FEATURE ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK |
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The Access-to-Care Case for Meaningful Medical Liability Reform By Mary C. Mayhew
Florida is a national leader in prioritizing investments to grow the healthcare workforce to meet Floridians’ healthcare needs today, tomorrow, and decades into the future. But, these investments are undermined by the state’s uncapped medical professional liability environment and resulting nuclear verdicts.
Runaway nuclear verdicts in medical liability cases - jury awards that exceed $10 million in lawsuits involving personal injury or wrongful death claims - are contributing to the rising cost of healthcare through exorbitant medical malpractice premiums and litigation costs. They are also inhibiting physicians’ willingness to practice in higher-risk specialties, like obstetrics and, most importantly, are reducing Floridians’ access to timely medical care when they need it. Fewer physicians means longer wait times to see a specialist, worsening medical conditions, increased unnecessary use of the emergency department and hospitalizations, and overall higher healthcare costs.
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| ACHE of South Florida Member Spotlight October 2026 : Corinne Clauss, MHA By Lois Thomson
As associate vice president for the cardio and vascular service line at Broward Health, Corinne Clauss works closely with physicians across the system to understand what they need to operate effectively while helping ensure patients throughout Broward County have timely access to high-quality care.
That partnership can involve evaluating new equipment, implementing technology, or identifying opportunities to modernize operations. But for Clauss, effective healthcare operations go beyond processes and technology. It starts with listening. “Working in operations and supporting the physicians means hearing them out – what are patients’ needs and how can physicians best feel supported,” Clauss said. That patient-centered approach is central to her work across Broward Health, where she partners with four hospitals to help ensure patients can access care in a timely manner, while enabling physicians to be most successful.
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UPCOMING NETWORKING MEETINGS AND
EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS |
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SEPTEMBER 2026 DIGITAL ISSUE OF SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS AND HEALTHCARE REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE |
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UPDATED NEWS INFORMATION FROM THE LAST THREE DAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA |
Broward Health Medical Center Dedicates Boyce Haller Family Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Suite, Made Possible by $5.2 Million Family Gift Sep. 24, 2026 – Broward Health Foundation celebrated the dedication of the Boyce Haller Family Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Suite at Broward Health Medical Center with a ribbon cutting and sign reveal attended by Broward Health leadership, North Broward Hospital District Commissioners, Broward Health Foundation Board members, hospital executives, cardiologists and members of the Haller family.
The dedication recognizes the generosity of the Boyce Haller family and their commitment to advancing cardiovascular care at Broward Health Medical Center. The newly named suite encompasses the hospital’s cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology services, including a new 660-sq.-ft. laboratory equipped with advanced imaging technology.
The new lab features the Siemens Healthineers ARTIS icono.vision system, which provides enhanced imaging capabilities to help physicians perform cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures with greater precision. The technology is designed to support faster and more accurate procedures while significantly reducing radiation exposure for patients and clinical teams.
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New HR VP named at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital
HCA Florida Memorial Hospital announced today that James Perez has been named Vice President of Human Resources, effective September 28, 2026. Perez joins the hospital from HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, where he has served as Vice President of Human Resources for the past three years and has been an instrumental member of the hospital’s leadership team.
During his tenure at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, Perez distinguished himself as a trusted partner to leaders, a strong advocate for colleagues and a driving force in strengthening organizational culture. Under his leadership, the hospital achieved meaningful improvements in colleague retention and engagement, including decreased turnover and increased employee engagement.
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Victor Melo joins HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital as COO
September 14, 2026 – HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital has welcomed Victor Melo as chief operating officer, bringing an experienced HCA Healthcare leader to the hospital’s executive team.
Melo joins HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital from HCA Florida Westside Hospital, where he served as vice president of operations and ethics and compliance officer. In that role, he provided executive leadership and operational oversight for several key ancillary and support departments.
During his tenure at HCA Florida Westside Hospital, Melo helped advance strategic hospital priorities while supporting improvements in colleague engagement, patient experience and operational performance.
Before joining HCA Florida Westside Hospital, Melo completed a portion of his administrative residency at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital.
