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. Details can be found here. Watch your email for your invitation.

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.

2026 HCMA Membership Dues

Dues statements for 2026 HCMA dues were emailed and sent via USPS. 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.

Health Literacy: Patient Understanding Reduces Provider Risk

HCMA Benefit Provider, Integris Assurance Company, offers insight into health literacy, which is an essential but often overlooked aspect of a patient’s overall well-being. At its core, health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to access, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about their health. In today’s complex healthcare environment, these skills are more important than ever, influencing how people navigate medical systems, follow treatment plans, and engage in preventive care. Read more.

Updated ICD-9 & ICD-10 Codes

The ICD-9 and ICD-10 valid and excluded diagnosis codes for the latest fiscal year are made available to non-group health plan (NGHP) responsible reporting entities (RREs) and agents for Section 111 liability insurance (including self-insurance), no-fault, and workers’ compensation mandatory reporting. CLICK HERE to download the 2026 valid and excluded ICD diagnosis code lists in Excel (.xlsx). The valid lists also include the No-Fault Plan Type D exclusion indicators.

An invitation to serve...

HCMA President, Dr. Nam Tran, invites members to consider being placed, as a candidate, on the 2026 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories, and your 2026 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full.

Open seats include:

Vice President - 1-year term
Secretary/Treasurer - 1-year term
District and At Large seats on the Executive Council - 2-year terms
HILLPAC Board member - 2-year term beginning January 1, 2027 (HILLPAC dues must be paid)
Delegate to the FMA - 3-year term (FMA dues must be paid) and the HCMA Delegates Policy & Procedures Manual must be reviewed, signed, and returned for consideration.

Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members in February. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Click here to submit your name for nomination no later than January 30th.

Medical student scholarship applications are now open

There are three opportunities available for medical students - DEADLINE JANUARY 5TH:

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.

An increasing number of pediatricians won't treat non-vaccinating families

It’s long been proven science that autism is not caused by vaccines. So it’s no surprise that the medical community responded with anger recently when the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered the CDC to alter its webpage, indicating, falsely, that the claim could be correct. Read more. The HCMA has released a position statement on vaccines, which you can view here.

How to answer patients' questions about vaccinations

With the increase in conflicting information about vaccines, some patients may be confused about how to keep their families and themselves healthy. The AMA encourages patients to discuss their concerns with their doctor. Physicians have the proper training and knowledge to help patients make informed health care decisions. Click here to find helpful tips to start those conversations - for physicians and patients.

Medical malpractice bill ready for another vote in the Florida House

A renewed attempt to repeal a controversial law on seeking "non-economic" damages has passed through the committee stage and is ready for the full House when the session begins in January. Read more. Let your House and Senate representatives know how you feel.

4 ways the AMA is working to stop scope creep
Delegates at the AMA Interim Meeting strengthened advocacy for physician-lead, team-based care in ophthalmology, obstetrics, pathology and more. How the AMA will act to safeguard patients.

Advocacy Update: spotlight on the 2025 AMA Interim Meeting

The AMA House of Delegates addressed a range of critical issues impacting the nation’s health care system at the 2025 Interim Meeting, which took place Nov. 14-18 in National Harbor, Maryland. HCMA members who serve as FL Delegates to the AMA are Drs. Michael Cromer, Eva Crooke, Rebecca Johnson, and Michael Zimmer. Read highlights from the interim meeting by clicking here.

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 is 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.

Physicians needed - Research Survey on Arboviral Encephalitis Testing

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is seeking Florida physicians to participate in an important 10-minute anonymous survey examining current testing practices for arboviral encephalitis, including West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. No patient data is required, and respondents are entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Current studies show that arboviral encephalitis is significantly underdiagnosed, limiting public health response and vector control efforts. Your expertise can help identify gaps in disease detection and improve clinical guidelines. Licensed physicians in Emergency Medicine, Neurology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine who may encounter encephalitis patients in their practice are asked to participate.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

If you have any questions, contact Principal Investigator: Dr. Kelli Barr, Associate Professor, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, kbarr@lecom.edu or (941) 782-5645.

Moffitt research study participants needed through January 2026 - participants will be compensated

Dr. Susan Vadaparampil’s Moffitt research team (in collaboration with Tufts University, Boston Medical Center, and University of Hawaii-Manoa) is conducting a study to better understand physician perspectives on barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening, HPV self-sampling, and strategies to increase cervical cancer screening for Florida patients.

