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The monthly electronic newsletter of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. |
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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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2026 HCMA Membership Dues
Dues statements for 2026 HCMA dues were emailed and sent via USPS in September. HCMA dues are due January 1st. If you have not received your statement or if your membership status should change, contact the HCMA office at 813.253.0471. To view your member profile, visit the HCMA website.
We have two months left
We have made it through four months of hurricane season, but we must remain vigilant. Last year's Helen and Milton affected us during the last half of the season. Consider reviewing this material as a refresher to keep your practice safe.
How Ladapo's call to halt mRNA tech could hinder vaccines, medical research in Florida
Read HCMA's position statement on vaccine mandates. As lawmakers prepare legislation to roll back mandates, the surgeon general has floated going one step further: banning mRNA vaccines. Medical experts say that would have public health implications. Read more.
After DeSantis veto, medical malpractice bill reemerges for 2026 legislative session
Nearly four months after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill aimed at clearing the way for some people to pursue medical malpractice lawsuits over the deaths of family members, the proposal has reemerged for the 2026 legislative session. Read more.
Background screening requirements in effect
As of July 1, 2025, all Florida healthcare practitioners must comply with new background screening requirements when applying for initial licensure or renewing their licenses. If your license expires in January 2026, START THE PROCESS NOW - The background screening process involves multiple required steps and processing; waiting too long could result in licensing delays or expiration. Visit the Department of Health’s background screening page to get started on completing your requirements.
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Shutdown halts some health services as political risks test parties' resolve
The stalemate centers largely on health coverage under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, with Democrats and Republicans clashing over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid cuts. For Americans with ACA marketplace plans, government subsidies cap the percentage of household income they must pay toward premiums. Lawmakers expanded the subsidies in 2021 and extended that additional help through the end of 2025, and the looming expiration of those expanded subsidies would increase costs and reduce eligibility for assistance for millions of enrollees. Read more. Here's what the $100K visa plan means for healthcareEven if doctors may be exempt, our system will suffer. Under President Trump's plan, the cost of an H-1B visa would rise from a few thousand dollars per applicant to $100,000. The dramatic increase, if physicians and residents are not exempt, could bankrupt hospitals that are already trying to determine how to plug the holes from the president's massive cuts to healthcare programs. Understanding the potentially devastating effects, physician groups and hospitals have voiced concerns. Read more.
HCMA Membership - Invite your colleagues to join
- Dues statements for 2026 HCMA membership arrived in your mailbox and in-box this month. Would you like to receive a 100% discount on 2026 dues? Encourage three actively practicing physician colleagues to join the HCMA before November 14th, and your dues for 2026 will be waived or reimbursed if already paid. Click here for details!
- HCMA membership is open to your colleagues in the surrounding counties. AFFILIATE membership allows practicing physicians from outside Hillsborough County to join for $250 annually. Encourage your Pinellas, Pasco, or Polk colleagues to CLICK HERE and scroll to the AFFILIATE member option.
Medical student scholarship applications are now open
There are three opportunities available for medical students:
Click the links for the applications and to review the criteria for each scholarship. The winners will be presented with their scholarships at the February 10, 2026, HCMA Membership Dinner.
Leadership Academy applications now being accepted
The FMA has begun accepting applications for the 2026 Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy, its premier professional development program. Exclusively for FMA members who live and practice in Florida, the Leadership Academy is designed to help young and mid-career physicians develop essential nonclinical skills for effective healthcare leadership.
HCMA Contingency will visit legislators in Tallahassee
The HCMA Government Affairs Committee, led by Chairman and HCMA President Elect, Dr. Neil Manimala, is planning a visit to Tallahassee on November 20th, before the Legislative Session begins. The group will visit Hillsborough Legislators as they prepare for the Session during a "Committee Week." If you are interested in joining our leaders, contact Elke Lubin for details. If you decide to travel to Tallahassee the day before, a list of hotels will be provided. Travel and lodging expenses are the participants' responsibility.
Consider Leaving a Legacy Gift
You can make a lasting impact by including the HCMA or the HCMA Foundation in your estate plans. Gifts directed to the HCMA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, may qualify for estate tax benefits and help support our mission for years to come. Gifts can also be made directly to the HCMA, a 501(c)(6) membership organization, to support the ongoing work of the Association (these gifts are not tax-deductible). Talk with your attorney or financial advisor to determine the option that works best for you and your family.
HCMA Physician Referral Service
As a participating member, you will be given priority when members of the public contact the HCMA office seeking referrals to physicians in your specialty. To be included on the referral service roster, a $40 fee is required. The annual fee aligns with the calendar year and will be due for renewal each January 1. This fee will be included on your HCMA annual dues notice, which is sent out starting in September with a due date of January 1st. Sign up here or contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA for more information.
