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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 Inauguration Dinner
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:30pm
The Centre Club
Dr. Neil Manimala will be installed as the HCMA's 123rd President. Members who will serve the HCMA in leadership positions and on the Executive Council will be announced. Visit HERE for more information and to RSVP. Thank you to our sponsors, The Bank of Tampa, BayCare, Clarity Wealth, Florida Urology Partners, and the MCMS Insurance Trust.
The 2026 Legislative Regular Session has adjourned
CLICK HERE to read the FMA's report on the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. Florida lawmakers are expected to return to Tallahassee for multiple special sessions after concluding their regular session without passing a state budget. Key topics include finalizing the budget, potential property tax relief, and a special session for congressional redistricting set for April 20–24, 2026.
Provider Reimbursement Stability Act
On March 30th, a bipartisan collection of members of the House of Representatives introduced AMA supported legislation that makes targeted improvements to the statute governing budget neutrality requirements within the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). H.R. 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, represents a major component of AMA’s overarching advocacy campaign to overhaul the Medicare physician payment system. Read the legislative Summary HERE.
A joint press release from the House sponsors is expected on or around Thursday, April 2nd. While introduction in the House of Representatives is complete, AMA lobbyists are in ongoing negotiations to introduce a Senate companion bill to H.R. 8163.
Florida drops to fourth-most number of measles cases as spread slows
As of March 21, the state reported 143 measles cases in 2026, with 73% in Collier County. The week before, there were 139 statewide.
Measles cases in Florida continue to rise but the rate of the spread has slowed significantly in the last month. Read more.
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A look at COVID six years later
As of early this year, the virus has fallen out of the top 10 causes of death in Florida. Read the article here.
Advocates work to restore access to HIV meds going into Legislature's special session
Temporary relief was granted this week for low-income HIV patients, but the push to ensure long-term access to lifesaving medication has just begun. On March 24th, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that temporarily suspends an emergency rule by the Florida Department of Health that limited eligibility for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Read more.
How to build trust when patients believe misinformation
Building trust with misinformed patients is crucial for effective care. Physicians should listen, acknowledge uncertainties, and communicate nonverbally to foster trust. Engaging in ongoing conversations and providing credible information can counteract misinformation effectively. Read the article.
“If you hit it right, it’s a slice. If you hit it left, it’s a hook. If you hit it straight, it’s a miracle.” — Anonymous
Miracles happen! HCMA Foundation's 28th Charity Golf Classic tees off on April 23rd at TPC! No matter where the ball lands, your support makes an impact. 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 RATES: E&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
Best Practices for Record Retention
In Florida, physicians must keep medical records for at least five years from the date of the last patient contact. Records for minors must generally be kept for five years, but it is often recommended to retain them until the patient turns 25 (age of majority plus statute of limitations).
Key Retention Details (Florida):
- Minimum Retention: 5 years from last patient contact (Rule 64B8-10.002, F.A.C.).
- Public Hospital Records: 7 years.
- Malpractice Considerations: Due to the 7-year statute of limitations for malpractice claims, many entities recommend retaining records for 7 years to cover potential litigation.
- Deceased/Relocated Physician: Records must be maintained for at least two years following the physician's death or termination of practice.
Sources: Florida Administrative Code and Cornell Law School
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.
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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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Weak
Passwords Put Patient Data at Risk
Weak or reused passwords continue to be
one of the easiest ways attackers access healthcare systems. Organizations
should require strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication
(MFA) across all critical systems, and remove access immediately when staff
roles change or employment ends. Sharing credentials, reusing passwords across
systems, or disabling MFA for convenience creates unnecessary risk and exposes
patient data.
How DAS Health Can Help
DAS Health implements secure identity and
access controls, including MFA and automated user provisioning, to protect
systems while keeping access efficient for staff.
E: info@dashealth.com | P: 813-774-9800 |
W: DAShealth.com |
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From the Boards of Medicine
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Reframing the future of health care for underserved Floridians
The 2026 Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program application window will be open from March 1st – April 30th! The FRAME program supports qualified medical and mental health professionals in practicing in underserved areas of Florida. It provides annual payments to help offset student loans and educational expenses incurred during pursuit of medical, nursing, or related degrees and licensure. Qualified medical and mental health professionals can receive up to $150,000 over a 4-year period, as long as they meet all program eligibility requirements!
