Upcoming Events
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April 24, 2025 12:00 PMTournament Players Club, Tampa Bay 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Dr., Lutz, Florida 33558
March 2024 E News
Pertinent Information
HAVE YOU PAID YOUR
2024 HCMA MEMBERSHIP DUES?
Your HCMA membership renews on the first of each year. The drop date is March 31st. Check your membership status by logging into your account at HCMA.net. You can pay your dues securely online, or by calling the HCMA at 813.253.0471, or by mailing your payment to HCMA, 3001 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609.
Ladapo criticized over measles vaccine memo that contradicts CDC guidance
In the wake of measles cases at a Broward school, Florida's surgeon general writes that the Department of Health “is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance” without urging the need for MMR vaccinations. Read more.
HCMA position statement
The HCMA strongly supports immunizations to protect our communities from highly communicable and deadly diseases. Click here to read the HCMA's position statement regarding the measles outbreak and the effectiveness of vaccinations.
Sunshine State looks to require some insurers to cover costs of skin cancer screenings
Lawmakers are poised to make it easier and cheaper for Florida residents to undergo potentially lifesaving skin cancer screenings by ensuring that all costs are covered by health insurance. Read more.
Older U.S. adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend
The CDC said Americans 65 and older should get another dose of the updated vaccine that became available in September — if at least four months have passed since their last shot. Read more.
Make a difference
The Florida Legislature is in its final weeks of session, and bills that will affect your practice are passing now. By supporting HCMA's political action committee, HILLPAC, you'll be supporting political candidates committed to you, your practice, and your patients. Click here to donate.
Medical education loan reimbursement update
In October, FMA leaders joined Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at a press conference touting the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program. The FRAME Program assists eligible healthcare practitioners, including physicians, with the repayment of medical education loans. The FMA secured an annual appropriation of nearly $6.6 million for this program during the 2022 Legislative Session, and physicians and residents received the majority of funds allocated this year. The 2024 awards cycle will open on Feb. 1st. The deadline is March 31st. Read more.
FMA Annual Meeting
The 2024 FMA Annual Meeting is being held August 2-4 in Orlando at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. The HCMA is allotted 30+ delegates to represent our members and communities. If you are interested in submitting a resolution for our delegation to consider, or want to serve as an HCMA delegate to the FMA, contact Elke Lubin for details.
Plant a pinwheel garden!
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County is partnering with organizations throughout Hillsborough County to create pinwheel gardens. The blue pinwheels symbolize Child Abuse Prevention Month. In previous years, over 200 pinwheel gardens were placed throughout the county. Let's increase that number to bring even more awareness to child abuse prevention. If you have a 10x5 space at your facility to place a pinwheel garden, The Children’s Board will provide the pinwheels and a yard sign. To confirm your participation contact Timothy Bennett, CMP, DES, Children's Board Community Relations Manager, (813) 274-6899, or BennettTA@childrensboard.org. The HCMA has displayed a pinwheel garden in front of our office locations for several years.
Attention 4th year medical students planning a career in OBG
Robert Yelverton, Sr., MD Memorial Scholarship - Deadline April 1st
The HCMA Foundation USF Health/Morsani College of Medicine Robert Yelverton, Sr., MD Memorial Scholarship, established in 2023, will be presented at the May HCMA Membership Dinners to a senior USF medical student who will continue their graduate medical education in obstetrics/gynecology and is based on financial need and academic achievement. Among his many notable accomplishments, Dr. Yelverton served as HCMA President in 1997 and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. Click here to apply.
2024 Foundation Grant Season is open
After each Charity Golf Classic, the HCMA Foundation Board members review grant applications and choose the recipients of the year's awards. The Board is now accepting grant applications, the deadline to submit is May 15th. If you are familiar with a local nonprofit organization that supports the health and well-being of the members of our communities, please encourage them to apply. Grant applications can be found on the HCMA website, by emailing Elke Lubin, or by calling the HCMA office at 813.253.0471.
Membership Directory rates have been reduced
Now accepting ads for the Annual HCMA Membership Directory, Summer 2024 Edition. The HCMA Annual Membership Directory has proven to be an excellent referral source for physicians and businesses. 2024 advertising rates have been reduced for both members and businesses. Click here to view the rate sheet and to secure your advertisement. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Bauman, E&M sales associate, at 800-572-0011 or brian.b@eandmsales.com.
HCMA Physician Family Alliance
The HCMA Physician Family Alliance is a group of physicians, spouses, partners, and family members whose aim is to promote good health and health education, to engage in charitable community endeavors, and to foster friendly relations among physicians' families and the communities in which they live. The HCMA PFA is excited to announce its new officers: Livia Restrepo & Lauren Swoboda (Co-Presidents) and Beth Schumacher (Secretary/Treasurer). For more information about the HCMA PFA click here or email the officers.
Rental property search for incoming fellow and residents
One of the many benefits the HCMA FPA offers is a rental property match for residents and fellows who are moving to our area. If you have a rental property available for lease starting in May, June, or July, they invite you to complete the form linked below. Your property details will be included in the list, and potential tenants will reach out to you directly based on the contact information you provide. This is a courtesy service, and there are no fees involved. Please note that the HCMA FPA does not pre-screen potential tenants; this is simply a connection opportunity. Landlords, please complete this Google Form.
