FEATURE ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK |
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A Lean State Budget That Protects Safety-Net Healthcare Funding
By Mary C. Mayhew
Protecting healthcare funding in the state budget is about prioritizing a healthcare infrastructure that is always ready, available, and capable of responding to any emergency or crisis, whether it involves one person or many. It is about prioritizing timely access to care, from the most routine of primary and preventive care to the most specialized of complex care, for every Floridian. And, it is about prioritizing a healthcare workforce with the diverse range of skills and expertise that modern medicine demands.
After a special legislative session convened exclusively to pass a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27, lawmakers did just that: rejecting across-the-board healthcare funding cuts and investing strategically and prudently for long-term success so that the more than 24.3 million Floridians who call the Sunshine State home have the advanced healthcare system they deserve. Even though the total budget is less than that for 2025-26, it maintains key healthcare funding.
The final $114.5 billion state budget for FY 2026-27 includes $49.2 billion in healthcare funding, $36.5 billion of which is for the Medicaid program that provides healthcare access for vulnerable children, low-income elderly, individuals with disabilities, and extremely low-income adults and pregnant women.
Of the 3.9 million Floridians receiving healthcare services through Medicaid, more than 2.1 million are children. Medicaid is also the dominant payor for mental health services and for the elderly in nursing homes.
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| Nicklaus Children’s Transitions to Epic to Enhance Digital Patient Experience
July 8, 2026 – South Florida’s leading pediatric health system has begun transitioning its electronic health record (EHR) to Epic. More than 5,000 physicians, nurses and staff will utilize Epic to coordinate care for patients across its three hospital campuses and dozens of primary and specialty care clinics and outpatient centers.
“Our decision to transition to Epic is driven by our relentless dedication to provide better clinical care coordination while improving patient experience,” said Dr. Marcos Mestre, SVP and chief clinical officer of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Epic is widely used by hospitals in the United States and is profoundly recognized as a global leader in the industry. This transition will not only help improve patient care and experience across our health system but will make it easier to coordinate care with other providers when a patient transitions care to Nicklaus Children’s Health System.”
Among the many benefits of transitioning to Epic include:
Unified Patient Records:Consolidating multiple legacy or fragmented systems into a single comprehensive medical record.
Improved Care Coordination:Enhancing interoperability across connected healthcare networks and affiliated clinics.
Enhanced Patient Experience:Providing patients with a robust, centralized portal (Epic’s MyChart) to access their health records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their care teams
Cross-functional teams at Nicklaus Children’s are already working with Epic transition team members across multiple workflows to ensure a thorough, thoughtful, and safe transition of the existing EHR to Epic over the next year. The transition is expected to be complete by summer 2027.
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UPCOMING NETWORKING MEETINGS AND
EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS |
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SAVE THE DATE
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Topic: Service-Line Development Networking 5:30-6:30PM
Panel Discussion 6:30-8PM Location: Cleveland Clinic Weston; 3100 Weston Rd. Weston, FL
ACHE IN PERSON CREDITS : 1.5 |
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Summer Networker NETWORKING WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE MAJOR HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE COMPANIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA DATE : JULY 23, 2026
LOCATION: Puttshack - Dania Point 1825 Way Pointe Place
Dania Beach,FL 33004
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
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JULY 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 |
VIDEO PRESENTATION
ACHE of South Florida Presents and Panel Discussion – JUNE 30, 2026 – ACHE OF SOUTH FLORIDA -EDUCATION EVENT – FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF HEALTHCARE ORGA
READ MORE AND VIEW VIDEO |
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Makes History with First Remote Living Donor Kidney Transplant
July 6, 2026 — Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital made history with its first remote living donor kidney transplant, giving 18-year-old Arianna Crockett a new kidney and a new beginning.
In a remarkable feat of logistics and medical coordination, the organ embarked on a carefully orchestrated cross-country journey traveling nearly 2,000 miles. The life-saving transplant connected Arianna, a Deerfield Beach resident, with living kidney donor Sara Gips Goodall of Colorado, the wife of one of Arianna’s distant relatives.
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Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation Receives $100,000 Impact Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels® for Pediatric Cancer Research
June 6, 2026 – The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation has received a $100,000 Impact Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels to support the pediatric cancer program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
The grant was presented to Adriana Trabal Yulfo, M.D., in support of the hospital’s pediatric oncology program during a Hyundai Hope on Wheels ceremony.
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Tumor-on-a-Chip Reveals How Pancreatic Cancer Hijacks Immune Cells
Using a micro-engineered “tumor-on-a-chip” model, Sylvester researchers recreated the complex ecosystem surrounding pancreatic tumors and observed how cells interact dynamically. The findings reveal a critical mechanism that may explain why many therapies fail and point to new therapeutic strategies. Photo by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
July6, 2026 – A new “tumor-on-a-chip” model is giving scientists a live look at how pancreatic cancer can recruit the body’s own immune cells to help tumors survive. Researchers say the findings, published in Biofabrication, an Institute of Physics journal, reveal possible new targets to weaken the cancer’s defenses and make treatments work better.
