The inauguration marked a historic and celebratory evening for organized medicine in Miami-Dade County, bringing together physician leaders, elected officials, healthcare stakeholders, community leaders, and distinguished guests from across Florida and the nation.

Dr. Kantor succeeds Adriana Bonansea-Frances, M.D., who was recognized and honored for her service and leadership as the Association's 2025-2026 President. During her tenure, Dr. Bonansea-Frances championed physician advocacy, member engagement, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the voice of organized medicine throughout Miami-Dade County.

A Miami native, Dr. Kantor is a respected pediatric physician and healthcare leader at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to improving the health and well-being of children and families while advancing quality care, physician collaboration, and community health initiatives. Her longstanding commitment to patient care and physician leadership has made her a trusted advocate for both the medical profession and the communities it serves.

During her inaugural address, Dr. Kantor outlined her vision for the coming year, emphasizing physician engagement, advocacy on behalf of patients and physicians, leadership development, and strengthening the next generation of medical professionals. She also pledged to continue expanding collaboration among physicians, healthcare organizations, and community partners throughout Miami-Dade County.

"Serving as President of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association is one of the greatest honors of my professional life," said Dr. Kantor. "As someone who was born and raised in Miami, this Association has long represented the very best of our medical community. My goal is to build on our strong foundation by fostering greater physician engagement, supporting advocacy efforts that protect patient care, and ensuring that future generations of physicians have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive."
Outgoing President Dr. Bonansea-Frances reflected on her year of service and the future of the organization.

"It has been a privilege to serve the physicians of Miami-Dade County as President of the MDCMA," said Dr. Bonansea-Frances. "I am proud of what we accomplished together and confident that under Dr. Kantor's leadership, our Association will continue to grow its impact, strengthen physician unity, and advance our mission of improving healthcare for all."

A special highlight of the evening was the participation of Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., Immediate Past President of the American Medical Association (AMA), who attended as a special guest and offered remarks on the importance of physician leadership, organized medicine, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels.

The event also celebrated the rich history of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association, one of the oldest physician organizations in Florida, while recognizing the physicians, community leaders, sponsors, and volunteers whose contributions continue to strengthen healthcare throughout South Florida.

Founded in 1909, the Miami-Dade County Medical Association represents physicians from all specialties and practice settings and serves as a leading voice for medicine in Miami-Dade County. Through advocacy, education, leadership development, and community engagement, the Association works to advance the interests of physicians and improve the health of the communities they serve.

Dr. Barrau’s Haitian heritage was honored throughout the evening as attendees experienced the Caribbean Carnival theme with a selection of traditional menu items and drinks and the sound of batucada. The evening culminated with Dr. Barrau, accompanied by his family, being sworn in as the new president of the association by the outgoing president, Dr. Rafael Fernandez Jr.

In his acceptance message, Dr. Barrau emphasized his commitment to work hand-in-hand with healthcare professionals throughout the community to find solutions to improve the well-being and rights of patients and physicians.

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- Antonio Mesa, DO, DCMA Past President

• Prevention of Medical Errors
• Domestic Violence
• Prescribing Controlled Substances
• Human Trafficking
• HIV/AIDS
• Florida Laws and Rules & Professional and Medical Ethics

In the activity in which several important people from the healthcare industry gathered, DCMA made announcements of the achievements obtained during the past year despite the challenges in these times of pandemics.

The significant moment of the night was when the new President Rafael Fernandez, Jr, M.D. was sworn in as President, accompanied by his father, the retired doctor Rafael Fernandez, Sr.

Dr. Fernandez shared with guests a moment from his mentor, radiologist Dr. Espinosa, “Why did God give you five fingers, to remind you that you need to know the top five causes for what you are seeing on the x-ray”. As part of his message, mentioned the five reasons to be committed to the DCMA – Defend, Educate, Unify, Challenges, and Rewards of Involvement.

Let us reinforce to the public that we are physicians, we are men and women skilled in the science and art of healing, that our vocation is the practice of medicine, and that they are patients, not customers or clients. said Rafael Fernandez, M.D. to his colleagues.

