By Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero

On June 14, 2025, the Dade County Medical Association (DCMA) will host its 115th Presidential Inauguration, a moment that not only celebrates continuity in physician leadership but also marks a historic step forward in the representation of women in medicine. It is with immense pride that I invite our members, partners, and sponsors to join us for this extraordinary evening as we welcome Dr. Adriana Bonansea-Frances as the next DCMA President.

Dr. Bonansea-Frances will become only the 7th woman — and the first female physician from Argentina — to lead the DCMA since its founding in 1903. As I pass the baton after having the honor to serve, I reflect on the importance of this milestone and what it signals for the future of organized medicine in Miami-Dade and beyond.

Our physician community is more diverse than ever, and leadership should reflect that. Women now make up nearly half of all medical school graduates nationwide, yet we are still underrepresented in many leadership roles. Supporting women in these positions is not just about equity; it’s about strength, perspective, and progress. When female physicians lead, our communities benefit from inclusive, patient-centered advocacy and a broader vision for healthcare policy and practice.

I have seen firsthand the value of organized medicine. DCMA stands as a vital, physician-led institution that advocates for our profession and our patients on the local and state levels. From addressing scope of practice and prior authorization reform, to fighting against corporate interests that threaten the integrity of our profession, the work we do is critical. But we cannot do it alone.

That is why I urge you to not only attend this year’s Inauguration but to support it. Your sponsorship is an investment in the leadership pipeline for physicians — especially women and international physicians who bring rich experiences and insights to the table. It is also a show of support for an organization committed to preserving the practice of medicine by physicians, for physicians.

This year’s event will be both a celebration and a call to action. We will honor the physicians who have given their time, passion, and advocacy to strengthen our medical community, and we will look forward with optimism as Dr. Bonansea-Frances takes the helm. Her dedication to health equity, public service, and medical excellence will undoubtedly guide DCMA into its next chapter with strength and grace.

Please join us on June 14, 2025, for this unforgettable occasion. Celebrate female leadership. Support organized medicine. Help us shape the future of healthcare in Miami-Dade County.

Sponsorship opportunities and registration details are available now at www.miamimed.com or contact Angel Bosch at abosch@miamimed.com. Your presence will make a difference — because when physicians lead, medicine wins. 

Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero is President of the Dade County Medical Association.