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How One Pompano Beach Grandfather is Protecting His Future with a Groundbreaking New Alzheimer’s Treatment
July 6, 2026 – Scott Milinski was enjoying being a grandfather, hanging out with friends in his retirement community and heading out on fishing trips when his wife, Fran, confronted him about recent changes in his behavior.
The 79-year-old Pompano Beach resident initially attributed his forgetfulness and mood changes to age or anxiety, but his family history had Fran concerned. Years earlier, Scott had watched his own father navigate the paranoia, aggression and eventual hospice care brought on by advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Although apprehensive, Fran urged Scott to go to the neurologist.
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Michael Klitenick, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group as a General Surgeon
July 6, 2026 – Baptist Health is pleased to welcome Michael Klitenick, M.D., a highly experienced general surgeon, to Baptist Health Medical Group. With decades of experience caring for patients across South Florida, Dr. Klitenick brings a deep commitment to community-based care and a personalized approach to surgery.
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Michael Todinca, M.D., Neuromuscular Neurologist, Joins Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute
July 7, 2026 – Neurologist Michael Todinca, M.D., who specializes in neuromuscular medicine, has joined Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care. He diagnoses and treats a wide range of neuromuscular and neurologic conditions and performs advanced diagnostic testing, including electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS).
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Delray Medical Center First Hospital in South Florida to Acquire Advanced Augmented Reality Technology for Joint Replacement Surgery
July 7, 2026- Delray Medical Center has expanded its orthopedic surgery capabilities with the acquisition of the ASTRA™ Arvis® (Augmented Reality Visualization & Information System), an innovative surgical guidance platform designed to help orthopedic surgeons perform joint replacement procedures with greater precision and accuracy. Delray Medical Center is the only hospital in South Florida to have this technology.
Dr. Curtis Kephart recently performed the first procedure at Delray Medical Center utilizing the ASTRA™ Arvis® system, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing patients with access to advanced surgical technologies.
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CHILDNET WELCOMES YOUTH AND FAMILY ADVOCATES, INC. TO BROWARD COUNTY
July 7, 2026 – ChildNet, a Community-Based Care lead agency that protects abused, abandoned, and neglected children throughout Broward and Palm Beach County, is proud to announce a new partnership with Youth and Family Advocates, Inc. (YFA) to deliver adoption case management services in Broward County, bringing YFA’s long-standing commitment to stability, healing, and permanency to children and families across the region.
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Ann Storck Center Acquires Victory Living Programs, Expanding Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in South Florida
July 8, 2026 – Ann Storck Center (ASC) is proud to announce it has acquired Victory Living Programs (VLP), expanding its comprehensive network of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across South Florida. Building on more than a year of successful collaboration, the acquisition brings VLP’s respected supported living, employment, community inclusion, and recreational programs into the ASC family, strengthening resources, enhancing opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the individuals and families both organizations proudly serve.
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HCA Florida Northside Hospital welcomes Brent Burish as chief executive officer
JUNE 6, 2026 – HCA Florida Healthcare today announced that Brent Burish has been named chief executive officer of HCA Florida Northside Hospital.
Burish brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as CEO of HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital and HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, where he helped drive growth, alignment and collaboration across HCA Florida Healthcare’s Pinellas County network.
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Steve Young named chief executive officer of HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
July 06, 2026 – HCA Healthcare has named Steve Young as its new chief executive officer. Young returns to Brandon Hospital after serving as chief executive officer of HCA Florida Blake Hospital and HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, bringing more than 18 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience within HCA Healthcare.
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HCA FLORIDA PALMS WEST HOSPITAL CELEBRATES TOPPING OUT MILESTONE FOR MAJOR HOSPITAL EXPANSION
July 8, 2026 – HCA Florida Palms West Hospital celebrated a major milestone in its expansion project with the placement of the final structural beam atop its new patient building. The ceremonial “topping out” marks the completion of the building’s structural framework and reflects the hospital’s continued investment in expanding access to high-quality healthcare for western Palm Beach County.
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ENCOMPASS: Becker’s names Shawn Myers among Hospital and Health System Chief Pharmacy Officers to Know
July 6, 2026 – Becker’s Hospital Review named Shawn Myers, vice president of pharmacy and ancillary services, to its list of Hospital and Health System Chief Pharmacy Officers to Know. The list highlights chief pharmacy officers who manage large-scale supply chains and formularies, ensure patient safety and advance pharmacy practice through technology, cost-conscious strategy and policy development.
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New procedure helps regain hand and arm movement after stroke
Outpatient treatment at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville helps restore independence and quality of life after ischemic stroke.