Click here for the list of eligible professionals.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Hold a clear/active Florida license
- Accept Medicaid (if eligible; exclusions include correctional institutions, VA clinics, state mental health hospitals, free clinics, and certain state facilities for the developmentally disabled)
- Actively provide primary care/mental health services in an eligible location:
- A Primary Care/Mental Health Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designated by HRSA, or
- A Rural Hospital certified by (AHCA)
- Deliver face-to-face direct patient care (up to 50% of weekly hours may be via telemedicine)
- Be a U.S. citizen or National
- Have qualified student loans
Visit the FRAMEworks portal for full program details, eligibility verification, and application preparation. The FRAME program does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure the smoothest possible processing, please take the time to review your submission carefully and ensure that all forms and information are accurate and complete. Errors or incomplete documents can lead to delays in processing your application. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the FRAME team by visiting the Request Assistance tab on the FRAMEworks portal. |
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A mini-lesson from Dike Drummond, MD, The Happy Doctor
There's a rule drilled into every doctor from day one. "The patient comes first." I call it the physician's 1st prime directive. No arguments there. It's the right call every single time. But here's what nobody tells you in med school...that rule has no off switch.
I've coached over 40,000 doctors since 2010. I've watched this pattern destroy careers. I've also watched it wreck retirements. Doctors who finally stop seeing patients... and completely fall apart.
I made a five-minute video that breaks this all down. It's short and clear. And it'll probably hit home.
~ Dike |
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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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34 years together!
Dr. David Lubin was awarded the Running Shoe Award at Susan Harmeling's recent retirement banquet, celebrating her 34 years as the Gasparilla Distance Classic Races' director. The plaque reads:
In recognition for your 34 years of dedication, commitment, passion, and service from 1993-2026 as the Race Photographer of the Gasparilla Distance Classic.
Both Susan & Dr. Lubin began and ended their relationship with the Races together. |
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Susan Harmeling and Dr. David Lubin
Fun fact: Susan was awarded the HCMA's Dr. Frederick Reddy Memorial Award in 2017. |
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HCMA/Gastro Florida Pinellas Social - March 4, 2026
Physicians, great conversation, and a little time to reconnect outside the office — a perfect evening in Pinellas County! HCMA and Gastro Florida were proud to host a physician social at O’Keefe’s, where colleagues caught up, shared ideas, and enjoyed some well-deserved camaraderie. Building relationships like these helps keep our physician community in Tampa Bay strong and united. We hope to see even more Pinellas physicians join HCMA and be part of the growing network of physicians supporting one another across the region. Special thanks to Dr. James Lee for capturing the evening with these great photos! Visit our Facebook page for all of the photos! |
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Active Members
Colleen Campbell, MD
Internal Medicine
Charmin Health
4221 N. Florida Ave.
Tampa, 33603
813-539-6848
Francesca Dimou, MD
General Surgery
USF Health Dept of Surgery
2 Tampa General Circle
Tampa, 33606
813-844-7473 |
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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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Integris Assurance Company - offering a 5% discount on professional liability insurance. A member of the Integris Group, formerly MedMal Direct, is the only licensed and admitted medical professional liability insurance carrier domiciled in the state of Florida. Founded by physicians in 1984, Integris Group provides cost-effective, reliable coverage along with a wide range of benefits, including Continuing Medical Education (CME), Risk Management Assessments, Cyber Liability Portal, Legacy Rewards, and more; all designed to support and protect healthcare professionals. Our partnership not only includes a 5% discount for eligible HCMA members but also opportunities for additional discounts. Contact your local representative for more information: Dan Howell, MBA, Regional Sales Executive, dhowell@integrisgrp.com, 727.306.2031.
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Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Tuesday, 5/12/26 6:30-7:45PM
FREE CME WEBINAR for HCMA Members
More details and registration can be found HERE.
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FANCY HATS ENCOURAGED! On April 16th, the JCHC Humanitarian Award will be presented to Chloe Coney, known as the woman who wears many hats!
She is a lifetime leader, community developer, and has improved entire communities for over 40 years.
Tickets and tables can be purchased by visiting here and then clicking the "Donate" link, or by contacting the Clinic's Executive Director, Kelly Hall: (813) 870-3231 or email kelly@judeochc.org |
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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 can be found here.
Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:30-7:45PM
FREE CME WEBINAR for HCMA Members HCMA Benefit Provider, Integris Group, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Integris Group designates this live event for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. More details and registration can be found HERE. |
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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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