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Delray Medical Center is First Hospital South of Orlando in to Offer THUNDERBOLT® – Latest Stroke Innovation to Address Blood Clots in the Brain
Sept. 30, 2026 – Delray Medical Center is the only hospital south of Orlando to offer THUNDERBOLT® (Penumbra, Inc.), the first computer assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT™) technology that is designed specifically to address acute ischemic stroke and help physicians to more fully capture and remove blood clot quickly and efficiently in the brain.
“We are a new era when it comes to treating blood clots in the brain. This computer assisted vacuum technology helps give our patients the best chance at a good outcome,” said Dr. Dennys Reyes, interventional neurologist on staff at Delray Medical Center. “I am proud to be a part of the team here at Delray Medical Center, where we are investing in some of the latest technologies because we are patient first and we want our patients getting back to doing the things that they love.”
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AutoNation Establishes Children’s Cancer Research Fund at Sylvester with a $100,000 Grant Donation presented during the Miami Hurricanes Football “Pink Game” supports pediatric cancer research and patient care initiatives
September 29, 2026 — AutoNation celebrated the 10th anniversary of DRV PNK and more than $50 million raised and donated to drive out cancer with a $100,000 donation to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. With this donation, Sylvester will establish the AutoNation Children’s Cancer Research Fund to support innovative pediatric cancer research and initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families facing a cancer diagnosis.
The donation is one of ten $100,000 grants AutoNation is making to longtime cancer partners nationwide in recognition of a decade of DRV PNK, AutoNation’s commitment to advancing cancer research and supporting patients, survivors, and caregivers.
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Memorial Rehabilitation Institute Bowl-A-Thon Raises More Than $36,000 for Adaptive Sports & Recreation Tamarac, Fla. September 30, 2026 – More than 300 bowlers and community partners came together for the 10th Annual Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Bowl-A-Thon, raising more than $36,000 to help adults with physical disabilities stay active, compete and connect through year-round adaptive sports and recreation. Co-hosted by Memorial Foundation and Memorial Rehabilitation Institute at Lucky Strike in Tamarac, the annual fundraiser helps cover equipment, transportation, entry fees and other costs that can create barriers to participation.
“Support from the Bowl-A-Thon gives people with physical disabilities opportunities to stay active, compete and connect with others throughout the year,” said Paolo Stanchi, licensed occupational therapist and Adaptive Sports & Recreation specialist at Memorial Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital South. “These funds help remove barriers so our athletes can participate in programs and experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.” READ MORE
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Dr. Julie Kantor Appointed to The Children’s Trust Board of Directors
September 30, 2026 — The Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA) announced today that its 2026-2027 President, Julie Lynn Kantor, M.D., F.A.A.P., has been appointed as a Member At-Large of The Children’s Trust Board of Directors, strengthening the representation of healthcare and pediatric expertise in an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families throughout Miami-Dade County.
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VITAS Healthcare Earns 2026 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award in Central Illinois
PEORIA, Ill. – VITAS Healthcare today announced that its Central Illinois and Illinois Valley team received the 2026 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award, placing it among the nation’s highest-performing hospice providers for patient and family satisfaction. Presented annually by MatrixCare, the award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence across key measures of the patient and family experience as reported through the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Survey.
The CAHPS Hospice Survey measures the experiences of hospice patients and their caregivers, providing valuable insight into the quality of care and support they receive. This recognition reflects the dedication of VITAS care teams to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care that meets the needs of patients and families when it matters most.
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MAKE-A-WISH SOUTHERN FLORIDA NAMES CHAIR, OFFICERS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
September 28, 2026 – The Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, a nonprofit that grants life-changing wishes for critically-ill children, has chosen Dennis Crowley as its chairman. He’ll lead the group of business professionals and community volunteers that govern the organization during its next two fiscal years.
Crowley, who is also chairman of the board at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, will be joined as an officer on the Make-A-Wish board by Vice Chair Ricky Patel (Akerman LLP) and Treasurer Karen Ford. Diego Ojeda (Rilea Group) joins as a member.