Dr. Jose David Suarez, in his farewell message, announced his achievements which include the increase of members, the results in Tallahassee a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will continue with his commitment to areas of critical need. Dr. Suarez also received a proclamation from the Mayor of Miami Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, recognizing his work as a doctor and always helping those most in need.

The FMA was represented by Jason Goldman, M.D., on behalf of the President, Dr. Doug Murphy, he mentioned the accomplishments, challenges, changes, benefits, and legislation they have been fighting for in the Legislature at Tallahassee for the benefit of physicians in South Florida.

The new Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the DCMA is composed of doctors Carmel Barrau, MD, President-Elect; Patricia Ares-Romero, MD, Vice President; Adriana Bonansea-Frances, MD, Secretary/Treasurer; and Jose David Suarez, MD, Immediate Past- President. Other members of the Board of Directors: Eugene Fu, M.D., Enrique Fernandez, MD, Raul Grosz, MD, Jeffry Biehler, MD, Jorge Marcos, M.D., Julie Kantor, M.D., Damaris Mafut, M.D., and Jason S. James, M.D.

The DCMA also recognized the role played by the supporters of the association: Presidential Inauguration sponsors Baptist Hospital, Clinical Care Medical Center, Comprehensive Medical Aesthetics, Keralty Hospital Miami, MSP Recovery, and Queen’s University; and collaborators Community Health of South Florida, Gables Orthopedics, Truist Wealth, and Unihealth of South Florida for sponsoring this event.  With a special mention to the Institutional Sponsors ShareCare and The Doctor’s Company.

For more information about the Dade County Medical Association and how to become a member visit www.miamimed.com

“The main purpose of this event is to highlight the research local Residents and Medical Students are performing in different areas of healthcare.  It also helps to identify the interests and needs of future physicians. Organized medicine has the responsibility to promote educational events amongst the residents and medical students so they can get involved within the medical community in Miami-Dade County”, expressed Dr. Jose D. Suarez, President of the DCMA Board.

The third edition of the Residents and Medical Students Research Competition had a grand total of 56 submissions from Residents and Medical Students. All participants came from various educational institutions and hospitals (11) within Miami-Dade County. The institutions represented were the University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Florida International University - Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Aventura Hospital & Medical Center, Keralty Hospital Miami, Borinquen Health Care Centers, and Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The judging process was divided into two stages.  First, the judges evaluated all of the submissions received.  Second, out of the 56 abstracts submitted a total of 10 (based on the judges rating) were selected to present in person as part of the March 5^th event. 

As part of the competition, a group of volunteer members of the DCMA acted as the onsite judges. The DCMA Judges Volunteers were Drs. Rafael Fernandez, Jorge L. Marcos, Jefry Biehler, Adriana Bonansea-Frances, Abid Chaudry, Julie Kantor, and Antonio Mesa.

The winners of the Residents and Medical students research Competition were: 

1. Ifeanyichukwu Ogobuiro -Medical Resident from University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Topic: Racial Disparity in Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Resected Pancreatic Cancer
2. William Srouji and Juan Alvarez - Medical Students from Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. Topic: The Growth of Medical Advantage Plans May Limit Access to Orthopaedics Joint Replacements.
3. Annika Patel - Medical Resident from University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Topic: Comparison of Virtual Reality Device vs. Standard Automated Perimetry in the Assessment of Superior Visual Field Prior to Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery.

The judges gave a Special Honorary Mention to the youngest contestant in three years of the Residents Research Competition, Noah Cohen a 16-year-old high school student doing research at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Noah presented his research on the Microbiome of the Miami Metrorail Before and During the COVID Pandemic. All judges agreed to recognize his excellent job and initiative.

All of the winners will have the opportunity to publish their research papers in an article format in the DCMA Scientific publication, Miami Medicine.

The idea of the Resident Research Competition was conceived by Dr. Jacquelline Leva, D.O. to honor Resident’s Day back in 2019. The DCMA has kept and promoted this event to support the initiatives, interests, and complement the education of the local Medical Students and Residents.

