By Adriana Bonansea-Frances, MD

As I conclude my term as President of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA), I do so with gratitude, humility, and hope for the future of our profession. Serving this organization during a pivotal moment in healthcare has been one of the greatest honors of my career.

When I began this journey, I spoke about the importance of advocacy, prevention, and physician unity. I believed then, as I do now, that physicians must remain engaged not only in caring for patients, but also in shaping the future of medicine. Over the past year, MDCMA has worked to strengthen that voice across Miami-Dade County and throughout Florida.

Advocacy became one of the defining pillars of our work. MDCMA physicians traveled to Tallahassee to meet directly with legislators, participated in legislative roundtables, and collaborated closely with the Florida Medical Association and neighboring county medical societies. Together, we advocated for physician-led care, opposed unsafe scope of practice expansions, addressed administrative burdens affecting patient care, and defended the integrity of the physician-patient relationship.

One of the most significant moments of the year came during the debate surrounding House Bill 6017. MDCMA joined a coordinated tri-county effort with Broward and Palm Beach medical societies to urge Governor Ron DeSantis to veto legislation that threatened to increase medical liability costs and further strain Florida’s healthcare system. The Governor’s veto reinforced the importance of organized medicine and demonstrated the impact physicians can have when we speak with one united voice.

Our advocacy extended beyond legislation. Throughout the year, MDCMA remained committed to evidence-based medicine, preventive care, and public education. We addressed issues including water fluoridation, vaccine education, childhood immunizations, and the resurgence of measles in Florida. At a time when public trust in science faces growing challenges, physicians must continue serving as credible, compassionate voices for patients and communities. Raising awareness about the importance of vaccines and preventive medicine became an essential component of our outreach efforts throughout the year.

Education and community engagement were also important priorities during my presidency. MDCMA participated in community health fairs and outreach initiatives across Miami-Dade County, providing educational resources, health screenings, and opportunities for physicians, residents, and medical students to engage directly with the public. These initiatives reinforced the role physicians play not only in clinical settings, but also within the broader community where prevention and education can have a lasting impact.

Another meaningful focus of this year was strengthening educational collaboration and international partnerships. With the support of the Consulate General of Argentina in Miami, we explored opportunities to establish academic and educational partnerships with universities and medical institutions in Argentina. These conversations sought to encourage collaboration in medical education, physician exchange, and shared learning experiences that can benefit both physicians and patients across borders. Medicine is increasingly global, and fostering these relationships represents an important investment in the future of healthcare and medical education.

Another priority of my presidency was engagement. I am proud that MDCMA experienced membership growth and increased participation from residents and medical students. Through research competitions, networking programs, and educational events, we strengthened opportunities for future physician leaders to become involved in organized medicine. Supporting women physicians through mentorship and leadership initiatives also remained an important focus, continuing the work that began years ago with a small gathering of women physicians determined to build community and support one another.

This year reminded me that progress does not happen through one individual alone. It happens through collaboration, persistence, and shared purpose. I am deeply grateful to the MDCMA Board of Directors, our physician members, residents, students, and community partners who dedicated their time and energy to advancing our mission.

As I pass the torch to the next generation of leadership, I remain optimistic. Medicine continues to face enormous challenges, but I believe strongly in the resilience, intelligence, and compassion of our physician community. I have no doubt that Dr. Julie Kantor will be equal to the task.

If my presidency leaves any legacy, I hope it is this: that advocacy matters, prevention matters, science matters, education matters, and unity matters. When physicians come together with purpose, we can protect not only our profession, but also the health and future of the communities we serve.

Dr. Adriana Bonansea-Frances is President, Miami-Dade County Medical Association.