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Tampa General Hospital Named a Lymphatic Disease Center of Excellence
The national recognition reflects a full spectrum of lymphedema care, from advanced surgical innovation to a new research center built in collaboration with USF Health.
Sept. 25, 2026 — Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has been named a Comprehensive Center of Excellence by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), the leading nonprofit advancing research, education and advocacy for lymphatic diseases. The designation recognizes institutions that deliver the full spectrum of lymphedema care under one roof, from diagnosis and imaging to surgery, genetics and research
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Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Named Among “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2027” Sept. 30, 2026 – Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was recognized among “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2027” in national ratings released by Newsweek today.
The news organization partnered with respected global data research firm Statista to recognize 1,325 of the nation’s top nursing homes out of nearly 15,000 facilities evaluated. Top ranked nursing homes were selected based on superior quality and performance indicators, publicly available data from federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), peer recommendations, accreditations and 5-star resident reviews.
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John Cunha, DO, FACOEP Appointed Permanent Chief Medical Officer September 11, 2026 – John Cunha, DO, FACOEP has been named the permanent Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Holy Cross Health, effective September 1.
“Dr. Cunha has been dedicated to the Holy Cross mission and community for two decades, first as a physician and colleague and most recently as the steady presence who served as our Interim CMO,” said Pierre Monice, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “I am grateful he is taking this role permanently. I cannot think of anyone better suited to lead our clinical enterprise forward.” READ MORE |
Tampa General Hospital’s Melissa Golombek Honored With 2026 Apogee Award by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Sept. 29, 2026 – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced today that Melissa Golombek, executive vice president and president, Tampa General Hospital, has been honored with the 2026 Apogee Award in the President category for large organizations by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth (TBBW). Golombek was recognized alongside this year’s other Apogee Award recipients during a ceremony held Sept. 23 at Armature Works in Tampa. Presented annually by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, the Apogee Awards recognize outstanding executive leaders across the Tampa Bay region whose leadership, business performance and community impact have helped shape their organizations, industries and the regional economy. The program honors C-suite and senior executives across a range of leadership roles and industries.
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Six Cleveland Clinic Hospitals Recognized as Top Performers by Vizient
Hospitals recognized for safety, accountability and high-quality care Six Cleveland Clinic hospitals are being recognized as top performers by Vizient, a national healthcare performance improvement company.
The recognitions are based on the hospitals’ performance in the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, which measures performance on the quality of patient care across six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network. The recognition period is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
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Health Foundation of South Florida Invests $225,000 to Establish Overtown Youth Center as a Community Health Access Hub Health Foundation of South Florida and Overtown Youth Center (OYC) leadership
The three-year investment pairs onsite telehealth with dedicated Community Health Navigators to connect local families to screenings, chronic disease management, and primary care
MIAMI, FL Sept. 16, 2026 — The Health Foundation of South Florida today announced a $225,000 investment over three years to support the Overtown Youth Center (OYC) as it works to establish itself as a community health access hub. Building on OYC’s more than 20 years of service to the Overtown, Little Haiti, and Liberty City communities, the investment will help expand the organizations capacity to connect the 5,500 individuals it supports annually with health care resources and services.
Health
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MorseLife Strengthens Executive Leadership with Appointments in Residential Services and Compliance John K. Jones named senior vice president of Residential Services; Evelinda Serrano appointed vice president of Compliance and Risk
September 3, 2026 – MorseLife, a nationally recognized, award-winning leader in senior care, has appointed John K. Jones, LNHA, SHRM-CP, as senior vice president of Residential Services and Evelinda Serrano as vice president of Compliance and Risk, bringing additional leadership expertise to support MorseLife’s commitment to operational excellence, regulatory leadership and innovative, high-quality care across its senior living continuum.
