HCMA Past Presidents will be honored.
2025 HCMA Foundation Grant Recipients will be recognized.
The Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial and the HCMA Outstanding Physician Awards will be presented.

RSVP HERE

Thank you, sponsor Tampa General Hospital! Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available - click here.

Membership Dinner & Event Policy Reminder

If an HCMA member RSVPs for themselves along with guest/s, that member must pay the dinner fee for their guest/s, if they are considered a no-show (if the reservation was not cancelled 3 business days before the event). While we have never invoiced a member for not attending, we do send invoices for the member’s guest/s, currently $55 per person, if reservations were not canceled in advance. Thank you for your understanding.

FDA approves updated COVID-19 shots with limits for some kids and adults

U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots on August 27th, but limited their use for many Americans and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children. The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors (65+). But the Food and Drug Administration narrowed its use for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. That presents new barriers to access for millions of Americans who would have to prove their risk, and millions more who may want to get vaccinated and suddenly no longer qualify. Additionally, Pfizer’s vaccine will no longer be available for any child under 5, because the FDA said it was revoking the shot’s emergency authorization for that age group. Read more.

COVID shots this year, industry sources say

Broad U.S. health insurance coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine is not likely to change this fall even after the Food and Drug Administration limited the shot to people 65 and older or those with health conditions, sources at two insurance trade organizations said. Coverage could change starting in January 2026 when health plans offer new annual benefits, and depending on the type of recommendations made in the coming months by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's outside committee of advisers, they added. Read more.

HCMA Membership - Invite your colleagues to join

Dues statements for 2026 HCMA membership will be arriving 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. 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.

New 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.

House, Senate bills seek to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice

The legislation would allow pharmacists to diagnose and treat patients without the necessary education or training to do so. Why the AMA and other physician organizations are sounding the alarm.

ChatGPT in Your Clinic: Who’s the Expert Now?

Patients arriving at appointments with researched information is not new, but artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are changing the dynamics. Their confident presentation can leave physicians feeling that their expertise is challenged. Read more.

As Florida's health care coverage prepares to change, a group proposes Medicaid expansion

Cuts to Medicaid and the ACA are coming next year. A grassroots movement is attempting to lessen the blow by petitioning for an expansion of Medicaid on the 2026 voter ballot. Read more.

Leadership Academy applications open soon

The FMA will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy, its premier professional development program, this month. 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. Explore the program and watch for the official launch in your inbox.

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.

Help us help you!

Your feedback is appreciated - please CLICK HERE to answer 6 questions that will help the HCMA better serve you.

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.

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

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.

From the Boards of Medicine

2025 Bills Impacting Health Care Professions

Summaries of legislation passed during the 2025 legislative session that affect Florida’s health care professions can be found by CLICKING HERE. Select a bill from the list to view a summary, effective date, and a link to the final enrolled bill text.

Physician Wellness

NAMI - tool kits, resources, fast facts

International Association for Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Each September, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide prevention, recognize warning signs, and seek help.

This month: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference.

With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing, and being ready to truly listen, can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.

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.

Personal News

HCMA Leader

HILLPAC Endorsed Candidate

Neil Manimala, MD

Meet the Candidates

Dr. Neil Manimala, HCMA President-Elect, is running for County Commission District 5, one of two districts that will be elected county-wide in 2026.

Dr. Manimala's campaign kickoff is being held on Wednesday, September 17th, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, at LARA - Apothecary Bar & Bazaar, 1919 E 7th Ave., Tampa, 33605. RSVP here.

Rep. Karen Gonzalez-Pittman

HD #65

HILLPAC Endorsed Candidate

Representative Karen Gonzalez-Pittman is also kicking off her 2026 campaign for re-election to the House District 65 seat. Married to HCMA Past President, Dr. Christopher Pittman, Rep. Gonzalez-Pittman has served HD#65 since 2022.

Representative Gonzalez-Pittman's campaign kickoff is also being held on Wednesday, September 17th, at 5:30-7:30 PM at the Palma Ceia Country Club. RSVP here.

A part-time Membership & Event Coordinator position is available at the HCMA!

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Membership & Event Coordinator to support our growing membership base and ensure the successful planning and execution of in-person events. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys managing logistics and data, communications, and relationships. All interested candidates are to submit their resume to Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, at dzorian@hcma.net.

New Members

Active Members

Pooja Desai, MD

Pediatric Hematology Oncology

BayCare Medical Group

3001 W. M.L.King Jr. Blvd., Fl 1

Tampa, 33607

813-321-6820

Kimberley Kleckner, MD

Family Medicine

BayCare Primary Care Carillon

900 Carillon Pkwy, Ste. 303

St. Petersburg, 33716

727.561.2600

Aashka Shah, MD

Endocrinology

Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Health, and Hormones

13801 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

Ste. 201

Tampa, 33613

813.977.5557

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

Erin Smith Aebel

eaebel@trenam.com

813.227.7455

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.

Reviews for employment or independent contractor agreements are available.

For a single provider contract, whether it is an employment agreement or an independent contractor agreement, Ms. Aebel will review the agreement prior to meeting with an HCMA member via Zoom, phone, or in person, at the discounted flat fee of $750.

As someone who regularly drafts contracts, Ms. Aebel will assist members with requested changes and negotiating techniques for up to one hour. She will make sure members are prepared for their negotiations and will include a brief follow-up call or email to discuss the changes, accepted or not accepted in the negotiations, to help guide the member towards a final decision.

If requested, Ms. Aebel can also make edits and handle the negotiations on your behalf at an additional cost.

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

The new Bulletin

is here!

Click here to read The Bulletin or download a PDF

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.

Add someone to The Bulletin email list

UPCOMING EVENTS

Serving excellence

since before sliced bread.

Celebrating the

HCMA's 130th Anniversary

Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:30pm, The Centre Club

HCMA Past Presidents will be honored.
2025 HCMA Foundation Grant Recipients will be recognized.
The Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award and the HCMA Outstanding Physician Award will be presented.

RSVP HERE

Thank you, sponsor Tampa General Hospital!

Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available - click here.

Financial Survival Guide for the Mid-Late Career Physician

Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 6:30-7:30pm

Complimentary Webinar

Register by clicking here.

Women in Medicine Social

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:00-8:00pm

Palma Ceia Country Club

Click here for more details and to RSVP.

Sponsor opportunities are available - click here.

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 Foundation's 28th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, April 23, 2026

TPC - Tampa Bay

Details, registration, current sponsors, and sponsor info can be found here.

Benefit Providers

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.