For more information about the competition and how to take advantage of the benefits of membership of the DCMA, you can visit www.miamimed.com.

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Some people respond to the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions by cautiously dipping a toe to test the waters and others dive in headfirst to make up for lost time.  Judging from the enthusiastic and comprehensive list of goals newly installed Dade  County Medical Association President Jose David Suarez MD outlined at inaugural ceremonies,  he falls into the latter category!

In addition to supporting progress of past years, Dr. Suarez plans to use the DCMA platform to further elevate the status of the medical profession, increase morale of colleagues, encourage physician leadership and knowledgeable advocacy with legislators, enhance membership recruitment, support outreach programs/ funding to guide and support police dealing with community mental health issues, and increase formal and informal communications to provide a  clear voice for physicians in communities they serve.

According to Dr. Suarez, often the medical professional is frustrated with a perceived antagonistic environment of regulatory agencies, government interference,  insurance barriers, politics and health disparities resulting in a suicide rate 2 to 3 times the general population.

“Through educational forums and opportunities to participate, I hope to involve our membership-- from medical students and residents to faculty and practicing physicians-- in an advocacy role in shaping our futures. I also hope we can infuse the philosophy that it is OK to seek help. The DCMA supports a hotline to connect with psychological counseling expertise to help navigate difficult times in our personal and professional lives. Most physicians are naturally drawn to helping others and we need to recognize when to ask for help for ourselves when stress impacts either our professional or personal lives,” he said, “as evidenced in this pandemic year, or during severe weather events or unexpected disasters which impact our health system.”

 Dr. Suarez also plans to sponsor more organized social interactions from softball leagues to dinners or professional events which can create and reinforce a culture of inclusivity and support for each other to create a healthy workplace for doctors and patients.

“ Many doctors work in their ‘silo specialties’ and become isolated. By sharing information in professional and family-friendly activities we gain a more comprehensive view of our role in the health care environment and how we can positively impact each other and our future,” he explained.

Additionally, he noted that the content enriched  quarterly DCMA  peer reviewed publication, Miami Medical Journal is a valuable communications arm to share research  and case studies as well as highlight the individual achievements of members and the organizational impact DCMA provides the Miami Dade community. For example, during the pandemic, DCMA was involved in procuring supplies of PPE equipment for physicians and masks for community members; promoting information regarding vaccine safety and availability; and, working with local government to provide vaccinations.

During the pandemic turbulence, DCMA officials were invited as trusted, knowledgeable experts to engage in conversations with community organizations and businesses, journalists, and government leaders to spread compelling information on fighting the pandemic answering questions and ensuring the public that vaccinations were a route to coming through the COVID-19 crisis.

Jose David Suarez, M.D., is a Diplomate for the American Board of Family Medicine, currently serving as Chief Medical Officer and Designated Institutional Official of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Keralty Hospital Miami, where he was integrally involved in creation of a mini-MBA program with Atlantis University. Dr. Suarez has focused on medical education over the past 20 years, beginning with Beth Israel Medical Center. He previously served as faculty at Nova School of Medicine, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. He is a Delegate for the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Suarez graduated from Universidad Central del Este and trained at Christiana Care in Delaware. In Spring,2021 he was awarded the DCMA Quality Designation recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and community service to help patients gain understanding of medical quality in the Miami Dade area.

He worked at The University of Miami Health System at the first academic family medicine department in the US with Dr. Lynn Carmichael (often referred to as the Father of Family Medicine). He enjoyed the opportunity of connecting with patients at many levels while caring for them. He credits his foundation in Family Practice Medicine for instilling enthusiastic and empathetic sensibilities embracing the value of social media, community outreach and  his broad scope of goals to enhance the health care experience for physicians and their patients.

During the past 25 years, Suarez gained work experience in the Northeast, Southern California and Florida and believes The Dade County Medical Association has been a leader in inclusivity.

