FEATURE ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK |
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Memorial Healthcare System Names Shane Strum President & CEO
Board of Commissioners confirms permanent leadership following a two-year interim tenure marked by record growth and expanded access to care
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., September 3, 2026 — The South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners has voted to name Shane Strum President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Healthcare System, confirming a role he has held on an interim basis since September 2024. As permanent CEO, Strum will continue to lead a system of more than 17,000 physicians and employees.
During his interim tenure, Strum has overseen the opening of two new freestanding emergency rooms in Miramar and Pembroke Pines, with a third under construction in Hollywood; the start of construction on Memorial Regional Hospital’s new $670 million bed tower; new investment in robotic surgery, cardiovascular care, and imaging technology; and the launch and clinical expansion of Better Together, Memorial’s collaboration with Broward Health to expand access to primary and maternal care, now growing into oncology, neurosciences, and graduate medical education across both systems. Memorial also posted the strongest financial performance in the system’s 73-year history this past fiscal year.
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| Memorial Maintains Historic Low Tax Rate
Sept. 23, 2026 – The South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved maintaining its millage rate at 0.0805, the lowest in the district’s recorded history.
The 0.0805 rate was established in 2025 following 15 consecutive years of millage rate reductions. Maintaining the rate comes as Memorial Healthcare System continues to expand services, facilities and access to care across South Florida while maintaining a strong financial position.
“Maintaining the lowest tax rate in the district’s history reflects our commitment to being responsible with taxpayer dollars,” said Elizabeth Justen, chair of the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. “It’s a commitment we’re proud to continue while keeping the needs of our community at the center of every decision.”
Despite rising healthcare costs and continued industry pressures, Memorial continues to make significant investments in patient care, technology, facilities and access to services. The health system’s financial performance has enabled it to support those investments while limiting its reliance on property tax revenue.
“Memorial’s financial strength gives us the ability to invest in the future without placing a greater tax burden on our community,” said Shane Strum, president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. “We are expanding access, strengthening our facilities and advancing the care we provide while maintaining the financial discipline that has positioned Memorial for long-term success.” READ MORE |
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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 FEW DAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA |
ACHE of South Florida Member Spotlight September 2026: Melissa Emerson, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE
By Lois Thomson “It’s been amazing, it feels like home!” That is Melissa Emerson’s observation about her current position of Chief Operating Officer at Bethesda Hospital. Emerson can make a statement like that because Bethesda is where she began her nursing career. “I started my healthcare career as a nurse extern while in nursing school at Bethesda Hospital East in 2003, then in 2004 I graduated nursing school with a bachelors from FAU, and from there I was a nurse leader at Bethesda.” Since that time, Emerson has continued her education and advanced her career until she has now attained the position of COO. READ MORE |
Tampa General Hospital First Academic Health System in Southeast to Adopt Innovative Host-Response Technology to Advance Sepsis Care
MeMed BV provides results in 15 minutes to help clinicians distinguish bacterial from viral infections, building on Tampa General’s nationally recognized efforts to improve the early detection and treatment of sepsis.
Sept. 22, 2026 – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is advancing its longstanding commitment to improving sepsis care as the first academic health system in the Southeast to adopt MeMed BV®, an innovative diagnostic test that reads the body’s immune response to help clinicians rapidly distinguish between bacterial and viral infections.
The FDA-cleared technology provides results in approximately 15 minutes, giving emergency care teams additional information at a critical point in the clinical decision-making process. At Tampa General, the test has been integrated directly into the health system’s existing electronic health record (EHR)-based ED sepsis alert workflow, helping clinicians determine which patients may require antibiotics and hospitalization — and which may not.
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Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Breaks Ground on Future Home for The Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute
The 25,500-square-foot institute, which was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 pediatric cancer program in South Florida, bringing together pediatric cancer and blood disorder services, is made possible through a donation gifted by the philanthropic couple
MIAMI – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has broken ground on the next chapter of the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, a transformative expansion that will create a more integrated, accessible and patient-centered environment for children receiving cancer and blood disorder care. Nicklaus Children’s Health System leadership, donors, patients and the hospital’s foundation joined together to mark the official start of construction.
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Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Welcome New Ambulance to FLFR Fleet
Sept 24 2026 – The City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward Health marked another milestone in their ongoing partnership Thursday, officially welcoming a new co-branded ambulance to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) fleet during a traditional fire service push-in ceremony at Fire Station 2.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Broward Health President and CEO Shane Strum, Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan and leaders from both organizations joined FLFR personnel in physically pushing the ambulance into the station bay, continuing a fire service tradition dating back to the days of horse-drawn apparatus.
The ambulance is the result of a collaboration between Broward Health and FLFR aimed at expanding public health, emergency medical and community outreach efforts. The vehicle was made possible through state funding secured through an appropriations request sponsored by former State Senator Lauren Book and State Representative Daryl Campbell.
