Page 29 - CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA JUNE 2022

New DCMA President

Exhibits Love for Profession

BY LOIS THOMSON

Rafael J. Fernandez, Jr., comes from a
family of physicians – he's the grandson
of a physician, and the son and the
nephew of one. In addition, his brother,
spouse, and one son are all physicians.
(He also pointed out he is equally proud
of his other son, who is an attorney in
Miami.) But while some offspring might
feel pressured into following in the fam-
ily footsteps, that wasn't the case with
Dr. Fernandez. As he commented, "I
think it was in the genes, but I'm most
fortunate, my family didn't force me
into medicine, it was my own choice." Rafael J. Fernandez, Jr.
No, Dr. Fernandez wasn't forced but
rather has shown a love for the profes- physicians who are not members, I'd
sion, as evidenced by the fact that he like to highly encourage them to join.
took over as president of the Dade For members, I want to make clear that
County Medical Association in June. He I am not the DCMA; I have just been
said that process began a few years prior provided the privilege and the responsi-
when he was invited to be a representa- bility to sit in this position for one year.
tive from the South District for the But the real DCMA are the members;
DCMA. "I came on board during a time and as members, our goal is to help
of transition," he said; and during that physicians in Dade County address
time a few highly qualified directors, challenges that we face, to help educate
along with several top physicians and the public and the legislature – regard-
leaders, "really re-energized this organi- less of party – and guide medicine in the
zation. That motivated me to continue." county so that we can provide the best
He appreciates the opportunities the quality care for our patients and advo-
association has provided, such as partic- cate for them in their times of need.
ipating in the Physician Leadership "I will do my best to get the message
Academy, which he said exposed him to out there, to both the public and physi-
an area not normally received in med- cians, and encourage them to be active
ical education and training. The contin- members in this organization."
uing medical education (CME) pro- With all of the benefits of being a
grams that allow physicians to maintain member, why wouldn't the medical
their licensure in Florida have also been community want to join? Dr. Fernandez
expanded. Additionally, the organiza- said sometimes people may not be
tion's journal was reborn as a peer aware of the organization. "Unfor -
review journal, Miami Medicine, allow- tunately, medicine is complex, there are
ing both students and residents, as well a lot of moving parts, and it creates a lot
as physicians, to publish their research of challenges. Commitment to the deliv-
to educate the patients, community in ery of healthcare eats up a lot of our
general, and physicians. time, more so now than it did 50 years
Finally, Dr. Fernandez said he would ago." He said one way to attract people
be remiss not to recognize the challenge who have been on the fence is to contin-
of the COVID-19 pandemic the past two ue offering enhancements such as the
years, which has been stressful to every- Miami Medicine journal, providing
one associated with healthcare. The CMEs so they can see the value of mem-
DCMA sought to get Personal bership, and showing them the oppor-
Protective Equipment for family mem- tunities that are available, because Dade
bers of physicians who were on the County is such a diverse community.
front lines, taking care of the sick but While Dr. Fernandez realizes the ben-
then going home and possibly exposing efit of being part of such an organiza-
their own family. "They were able to get tion, he emphasizes the support he has
a grant to manage some things like that received along the way. "I want to make
for family members. The physical and sure I point out that where I am today
mental health of physicians has also probably has more to do with the love
been taxed as a result of the pandemic, and support I've had from my family,
something DCMA is assisting physi- friends, and colleagues in South Florida.
cians with through the development of I also need to recognize my dedicated
a Wellness Program. Those kinds of staff, who help me run a solo practice
accomplishments are what really moti- here in Coral Gables."
vated me to continue forward in this The DCMA can provide similar sup-
organization." port as well.
For those reasons, Dr. Fernandez stat-
ed some of the things he hopes to For more information,
accomplish as president: "I'd like to call (305) 324-8717, or visit
reach out to both members and physi- www.miamimed.com
cians who are not members. To the

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4 June 2022 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News