Research study: DOSE-CC (Development of Systems and Education for Cervical Cancer Screening); IRB approved: Boston Medical Center (H-46046); Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC #23622)
Healthcare worker eligibility:
Clinicians, patient navigators, or other staff who work in the primary care setting (safety net settings are ideal/preferred)
Has experience working with patients to educate, perform, or facilitate cervical cancer screening
Speaks English
Lives in and practices medicine in Florida
Participation: 1-hour interview conducted via phone or video call (Zoom)
Compensation: $100 for interview completion
If interested, please contact neha.patkar@tuftsmedicine.org

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.

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.

HCMA Holiday Hours

The HCMA will be closed beginning Wednesday, December 24th, and will reopen Monday, January 5th. Stay safe, and we look forward to a rewarding and healthy 2026!

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

Visit the Florida Board of Medicine Online Resources – for tools to access 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. Renewal information and procedure - updated July 2025

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Visit The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine for tools to access applications, forms, statutes, rules, CME education, and other important information. The Board can also be reached by calling 850.488.0595. Renewal information and procedures - updated July 2025.

Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met.

Physician Wellness

15 Ways to Be Happier

Put some pep in your step
Slap on a smile
Volunteer
Make new friends
Count your blessings
Break a sweat
Forgive and forget
Practice mindfulness
Turn on some tunes
Get the ZZZZs that you need
Remember your "Why"
Challenge your inner critic
Tackle your goals
Seek positive people
Ask a pro (like a PWP Provider!)

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

FMA Leadership Academy - class of 2026 includes three HCMA members

In 2009, led by FMA Past President Karl M.  Altenburger, MD, the FMA Foundation (now the Foundation for Healthy Floridians) applied for and received a grant from the Physicians Foundation to help create an emerging leader program for young physicians. The FMA Physician Leadership Academy was launched the following year as the centerpiece of “Leadership 2015,” a project to identify and train 50 emerging physician leaders by 2015. Since that time,  more than 150  physicians representing a diverse range of specialties and practice environments have graduated from the program. The Academy has also diversified FMA leadership by creating a path for young physician members to serve on the Board of Governors, as well as key councils and committees.  In 2013, the Academy was renamed for Dr. Altenburger in recognition of his extraordinary physician mentorship and passion for getting young doctors involved in the FMA. Though he passed away the following year, his legacy lives on in the program that bears his name and continues to nurture a new generation of physician leaders. 

Ram Bishnoi, MD

Geriatric Psychiatry

Andrew Galligan, MD

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Allan Lima

Pereira, MD

Oncology

The HCMA - Advocating for you and your patients! The HCMA coordinated a group visit to Tallahassee to meet with legislators. Before their day began, Drs. Nancy Landfish, Kathryn Kepes, Danielle Terrell, Neil Manimala, Nam Tran, Luv Hajirawala, Laurie Woodard, and Evelyn Roisman met with FMA CEO Chris Clark and FMA Attorney Jeff Scott.

WELCOME, MARIAM!

Mariam Butron Manimala has finally arrived!

Dr. Neil Manimala, his lovely wife Rachel, and the family’s best friend Benji are absolutely over the moon with Miss Mariam.

Weighing in at 8 lbs. 9 oz., this very healthy bundle of joy made her debut on November 5th.

Congratulations to the Manimala family!

New Members

Active Members

Alexandria Mozzicato, DO

Jennifer Rizzo, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology

The Woman's Group

13005 US 301

Riverview, 33578

813-915-5291

Olivia Donnelly, MD**

Paola Comas Vargas, MD**

Obstetrics & Gynecology

The Woman’s Group

3815 Atmore Grove Dr.

Lutz, FL 33548

813-428-7030

Christina Stamoolis, MD

Family Medicine

Craft Concierge

5332 Avion Park Dr., #100

Tampa, 33607

813-981-7807

**The group name and address have been updated to reflect the correct information.

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

Multimillion-dollar health systems are taking your patients - here's how you can get them back...

CLICK HERE for more information and to schedule your

complimentary diagnosis and recommendation.

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

Winter 2025 issue

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

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. Details can be found here. Watch your email for your invitation.

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 are coming soon!

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.