Page 7 - Winter 2024 Bulletin

President’s Message (continued)
We need solutions for overcrowding in emergency depart- ments and hospitals in Florida, and a big part of that involves transport. The issue is even worse in Pinellas, where, due to a contract, only one EMS group can transport all patients. We also need to investigate the resilience of nursing homes and have higher standards for their capacity to withstand power outages. Just a few hours without power at an SNF or nursing home can turn one center into a disaster area with multiple seriously ill patients at one time.
It’s during disasters that leaders in Tampa Bay really have their time to shine. I am proud of the collective efforts of physicians in Hillsborough and Pinellas who came together to care for patients during the storm. I hope we take lessons from these storms to solidify our response to future storms, which are occurring more frequently every single year. I hope through collaboration with the HCMA and FMA, future phy- sician leaders arise with innovative and provocative ideas and strategies to mitigate life-saving care during natural disasters. I’d invite any physicians interested in these areas to please contact me or the HCMA administrative staff so that we can work towards solutions to better meet the care of patients in the Tampa Bay area during natural disasters.
HCMA Contingency will visit legislators in Tallahassee
HCMA members will visit Hillsborough Legislators, as they prepare for the upcoming Session, on Tuesday, February 19th. They will educate legislators on organized medicine's stand on proposed bills, serve as a resource on medically related topics, and champion issues that affect the practice of medicine and your patients.
If you are interested in joining your colleagues, contact Elke Lubin (ELubin@hcma.net, 813- 253-0471) for details. Elke will coordinate the group and share contact information so travel arrangements (carpool, caravan, share room, etc.) can be made among participants.
If you choose to travel to Tallahassee the day before, a list of hotels near the Capitol building will be provided. Travel and lodging expenses are the participants' responsibility.
MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION
The following medical practices have 100% HCMA membership*. HCMA recognizes these practices for their dedication to strengthening the voice of medicine in the Tampa Bay area.
10-25 Physicians
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute - Brandon Women's Care - West Tampa
Thank you for your continued support!
26-50 Physicians
Florida E.N.T. & Allergy Florida Urology Partners Ruffolo, Hooper & Associates, MD, PA
The Woman's Group
Damian Caraballo, MD
Over 50 Physicians
Excelis Medical Associates Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Debbie Zorian
2024-2025 HCMA President HCMA Executive Director
*based on 2024 HCMA membership
HCMA BULLETIN, Vol 70, No. 3 – Winter 2024 7