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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. Watch your email for details and to RSVP. Visit HERE for more information. Thank you to our sponsors, The Bank of Tampa, BayCare, Clarity Wealth, and Florida Urology Partners.
The 2026 Florida Legislative Session will adjourn on March 13th
The Florida Medical Association’s legislative team has compiled a watch list of bills for the 2026 Session. The bills and the FMA’s position on each are listed IN THIS DOCUMENT.
Visit www.FLSenate.gov/Tracker to set up an account to view the language of House and Senate Bills that are of interest to you and to track their progress through committees.
Florida’s ‘medical freedom’ bill takes another step forward in the Senate
As measles cases rise in Florida, a bill that makes it easier for parents to refuse common vaccines for their children by granting a personal belief exemption advanced in its second Senate committee on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Read more.
U.S. surpasses 1,100 measles cases in two months, CDC data show
As of February 26, 2026, 1,136 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026. Among these, 1,130 measles cases were reported by 28 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. A total of 6 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States. The data on this page reflect confirmed measles cases reported to CDC as of 12:00PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
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‘Nearly every’ child with measles suffers from this hidden threat
“Nearly every unvaccinated child who gets measles can be impacted,” said Patricia Stinchfield, CPNP, past president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Rebuilding immune memory leaves patients vulnerable to new exposures, and infections, hospitalizations, and missed work and school can linger for up to 5 years, casting a long shadow after recovery. Read more.
Recognizing practices with 100% HCMA Membership
10-25 Physicians
26-50 Physicians
Over 50 Physicians
“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
Local student requests your participation in a research study
Samyukta Wagh, a Steinbrenner High School student, is conducting a capstone research study examining the relationship between physician gender, patient-centered care, compensation, and burnout. She is asking HCMA members participate in her anonymous survey, which is for academic research purposes only, and all responses are completely confidential. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and participation would contribute greatly to a better understanding of the challenges physicians face in clinical practice.
Samyukta can be reached by emailing her at samyuwagh@gmail.com. Her supervisor is Dr. Shelli Barton and can be reached by emailing shelli.barton@hcps.net.
Applications for 2026 AMA Awards
The American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees is currently accepting applications for awards granted by the AMA and vetted through the Board Awards and Nominations Committee. For a complete listing of the available awards, criteria and description, and to download the most recent application form, please visit our Awards webpage. Applications must be received by Monday March 16, 2026, 5:00 PM CST for consideration.
Please submit applications to bot@ama-assn.org
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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Phishing Isn’t Just an Email Problem
Phishing attacks now arrive through text messages, fake voicemails, shared documents, and calendar invites, not just email. Healthcare teams should verify unexpected requests for credentials or payments, pause before clicking links or downloading attachments, and report suspicious messages immediately. Staff should not trust messages simply because they appear internal, reuse work passwords on personal accounts, or assume security tools will catch every threat automatically. Awareness and caution remain the strongest defenses.
How DAS Health Can Help
HCMA Benefit Provider, DAS Health, provides advanced email security, phishing protection, and user awareness training designed for healthcare workflows.
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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International Conference on Physician Health™
The International Conference on Physician Health™ 2026 (ICPH 2026) will provide a forum for practitioners and researchers to present innovative methods and support systems, educational programs and recent research findings in the areas of physician and medical student health. The friendly and informal conference environment will promote networking, exchange of experience and information and leisure activity focused on staying healthy.
ICPH 2026 will be held from September 28-30, 2026 in London, UK. The conference theme is “From insight to impact: sustainable strategies for a healthy and fulfilling medical career,” and the program will include inspirational keynote presentations, themed presentation streams, interactive workshop sessions and engaging social events. Register for event updates |
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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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40 Years of Excellence
March 31st marks HCMA Executive Director Debbie Zorian’s 40th anniversary with the HCMA. Her steadfast commitment and behind-the-scenes leadership, unwavering dedication, professionalism, and care for our members have left an enduring mark on the organization. We celebrate her remarkable legacy with gratitude and admiration. We thank her for four decades of outstanding service. |
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Debbie Zorian Executive Director |
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Let's keep our communities healthy! Read Dr. Cromer’s op ed addressing RSV immunization The research is clear: FDA-approved RSV immunizations decrease severe RSV cases and reduce infant hospitalization rates. We encourage families across Florida to take advantage of FDA-approved RSV immunizations to protect their children.
Spread the word...Repost to your social media platforms! |
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County Medical Society Executive Directors Valerie Vale (Manatee), April Donahue (Collier), Julie Ramirez (Lee), Michelle Flaat (Emerald Coast), and our very own Debbie Zorian. |
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CMS Executive Directors Connect at FMA Winter Board of Governors
The FMA’s Winter Board of Governors’ meeting was held in our own backyard, at Le Méridien Tampa. CMS Executive Directors Valerie Vale (Manatee County Medical Society), April Donahue (Collier County Medical Society), Julie Ramierz (Lee County Medical Society), Michelle Flaat (Emerald Coast Medical Association), and our very own Debbie Zorian. |
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HCMA's new leaders and representatives confirmed! Watch your email for the 2026 HCMA Nominating Committee report. All open seats were uncontested, and the HCMA physicians who volunteered to serve the Association will be announced. |
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Retired Member Eli Rose, MD |
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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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Winstar Payments - as a valued member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, Winstar Payments will provide you with 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.
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Spring 2026 issue coming soon! |
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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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