“ I am proud that we have recognized the input of male and female medical professionals with Haitian-American, Cuban-American, African American and European ancestry and ethnicity in our ranks. The expertise and diversity among our members better prepare us to practice in this mecca of academic medicine which cares for a melting pot of diverse cultures, races, religions and to deal with a range of socio-economic levels which contribute to health disparities, accessibility, and affordability,” he explained.

Dr Suarez pointed out that all DCMA officers are volunteering their time however, physicians can help educate and influence opinions within hospital communities to enhance understanding of issues and funding for solutions. The medical community cannot exist in a vacuum and benefits from collaboration with hospital entities to encourage support of venues, policies and resources to promote quality health care delivery, professional development and advancement.

“Excellent medical care must be orchestrated. It won’t occur by chance and physicians are the best advocates for guiding healthcare reform. I am committed to support DCMA in innovative ways to help deliver quality health care and the healing ambiance in a physician /patient relationship,” he concluded.

For info, click https://www.miamimed.com; dial 305-324-8717 or email  dcma@miamimed.com

The Physicians leadership academy of South Florida (PLA) was formed in Partnership with the Broward County medical Association (BCMA) and the Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS) with  the support of the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and the financial support of The Physicians Foundation.

Commencing on November 2020 and concluding with presentations of the leadership projects taken on by graduates during their 9 month curriculum, even under the circumstances of the COVID-19 Pandemic, these physicians dedicated Saturdays to attending seminars plus spending what other little free time they had on their projects and improvi9ng their leadership skills.  This year the all PLA sessions were held through Zoom.  The goal of the PLA is to challenge participants to grow and maximize their leadership skills and to enable them to make on new roles as leaders in their medical associations, hospitals and communities.

This year the different groups projects where: BCMA: Job Board Development, PBCMS: Addressing Under vaccination in South Florida, and DCMA: Medical Marijuana and Responsible Healthcare.

The team participants from DCMA were: Dr. Carmel Barrau – Chair, Dr. Julie Kantor, Dr. Jeffrey Block, Dr. Violina Bhattacharyya, Dr. Jorge Pardo, and Dr. Smith Joseph.

As summarized below, the two Executive Orders do not impede upon the ability of businesses and individuals to continue to follow the safety precautions for employees and customers that were operationalized during the pandemic. Nor do they impact the recommendations from the CDC and OSHA requirements for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Business owners, customers, and the General Public are free to continue to follow those precautions that they feel are best given their circumstances, operations and other authoritative guidance.

Below is the summary of the two Executive Orders:

Executive Order 21-101, effective July 1, mandates that “any emergency order issued by a political subdivision due to the COVID-19 emergency which restricts the rights or liberties of individuals or their businesses is invalidated.”

Executive Order 21-102 suspended “all local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses” and went into effect immediately.

CDC Guidance for Workplaces and Businesses: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/workplaces-businesses/index.html

US Department of Labor OSHA Guidance for Workplaces and Businesses: https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus

Samuel Kareff, MD is currently serving as the Chief Resident of the Michael Adams Clinical Educator (MACE) track while completing his final year of residency in internal medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Dr. Kareff will be entering his Hematology/Oncology fellowship in July 2021 at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital.

He recently participated as the Leader of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia's Physicians' Leadership Advocacy Network where he oversaw organization-wide recommendations on city-wide legislation as well as testified in front of DC's Council related to multiple health-related bills. 

Dr. Kareff is looking forward to returning to his South Florida roots and be part of the Dade County Medical Association!

Someone has spoofed or cloned our DCMA phone number so it may appear a phone call is originating from the DCMA Office. The caller then makes threats in an attempt to obtain personal financial information.

In the unlikely event you receive one of those calls, please note they are fake and are not originating from our office. Make sure you do not provide any financial information over the phone.

This situation has been reported to the authorities to see if we can block the hackers from using our phone number.

Tracy Romanello, D.O. is the Medical Director for Catholic Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care Services in Miami Lakes, Florida. Dr. Romanello is a leader in palliative care and hospice medicine utilizing her expertise and skills to supervise exceptional care to patients, families, and partners while advancing the field of medicine. She is also an Educator and develops future physicians in hospice medicine.