Member testimonials
We are currently gathering testimonials from members to share the stories of why they have chosen to join the Association. Please take the time to share a few thoughts on your personal experience:
- What inspired you to join the HCMA?
- What has your experience been like so far?
- How do you feel about the community or mission of the organization?
- What do you like best about the HCMA?
Feel free to answer any or all of these questions. We’d be grateful for your perspective and appreciate your time! Thank you for your consideration.
Member Announcement Service
Moving, new partner, new website, retirement announcement? The HCMA will create a professional, dedicated announcement to members of the Association. Send us your text, logo, and photos, and we will do the rest. This service is for members only and is $125 per emailed announcement. Contact Elke Lubin for details.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Ways we can take action, spread awareness, and support survivors:
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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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Visit the Florida Board of Medicine Online Resources – a tool for accessing applications, forms, statutes, rules, CME education, and other important information. You can also register to receive emails from the Board when new posts are added to their website. The Board can also be reached by calling 850.488.0595. |
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The essential gratitude box. |
A comment was posted at TheHappyMD.com from a name I didn't recognize.
It was over 500 words long, and at first I didn't understand what it was about. Turns out it was from a patient I treated as a resident, almost 40 years ago now.
He bumped into me on the internet somehow (I do have a pretty distinctive name!), and tracked me down just to say thank you for something I honestly barely remembered doing. Apparently, I spent some extra time with him and his dad at the point where we recognized he is a hemophiliac, and those few words of reassurance changed everything for him. The crazy part? I probably went home that day thinking it was just me doing my job .... made the save, right? |
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This got me thinking about something most doctors never do but absolutely should. Every physician needs what I call a "gratitude box" - a simple shoebox or folder where you stash every thank-you note, every kind email, every small token of appreciation patients give you. Most of us are terrible at this. We file away the complaint letters and malpractice threats but toss the good stuff without a second thought. Big mistake.
Here's why your gratitude box becomes your secret weapon against burnout. On those brutal days when nothing goes right, when you're questioning why you became a doctor in the first place, when the EMR is driving you insane - that's when you dig into your box. Pull out a few notes. Read them slowly, take a big breath, and remember what it felt like to make that difference. Recall that behind all the paperwork and insurance hassles and administrative nonsense, you're actually changing lives.
Sometimes in ways you won't know about until much later. Some doctors keep digital folders of emails. Others have actual shoeboxes for cards and letters. Doesn't matter how you do it - just start collecting these moments. The gratitude box reminds you of your "why" when everything starts feeling pointless.
~ Dike "attitude of gratitude" Drummond
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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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Jennifer Caputo-Seidler, MD |
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Coverage cliff looms in Florida
The impending expiration of ACA tax credits and Medicaid reductions threatens to leave millions without affordable care. HCMA member Dr. Jennifer Caputo-Seidler highlights the potential surge in ER visits and growing strain on Florida’s health care system. Read more. |
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On September 25th,
the HCMA's Annual Women in Medicine Social was an inspiring celebration of the
diverse talents and extensive expertise women contribute to the medical field,
representing a wide range of specialties.
Over 70 attendees
enjoyed the opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and
recognize the many ways women are shaping the future of healthcare. The evening
underscored the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and support within the
medical community.
It was an evening that
affirmed the value of supporting women at every stage of their careers. |
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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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HCMA's Newest Benefit Provider We are pleased to announce that the HCMA and Integris Assurance Company have partnered to serve our membership. Integris Assurance Company, a member of the Integris Group, 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 with Integris Assurance Company also includes a 5% discount for eligible HCMA members as well as the opportunity for additional discounts.
Your HCMA Board of Trustees strives to secure partnerships with companies that are principled and responsive to the unique needs of our members. We believe our partnership with Integris Assurance Company will demonstrate that we have reached that goal successfully.
Nam Tran, MD HCMA President |
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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.
New Bulletin feature... Featuring YOU!
"Is there a doctor in the house?" is a new feature in which HCMA members will relive an incident when they were in the right place at the right time, and assisted in the emergent care of a stranger. If you are willing to share your story, please contact Elke Lubin to receive the article guidelines to submit your experience. |
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HCMA Members visiting Legislators in Tallahassee
November 20, 2025
Contact Elke Lubin for details
HCMA Holiday Social
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6:30pm
The Centre Club
Mark your calendar - details coming soon!
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6:30pm
The Centre Club
AMA President, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, will be our special guest. The HCMA and HCMA Foundation will also award medical student scholarships. Mark your calendar now.
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. |
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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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