By Christopher Chang, MD
Each year, physicians from every corner of our state gather for one of the most important events in organized medicine: the Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting. The meeting, to be held from July 31st until August 2nd, serves as the official business session of the FMA, where physicians unite to shape healthcare policy, strengthen our profession, and advocate for the patients and communities we proudly serve.
As President of the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA), I am honored that our organization continues to play an active role in this process as part of the South Florida Caucus Delegation. Our delegation joins physicians from the Miami-Dade County Medical Association and the Palm Beach County Medical Society to review proposed policies, discuss legislative priorities, and build consensus on issues that will ultimately be debated before the FMA House of Delegates.
The House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the FMA. Delegates, elected or appointed through their county medical associations, represent the voices of physicians throughout Florida. Together, they introduce and debate resolutions, determine the Association’s advocacy agenda, elect physician leaders, and establish policies that influence the practice of medicine across our state. The caucus system allows county medical associations to collaborate before the House convenes, ensuring that regional perspectives are well represented and that thoughtful dialogue leads to stronger policy decisions.
I am proud of the outstanding physician leaders representing the BCMA this year. Their willingness to volunteer their time and expertise reflects the very best of organized medicine. On behalf of the BCMA, I extend my appreciation to each of our delegates for their commitment to advancing the interests of physicians and protecting the health of our patients.
Our association is fortunate to have a deep bench of experienced leaders who continue to serve both our county and the state. Among them is BCMA Board Member Dr. Arthur Palamara, who has recently served as part of the American Association Delegation (AMA) and announced his candidacy for a new two-year term (2026-2028). His decades of dedicated service and advocacy have ensured that the BCMA and Florida physicians maintain a strong voice on the national stage, and we wish him continued success.
Additionally, Dr. Aaron Elkin has been engaged in organized medicine advocacy for more than 15 years, serving in leadership roles at the BCMA, the FMA, and the AMA, where he has championed issues, including Medicaid reform, physician autonomy, patient access to care, and healthcare policy.
We also congratulate BCMA Board Member Dr. Vandhana Kiswani-Barley on her appointment to the FMA Credentials and Rules Committee. This committee plays a critical role in the integrity of the House of Delegates by determining whether to accept late-filed resolutions, presenting the official roll call, overseeing the distribution of election ballots and electronic voting devices, counting ballots, and certifying election results. Her appointment is a testament to her professionalism, fairness, and dedication to organized medicine.
The strength of the Florida Medical Association begins at the county level. Every physician who joins a county medical association contributes to a larger movement dedicated to protecting the physician-patient relationship, advancing sound healthcare policy, defending the profession, and improving patient care throughout Florida.
I encourage every physician who is not yet involved to become a member of their local county medical association and the Florida Medical Association. Together, our collective voice is stronger, our advocacy is more effective, and our ability to shape the future of medicine is greater than any one physician could accomplish alone.
Dr. Christopher Chang is President, Broward County Medical Association.