Dr. Romanello is Board Certified in Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Fellowship Trained and Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University where she received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 2011. Dr. Romanello has hospital staff privileges at Holy Cross Health, Mercy Hospital, and Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, as well as several rehabilitative centers and nursing care centers in South Florida.

In 2019, she had a publication entitled Impact of Culturally Based Medicine on Patient Decision Making, Progress in Palliative Care. She also had the distinction of being awarded Faculty Teacher of the Year for Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, in the Department of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2019. Dr. Romanello has been the guest on radio talk shows, including “The Biz” with PBA President John Rivera.

Members have 30 days to submit comments to the Board by email.

Click here to see the proposed language.

The Physician Leadership Academy (PLA) experience helps physicians build and/or improve their leadership skills. Interactive classes enable physicians to enhance organizational management skills, develop continuing relationships with colleagues and strengthen their leadership roles in the diverse communities of South Florida. The program will include seven sessions. With attendance at all sessions, the PLA provides:

• At least 29 AMA Category 1 CME credits (with full attendance)
• A diverse array of leadership skills training
• Vital information about health care issues
• Access to a growing professional network 

Cobbe Consulting & Management (CCM) and Acevedo Consulting Incorporated (ACI) today announced a strategic partnership to provide coding, compliance and regulatory training for our physician practices.

This partnership will make multiple programs available for our members that cover topics such as CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, third-party billing rules, reimbursement, as well as other services necessary to navigate the complex world of healthcare. Acevedo Consulting Incorporated specializes in coding, compliance, appeals, due diligence, HIPAA, education, physician and staff training, and more. All consultants at ACI are credentialed by the AAPC, Health Care Compliance Association and/or AHIMA.

The healthcare industry is ever evolving and so are the guidelines that practices must follow. Working in such a highly regulated industry requires strict adherence for regulatory compliance. Cobb Consulting is working to ease that burden for its members by providing access to a firm that specializes in compliance. The partnership between CCM and ACI helps ensure that physician practices have a trusted resource to help them navigate regulatory compliance.

“Acevedo Consulting Incorporated is known for their professional expertise and does phenomenal work for their clients. This partnership will help us better serve our members by giving them access to such a great firm,” said Fraser Cobbe, CEO of Cobbe Consulting & Management.

About Cobbe Consulting & Management

Cobbe Consulting & Management is an Association Management Company that specializes in representing medical associations across the country with a strong presence throughout the State of Florida.  With over 20 years of experience in organized medicine, CCM represents some of the largest and historically significant organizations in the state including: Bones Society of Florida, Dade County Medical Association, Duval County Medical Society, Florida Orthopaedic Society, Florida Society of Nephrology, and the Physicians Society of Central Florida.  CCM specializes in delivering unique programs and services and educational opportunities to the thousands of physicians and medical executives they represent in their family of organizations. 

About Acevedo Consulting Incorporated:

Our consulting staff is nationally recognized for its expertise and our consultants are credentialed by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and/or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The consultants’ 100+ years of combined and varied experience in the health care field are invaluable to the firm’s clients. Besides the requisite coding and compliance credentials and expertise, our consultants’ experiences range from serving in upper-level administrative and compliance positions for large hospital-based physician organizations and health plans. Members of our team are often lecturing at national organization and specialty society conferences, serving as an Investigative Consultant for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and as the IRO for organizations under a CIA. Acevedo Consulting often serves as an expert witness, renders opinions on expected fraudulent billing, assists with overpayment appeals, and conducts pre-acquisition and pre-employment Due Diligence.