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OTHER CURRENT NEWS ARTICLES CAN BE FOUND AT SFHN&HR WEBSITE UNDER "SF STAT" CLICK HERE
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OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS |
EXCLUSIVE HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS BY
SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS & HEALTHCARE REPORT |
Interview with Wayne Brackin, CEO of KIDZ Medical Services CLICK HERE
Interview with Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical, Inc. CLICK HERE
Interview with Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of The Hanley Foundation CLICK HERE
Interview with John D. Couris who is President and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center and Tampa General Hospital CLICK HERE
Interview with Shane Strum President/CEO of Broward Health by Charles Felix from South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report - February 2023 CLICK HERE Interview with Matthew Garner CEO of Broward Health North by Charles Felix from South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report in February 2023.
CLICK HERE
See More Interviews - Click Here |
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| UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
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MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS
SHOULD BE USING THE RESOURCES OF SFHN&HR
Start the year with a comprehensive print and digital marketing program.
NOW ACCEPTING
ARTICLES AND ADS FOR THE
NOVEMBER 2026
"Annual Salute to Hospice Workers” Palliative Care – Advancing Quality and Improving Costs
“Annual Salute to CIO’s”
"Education Update – Institutions and Professionals"
“Medical Technology & AI Update”
“Medicare Enrollment Plans”
“Year-End Tax Planning Tips”
“WHAT WILL HEALTHCARE LOOK LIKE IN 2026” “Mental and Behavioral Health Guide” “CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE A STRATEGIC MARKETING MEETING FOR 2026/2027” DISCOUNTED BUNDLED
PRINT AND DIGITAL MESSAGING PROGRAMS
Call today to find out how to qualify for a FREE Company Bio with any size ad.
Call me today to discuss editorial and advertising 954-605-4785 |
NEW MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GUIDE CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO A COPY OF THE INFORMATIONAL FLYER |
Why Your Organization Should Advertise in the Mental & Behavioral Health Guide
Mental and behavioral health has never been more important, and healthcare professionals are actively seeking trusted resources to connect patients with quality care. The new Mental & Behavioral Health Guide, featured in the NOVEMBER 2026 issue of South Florida Hospital News & Healthcare Report, offers your organization a unique opportunity to stand out as a recognized leader in behavioral health, addiction treatment, counseling, recovery services, and community support.
Your advertisement will reach more than 75,000 healthcare professionals, including physicians, hospital executives, nurses, case managers, discharge planners, social workers, and referral coordinators throughout South Florida. This targeted audience makes critical referral decisions every day, providing your organization with valuable exposure to the professionals who influence patient care.
Unlike traditional advertising, your message will appear in a specialized resource designed to be referenced long after publication. The guide will also remain available online through December 2026, extending your visibility and providing a direct link to your website for additional engagement.
For only $499, your organization receives a professionally presented ad, company profile, logo, and contact information in one of the region's most trusted healthcare publications.
Position your organization where healthcare professionals turn for reliable mental and behavioral health resources. Reserve your space today and demonstrate your commitment to improving lives while growing your referral network and strengthening your presence throughout South Florida's healthcare community.
CONTACT CHARLES FELIX - 954-605-4785 charles@southfloridahospitalnews.com
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PLAN YOUR
2026 ANNUAL SALUTES TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS November – Salute to Hospice and Palliative Care
November - Salute to IT Directors and Managers The pricing for ads in these issues are discounted by 40%. |
TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE WITH AI FOCUS. |
Upcoming Healthcare Events are Listed Below |
An Evening of Hope Celebrating 25 Years of Compassion and Saving Lives
For 25 years, A Safe Haven for Newborns has stood as a beacon of hope for mothers in crisis and a lifeline for vulnerable newborns. What began as Nick’s deeply personal journey to heal a broken heart and honor the memory of his beloved wife, Gloria, following her tragic passing, has grown into an internationally recognized organization dedicated to preventing infant abandonment and providing support, counseling, and critical resources to women facing the overwhelming reality of an unplanned pregnancy. From its beginnings, the mission has been rooted in compassion, dignity, and love — offering hope, protection, and a path forward during life’s most difficult moments.
Over the past quarter century, countless lives have been touched through the organization’s unwavering commitment to offering safe, legal, and anonymous options for mothers seeking help. Through advocacy, education, community partnerships, and around-the-clock support, A Safe Haven for Newborns has continued to remind women that they are never alone. To date, 441 newborns have been given a chance at life — 431 in Florida; nine in other states, and one in Honduras.