Connect with us!
Follow and connect with the HCMA on social media. Tap the icons on the left and also connect with HCMA administration staff on LinkedIn:
Debbie Zorian, Executive Director and
Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant
From the Board of Medicine
Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.
The Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine are responsible for setting the CME required for licensure and re-licensure in Florida. Each Board specifies a certain number of hours, including some mandatory topics, that must be completed within each two-year licensure term.
CE Broker
The HCMA has formed a partnership with CE Broker, the official continuing education tracking system. HCMA members receive a discount when subscribing to a CE Broker account. Subscriptions renew annually and offer a user-friendly system that helps you sort through complex CE requirements. Contact Elke Lubin at 813-253-0471 or click here to receive the promotion code. Go to CEBroker.com and subscribe or set up a 7-Day Free Trial Account. Use the HCMA promotion code to apply your discount.
Physician Wellness
The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program (PWP) provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, challenges, and increased stress 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.
Help us build our resource page
The PWP webpage will now include links to articles and resources related to wellness. If you have discovered an article, a book, a social media channel, or a resource you feel may benefit your colleagues, please send a link to Elke Lubin. We welcome you to add a testimonial to support your submission.
Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2024: 'We Have Much Work to Do'Personal News
THERE WAS A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE...AND SENATE!
HCMA leaders met with members of the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation and their staff during a visit to Tallahassee on February 20th. Many thanks to Drs. Neil Manimala, Nam Tran, Damian Caraballo, Eva Crooke, and Christine Whitehead for representing the HCMA and our members so well! Dr. Cromer also served as "Doctor of the Day." The 2024 Florida Legislative Session ends March 8th. For more information about the HCMA and how to get involved with our Government Affairs Committee, visit HCMA.net or call 813.253.0471.
Time Marches On
March 17th marks three years since the HCMA building was sold. The iconic building was the HCMA's home for over 45 years! The "new" 606 S. Boulevard is still under construction.
Hundreds of HCMA meetings were held at 606 S. Boulevard over the years.
Above - taken recently, under construction.
New Members
Active Member
Elizabeth Hopkins, MD
Plastic Surgery
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists2727 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., #200
Tampa, 33607
813.771.2077
Affiliate Members
Trina Espinola, MD
Otolaryngology
Bayfront Health ENT & Allergy625 6th Ave, South
#385
St. Petersburg, 33706
727.553.7100
Traci Ryan, DO
Emergency Medicine
Emergency Physicians of St. Pete701 6th St., South
St. Petersburg, 33701
727.553.7391
Fadi Saba, MD
Internal Medicine
Professional Health Care of Pinellas1839 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, 33713
727.322.1054
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
Winstar Payments - as a valued member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, Winstar Payments will provide you a free analysis of your current merchant processing system to compare with proposed discounted fees up to 50% percent lower or 100% FREE credit card processing with our Cash Discount program. Winstar will pay $1,000 to any practice where they cannot meet or beat their current processing rates. Be sure to ask about our fully-compliant Cash Discount Program which includes a free Point-Of-Sale.
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
Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Financial Planning - A 2-part Interactive Webinar
Tuesday, March 19 & 26, 6:30-8pm
A great class to prepare you for the rest of the year. Brought to you by the HCMA Benefit Provider Program and Physicians Wealth Planning. RSVPs are required. Include your home address when registering, course materials will be mailed to you.
26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic
Thursday, April 4, 2024, Call to carts: 1:15pm
Tournament Players Club - Tampa
Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!
Sponsors as of today... we'd love to add you to the list of supporters!
TITLE SPONSORS
Excelis Medical AssociatesJensen Anderson/Brighthouse Financial
CHAMPION SPONSORS
TGH Imaging Powered by TowerWINNER SPONSORS
BT Wealth Advisors USF Health
USF Morsani College of Medicine
EAGLE SPONSORS
PAR SPONSORS
Florida Pain Medicine
Healthcare Realty Group, LLC
USF Federal Credit Union
The Woman's Group
HOLE SPONSORS
Advent Health Medical Group
Ferman Motor Car Company
HCMA Physician Family Alliance
Carol Hodges, MD & Ed Homan, MD
Saira Khan, MD
Rivero, Gordimer & Company, CPAsIN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. David & Elke Lubin
Dr. Bruce & Coleen Shephard
Michael A. Zimmer, MD, MACPDebbie Zorian
HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS
Morgan Import MotorcarsJudeo Christian Health Clinic
Annual Fundraiser & Silent Auction
Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6PM
Sponsorship opportunities are available and individual tickets can be purchased by calling the JCHC, 813.870.3231. Ronald and Renee Vaughn will be honored and will be presented with the 2024 Humanitarian Award.
HCMA Presidential Installation
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:15pm
Westshore Grand Hotel
Save the date! Dr. Damian Caraballo will be installed as HCMA's 121st President. FMA President, Dr. Jason Goldman will be our special guest. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available - contact the HCMA office for information, 813.253.0471 or AOrthman@hcma.net.