Acevedo Consulting Incorporated is committed to meeting the needs of our clients. This commitment is not a Monday through Friday, 9-5 type of commitment, so feel free to call upon us when it is convenient for you. A member of our team can be reached using the information below:

Acevedo Consulting Incorporated

2605 W. Atlantic Avenue, D-102 Delray Beach, FL 33445
561.278.9328 | Email us at: info@acevedoconsulting.com
Visit us at: www.AcevedoConsultingInc.com

Pedro J. Tort, MD, has dedicated his life to mastering the practice of orthopedic surgery and providing outstanding medical services to his patients since 2005. Dr. Tort graduated from the Puerto Rico RCM Orthopedic residency program and completed a fellowship program in Sports Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and a traveling fellowship in minimally invasive joint replacement in Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and Rush Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Tort completed post-graduate training in orthopedic research and specialized in sports medicine and joint reconstruction. 

He has combined his clinical career with his work in research, teaching, and as a reviewer in multiple worlds recognized journals (AJSM, JOA, JSES, OJSM). He is Board certified in both orthopedic surgery and Orthopedic-Sports Medicine for more than ten years, and Oral Examiner for the 2019 and 2018 American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II. 

Dr. Tort is a member of various professional societies, including ISAKOS, AAHKS, AOSSM, AANA, AAOS, and SPOT. He participated as an assistant professor in the Larkin hospital orthopedic residency program (Miami) and currently an assistant professor at the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine (PR). Ex-president of the Puerto Rico orthopedic society.

Currently, Dr. Tort works as the president and orthopedic surgeon in the Tort Orthopaedic Institute, providing orthopedic sub-specialized services in Puerto Rico and Florida.

Dr. Sabrina Taldone is a general internist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She is a triple 'Cane, having earned her undergraduate, MD, and MBA degrees at UM. After completing her internal medicine residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital/UM, as well as her year as Chief Resident, she joined the general internal medicine practice at UM. She is an Assistant Professor and teaches medical students as the Co-Director of Physicianship courses. She also teaches residents and medical students in outpatient and inpatient clinical settings. She is passionate about health system sciences. She created a curriculum for residents to teach them about healthcare administration and inspire them to be our physician leaders of the future. 

Welcome to the DCMA, Dr. Taldone!

The DCMA is currently analyzing the impact on physicians and patients due to legislation that expands the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Pharmacists that passed the Florida Legislature this week. The three bills in question were passed by the Senate and signed into law by the Governor on the same day, March 11^th. The bills all have an effective date of July 1, 2020.

Click here for a summary of the key components of each of the three bills. The DCMA was part of a coalition of all of the major medical associations in the state that fought against these expansions. There was also a broad coalition of special interest groups there were supportive of one or more of these bills. That coalition included representatives of the business community, insurance, hospitals, and of course the pharmacists and nurses.

Our message has been consistent throughout the process, that the state can address manpower and access to care issues without lowering the standard of care available to our patients, especially those in underserved areas. It will be important moving forward that physicians and patients demand a single standard and a high standard of care from non-physician practitioners that take on the obligation of caring for patients outside the traditional physician-led team.

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – More than 50 County Medical and Specialty Societies across the state Thursday, including the Dade County Medical Association, announced the formation of the Florida Patient Protection Coalition (FPPC) to educate the public on the benefits of physician-led, team-based care and to combat the false and vitriolic narrative spun by supporters of House Bill 607 related to health care practitioners.

“The Florida Patient Protection Coalition seeks to counter the propaganda being disseminated by the nursing and physician assistant groups pushing for independent practice legislation,” said FMA President Ronald F. Giffler, MD, JD, MBA. “The Florida Medical Association believes that independent practice and team-based care take health care delivery in two very different directions. Independent practice further compartmentalizes and fragments health care delivery, while team-based care fosters greater integration and coordination.”

There are vast differences in the education and training of physicians compared to that of non-physician health care practitioners. A Medical Doctor must complete four years of medical school followed by three or more years of graduate medical education, which includes at least 15,000 clinical training hours.

In contrast, advanced nursing degree programs only recommend 500 post-baccalaureate hours (about 12 weeks) of clinical training for Masters of Science in Nursing degrees and 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours of clinical training for Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are not required to complete any training beyond graduate school, whereas Medical Doctors complete three to seven years of residency training in a select surgical or medical specialty under experienced physician faculty supervision.