This milestone anniversary is more than a celebration of years — it is a celebration of lives, second chances, and the power of compassion to change the future. We invite you to join us in celebrating our Silver Jubilee by visiting our website and selecting a sponsorship opportunity. Or, contact Nick Silverio at safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com; 305-882-1304 x103 for more information.
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Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care to Host 14th Annual Miami Neuroscience Symposium Nov. 4-6, Bringing Leading Experts Together to Explore Advances in Brain and Spine Care
Baptist Health will bring together leading physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from South Florida and across the country for the 14th Annual Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Symposium, taking place Nov. 4-6, 2026, at Hilton Miami Dadeland and virtually via Zoom. The symposium will explore emerging advances in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, with presentations and multidisciplinary discussions spanning neuro-oncology, stroke, epilepsy, neurocritical care, neurosurgery and spine care, neurovascular disease, movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
New this year, the symposium will integrate the Miami Brain Symposium, a dedicated neuro-oncology program that expands the event to three days. The program will examine advances in molecular classification of central nervous system tumors, precision diagnostics, systemic therapies, radiation treatment and clinical trials for primary and metastatic brain tumors.
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.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS CLICK HERE |
CALL CHARLES FELIX TO ADVERTISE YOUR JOB OPENINGS - 954-605-4785 STARTING AS LOW AS $50 |
SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
READ THE CURRENT NEWSLETTER FROM
CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA |
Over 941,000
Patients in Florida are using Cannabis as their Medicine FOR LATEST OMMU REPORTS FROM OFFICE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA HERE
Highlights from
SEPTEMBER 28, 2026 BY THE NUMBERS Qualified Patients: (Active ID Card) SEP 25,2026- 941,616 SEP 18, 2026- 941, 650 SEP 11,2026- 941,271 SEP 04, 2026- 941,509 AUG 28, 2026- 940,116 Patients Added Last Week:
-3434
Qualified Ordering Physicians:
2,029
New Doctors added Last Week: 0
Reporting Period: SEPT 19, 2026 - SEPT 24, 2026
Amount of Medical Marijuana Dispensed - (mgs THC) 418,715,357
Amount of Low-THC Cannabis Dispensed - (mgs CBD ) 908
Amount of Marijuana in a Form for Smoking (oz) 149,657.570 Approved Dispensing Locations: 781 Added Last Week: 0 |
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RECENT EDUCATION SEMINARS HOSTED BY THE
SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS NETWORK DISABILITY INSURANCE EDUCATION WEBINAR Understanding the Disability Insurance Market in Florida with Howard Wolkowitz and Michael Tyler.
June 27, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law How Experienced Physicians Protect their Assets. May 21, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Dabdoub Law Firm PHYSICIAN DISABILITY INSURANCE WEBINAR – TIMING IS EVERYTHING – PART 2
MAY 21, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law How to start your Healthcare Practice? March 19, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Coleman Consulting Physician Practice Management - Managing Pit Falls in your Practice - Recorded on Feb 13, 2024.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Dabdoub Law Firm PHYSICIAN DISABILITY INSURANCE WEBINAR – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – PART 1
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "HOW TO HANDLE COLLECTION CHALLENGES OF WORKING WITH HEALTH PLANS"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Experienced Physicians Protect their Assets"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Minimize the Risk of Malpractice Lawsuits"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "So, I Signed a Non-Compete, Now What?"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Approach and Do Business With Large Healthcare Systems"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Mergers & Acquisitions in Healthcare are Done!"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Navigate - Hospital Medical Executive Committees, Peer Reviews, Investigations, and Bylaws"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Experienced Physicians Negotiate Employment Agreements"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law “ASSESSING LIABILITY RISKS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND REPUTATION”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "So, I Signed a Non-Compete, Now What?"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law Stark Law - How can Physicians and Hospitals Avoid Problems and Still Work Together
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
CLICK HERE VIEW ADDITIONAL WEBINARS |
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