriers to implementation. Up to 15 participants may also be invited to participate in an optional 20–30 minute virtual follow-up interview.
Questions about the study can be directed to Drs. Carla VandeWeerd, Roma Tremblay, or Mitchell Roberts at villages-research@ufl.edu or 352-247-2493. Click here for additional details.
Board of Medicine approves NBPAS as a recognizing agency
The Florida Board of Medicine took a significant step toward expanding recognized board certification options for Florida physicians at its Aug. 7 meeting. The Board voted to grant a petition for waiver filed by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS) from a provision of Rule 64B8-11.001, Florida Administrative Code, Florida’s physician advertising rule. Once the Board’s final order is issued, NBPAS will qualify as a recognizing agency under the rule, allowing physicians certified by NBPAS to represent themselves as “board certified” in Florida. Read more.
10 books doctors should read at least once
Beyond the library of textbooks runs another shelf of medicine — one made up of novels, essays, and memoirs that explore the field not through knowledge, but through lived experience. These are books about care when cure is no longer possible, about error and accountability, about bodies that fail and minds that endure, about limits and the many ways people push against them. Here's the list.
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.
13 Popular Foods Named After People
If you have a craving, you might invent a new recipe that could be eaten for generations. Some of our favorite foods owe homage to specific people. Can you name them all? |
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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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A New Licensure Experience for Health Care Practitioners
The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is issuing electronic licenses, which enable you to download a PDF copy of your license within two business days. The license can be retrieved in the License Documents menu of your MQA Online Services Portal account. To learn more, please visit the electronic licensing webpage at https://flhealthsource.gov/electronic-licensing/. |
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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. |
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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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Award Winners During the HCMA's September Membership Dinner, held September 1st, The HCMA Outstanding Physician and the Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial awards were presented. Congratulations to Dr. John Curran and Sandra Murman! Watch for a Membership Dinner recap - Event photos will be availabe on the HCMA's Facebook page in the coming days! |
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John S. Curran, MD 2026 HCMA Outstanding Physician
Dr. Curran is pictured with Dr. Neil Manimala, HCMA President. |
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Sandra "Sandy" Murman 2026 Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award recipient
Sandy Murman (in red) is pictured with Dr. Patricia Emmanuel, Mrs. Maisie Reddy, and Dr. Neil Manimala. |
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HCMA members attending the Tampa Town Hall with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Fox News invited HCMA members to attend the taping of "Saturday in America" featuring United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The show taped on August 26th to be aired the following Saturday.
Top photo: Drs. Neil Manimala, Joelian Mislay, and Stacie Wenk. Drs. Luv Hajirawala, Lisa Rush, Catherine Hough-Telford, Joelian Mislay, and Neil Manimala. |
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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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Trenam Law – complimentary phone consultation for up to one hour. Trenam’s healthcare practice is multi-disciplinary, focusing on the many needs of physicians and medical practices, including compliance and licensure advice, assistance in transactions such as employment and contractor agreements, business formations, practice sales, and litigation. Trenam also helps physicians outside of its healthcare practice in areas such as tax, estate planning, real estate, and trademarks. Please contact Erin Smith Aebel or J. Trevor Carson for more information. |
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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 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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