“As a member of the Florida Patient Protection Coalition, it is critical we push back on special interest groups who seek to compromise the quality of health care by allowing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants to practice beyond the scope of their education and training,” said Christie Alexander, MD, President, Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “This coalition believes patients’ best interests are optimally served when they are treated in a physician-led, team-based model of care.”

Fast Facts: 

• According to a 2013 study by the Mayo Clinic, inappropriate referrals to tertiary referral centers by APRNs and Physician Assistants (PAs) could offset any potential savings from the increased use of APRNs and PAs. 
• A JAMA Internal Medicine study found that APRNs and PAs were associated with more ordered diagnostic imaging than primary care physicians. 
• A brief report by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that ambulatory visits involving APRNs and PAs more frequently resulted in an antibiotic prescription compared with physician visits. 
• Physician supervision is the norm, not the exception: 
  • States that do not allow APRNs to practice independently make up roughly 70% of the population. 
  • 9 of the 10 most populous states do not allow APRNs to practice independently. 

Across the country, patients overwhelmingly want a coordinated approach to health care, with a physician leading the health care team. Key findings from AMA 2012 and 2018 surveys include: 

• Ninety-one percent (91%) of respondents said that a physician’s years of education and training are vital to optimal patient care, especially in the event of a complication or medical emergency. 
• Eighty-six percent (86%) of respondents said that patients with one or more chronic conditions benefit when a physician leads the primary health care team. 
• Eighty-four percent (84%) of respondents said that they prefer a physician to have primary responsibility for the diagnosis and management of their health care. 

About the Florida Patient Protection Coalition (FPPC) 

Joined by more than 50 state medical professional societies, the FMA has launched the Florida Patient Protection Coalition to educate the public about a dangerous legislative proposal, HB 607, which would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) to practice independently without any supervision from licensed physicians. The coalition’s new website, www.floridapatient.com, also explains the importance of physician-led, team-based care while highlighting the vast difference in physicians’ education and training compared to that of nurse practitioners and PAs. This collaborative effort shows that Florida’s medical community is unified in protecting patients, and it also counters the propaganda from special interest groups that are urging state lawmakers to pass independent practice legislation. 

Listing of Florida Patient Protection Coalition members 

• Alachua County Medical Society
• Bones Society of Florida
•  Brevard County Medical Society 
• Broward County Medical Association 
• Capital Medical Society 
• Charlotte County Medical Society, Inc. 
• Clay County Medical Society 
• Collier County Medical Society 
• Dade County Medical Association 
• Duval County Medical Society 
• Emerald Coast Medical Society 
• Escambia/Santa Rosa County Medical Society 
• Female Indian Physicians of South Florida 
• Florida Academy of Family Physicians 
• Florida Academy of Pain Medicine 
• Florida Chapter – American Academy of Pediatrics, Inc. 
• Florida Chapter American College of Physicians 
• Florida Chapter American College of Surgeon 
• Florida Chapter Division of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine 
• Florida Chapter, American College of Cardiology 
• Florida College of Emergency Physicians 
• Florida Medical Association 
• Florida Orthopaedic Society 
• Florida Osteopathic Medical Association 
• Florida Psychiatric Society 
• Florida Pulmonary Society 
• Florida Radiological Society 
• Florida Society of Anesthesiologists 
• Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery 
• Florida Society of Nephrology 
• Florida Society of Neurology 
• Florida Society of Ophthalmology 
• Florida Society of Pathologists 
• Florida Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 
• Florida Society of Rheumatology 
• Florida Society of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeons 
• Florida Urological Society 
• Florida Vascular Society 
• Hillsborough County Medical Association, Inc. 
• Indian Physicians of South Florida 
• Lake-Sumter Medical Society 
• Lee County Medical Society 
• Manatee County Medical Society 
• Marion County Medical Society 
• Palm Beach Medical Society 
• Physician Society of Central Florida 
• Pinellas County Medical Association 
• Polk County Medical Society 
• Sarasota County Medical Society 

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For more information:

 Christina Johnson
On 3 Public Relations
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