Jacksonville, Fla., July 6, 2026 – For many stroke survivors, weakness or limited movement in their hands and arms can persist long after the initial event, making routine tasks a daily challenge. Baptist Health is bringing renewed hope to those affected by stroke by offering a new outpatient procedure that, when paired with rehabilitative therapy, may help patients regain function in their upper extremities months or even years after an ischemic stroke. The therapy is the latest example of the health system’s longstanding commitment to offering coordinated stroke care from diagnosis to recovery.
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Researchers chart a genetic path to diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis and predicting outcomes
Researchers have validated a genetic scoring tool that may help physicians diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and identify which patients are at greatest risk for severe outcomes, including death or the need for a lung transplant. The findings come from a new international study of more than 570,000 people co-led by Mayo Clinic and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
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SAMHSA Announces More Than $281 Million in Funding Opportunities to Address Addiction, Overdose, and Mental Illness and Promote Recovery
JULY 6 2026 – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today announced more than $281 million in funding opportunities for 15 grant programs.
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AHA comments on proposed tariffs on medications, medical devices
JULY 6 2026 – The AHA today sent a letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative to ask that medications, medical devices and other healthcare equipment and supplies be exempted from proposed duties on goods from other nations. While “America’s hospitals and health systems support the administration’s goal of strengthening domestic manufacturing for drugs, medical devices, PPE and other essential medical supplies,” the AHA noted, “the U.S. healthcare system relies significantly on international sources for many drugs, devices, supplies, equipment and other products needed to both care for patients and protect our healthcare workers.”
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AMA modernizes maternity care coding to reflect today’s obstetric care
JULY 2 2026 – CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) is making the most significant update to maternity care coding in decades to reflect how pregnancy care is delivered and improve the data needed to advance maternal health.
The revised Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes replace the decades-old global maternity care bundle with a reporting framework that captures four distinct phases of care—antepartum care, labor management, delivery, and postpartum care. The changes will provide welcome transparency for patients and better reflect modern obstetric practice and provide more meaningful clinical information to support quality improvement, maternal health research, and future payment models. Importantly, it will not increase patient cost-sharing.
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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 |
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO EXPLORE ACHA DATA IN FLORIDA.
DATA FROM 2016 TO 2025 IS AVAILABLE.
CLICK HERE TO SAMPLE THIS DATA FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CHARLES FELIX AT 954-605-4785. |
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| UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES |
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
AUGUST 2026
“Profiles in Leadership & Administration”
Including our Annual Salute to Healthcare Leadership
(Call for special discounted prices for advertising)
"Education Update – New Programs in Healthcare Education"
“Healthcare Professionals Associations”
“Outsourcing Update”
“Revenue Cycle Software Trends”
“Using AI in Diagnosing & Patient Data”
“Using Population Health in Patient Care”
“Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Products” “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 |
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION FOCUS CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FLYER |
PLAN YOUR 2026 ANNUAL SALUTES TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
August – Salute to Leadership September - Salute to Mental Health Therapists
October – Salute to Case Management 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%. |
Upcoming Healthcare
Events are Listed Below |
Vitas Healthcare Webinar: Improving end-of-life care for cancer patients
This webinar provides insight and guidance into the challenges of advanced cancer in patients nearing the end of life.
A patient case study provides the foundation to explore functional status and prognosis in advanced cancer, with hospice as the active plan of care. It identifies missed opportunities that could have supported earlier goals-of-care conversations, advance care planning, and a timelier referral to hospice care.
Attendees will also apply a clinician’s mnemonic for sensitive discussions and how to address common misconceptions through an example of an effective goals-of-care conversation.
This webinar is offered for both CE and CME credit:
CE credit is available to nurses (RN, LPN, LVN; in California Registered Nurses only), social workers and certified case managers, as well as licensed nursing home administrators in the states of Florida and Illinois.
CME credit is available to physicians (MD, DO), nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA).
Attendees can earn one continuing education hour. READ MORE AND LINK TO REGISTER |
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.
READ MORE |
.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS
CLICK HERE |
CALL CHARLES FELIX TO ADVERTISE YOUR JOB OPENINGS - 954-605-4785 STARTING AS LOW AS $50 |
JULY 8, 2026
READ THE CURRENT NEWSLETTER FROM
CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA |
Over 934,000
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
JUNE 26, 2026 BY THE NUMBERS Qualified Patients: (Active ID Card) JUL 03 2026- 934,994 Jun 26 2026- 933,183
Jun 19 2026- 932,670 Jun 12 2026- 931,252 Jun 05 2026- 930,513 May 29 2026- 929,360
Patients Added Last Week:
1,811
Qualified Ordering Physicians:
1,855
New Doctors added Last Week: +7
Reporting Period: JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2026
Amount of Medical Marijuana Dispensed - (mgs THC) 453,621,704
Amount of Low-THC Cannabis Dispensed - (mgs CBD ) 2,630
Amount of Marijuana in a Form for Smoking (oz) 158,700.960 Approved Dispensing Locations: 768 Added Last Week: 1 MUV - TALLAHASSEE |
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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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