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UHealth Heart and Lung Surgery Programs Earn Top STS Ratings The Society of Thoracic Surgeons recognized UHealth’s aortic valve, mitral valve and thoracic surgery programs for strong patient outcomes and specialized care.
MIAMI — The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UHealth—University University of Miami Health System continues to earn national recognition, most recently through the Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the world’s largest cardiothoracic surgery organization.
Across its cardiac and thoracic surgery programs, the division earned top marks for patient outcomes. The aortic valve surgery and mitral valve surgery programs each received three stars, the highest rating in the STS reporting system, while UHealth’s thoracic surgery program earned a “better than expected” rating.
An Individualized Approach to Valve Surgery
What sets the UHealth cardiac surgery program apart, said Juan Umaña, M.D., professor and chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, is its individualized approach to surgical care for young patients with aortic valve disease. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, surgeons consider what procedures will best restore life expectancy to this patient population. READ MORE |
TGH Transplant Institute Successfully Performs First Clinical Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion Procedure, Expanding Access to Life-Saving Lung Transplantation
Innovative technology enables TGH physicians to evaluate, recover and successfully transplant donor lungs that otherwise may have been declined.
Sept. 21, 2026 – Tampa General Hospital (TGH), home to one of the nation’s leading transplant programs, has successfully completed its first clinical ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) procedure, using XVIVO’s XPS technology. The technology expands access to life-saving lung transplantation by enabling physicians to evaluate and optimize donor lungs outside the body before transplant.
The groundbreaking procedure was completed by TGH’s multidisciplinary lung transplant team. The donor lungs presented several challenges, including prolonged time without adequate blood flow and oxygen; difficulty achieving full expansion; a blood clot; and an unreported surgical injury. Using EVLP technology, the team was able to assess, repair and optimize the lungs before successfully transplanting them into a patient.
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JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL NATIONALLY RANKED IN FIVE SPECIALTIES BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
September 15, 2026 — Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at Memorial Healthcare System has once again been named one of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Children’s Hospitals, earning top rankings in five pediatric specialties.
“This recognition belongs to every physician, nurse and team member who works together to provide children with exceptional care,” said Holly Neville, MD, Associate CMO at Memorial Healthcare System, Chief of Pediatric General Surgery. “We are always looking for innovative ways to help kids heal, support their families and make the hospital experience as comfortable as possible. Being nationally ranked in five specialties reflects that shared dedication.”
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Sarasota Memorial Invests in Future Healthcare Access for One of Southwest Florida’s Fastest-Growing Communities
Sept. 22, 2026 – With the four-county region expected to grow from approximately 1.2 million residents today to nearly 1.8 million over the next 25 years, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is moving forward with plans to acquire approximately 120 acres in Manatee County’s fast-growing State Road 64 corridor.
Located within Sarasota Memorial’s four-county primary service area, the property just east of I-75 provides flexibility to meet both current and future healthcare needs and will help ensure the region’s only public, not-for-profit health system keeps pace with one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing communities.
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Delray Medical Center Announces Governing Board
September 22, 2026- Delray Medical Center today announced the members of its Governing Board, a distinguished group of physicians, community leaders, and healthcare professionals who guide the hospital’s mission and strategic direction. Their combined expertise strengthens Delray Medical Center’s commitment to delivering patient‑first, high‑quality care to the community.
The Governing Board includes the following members:
Lon Sadowsky, DO: Osteopathic physician serving as President of the Medical Staff and a key clinical leader at Delray Medical Center.
Jeffrey H. Newman, MD: Practicing physician who serves as Chairperson of the Governing Board, guiding medical and administrative oversight.
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Clinics Can Help Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Megan Massacci as Senior Director of Development
September 22, 2026 – As Clinics Can Help continues to expand its reach to connect more South Florida residents with essential medical equipment, the nonprofit is strengthening its development efforts with the addition of Megan Massacci as Senior Director of Development. A veteran of healthcare philanthropy with more than 20 years of experience, Massacci joins Clinics Can Help with a career built around cultivating relationships, engaging donors and connecting community members with causes that create meaningful, measurable impact.
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THE POWER OF A PODCAST
“World of Wishes” Helps Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Shares Its Considerable Impact with Online Audiences
September 21, 2016 – The stories are powerful and the storytellers emotional, a testament to the life-changing impact a wish fulfilled for a critically-ill child can have. It’s also a large reason for the appeal of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida’s “World of Wishes,” which has become the longest-running and most successful podcast hosted by a Make-A-Wish chapter in the U.S.
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FIU researcher uses mathematics to improve lung cancer screenings
Sept. 9, 2026 — A new model developed by Florida International University researcher Deborah Goldwasser uses mathematical modeling to pinpoint the critical window when an aggressive lung tumor is still curable.
The findings could help refine lung cancer screening strategies and identify cancers before they cross that threshold, leading to more personalized screening schedules. This would allow patients at higher risk of developing fast-growing tumors to be monitored more frequently while reducing unnecessary screenings for others.
Goldwasser’s latest research, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, focuses on the point at which an aggressive lung cancer progresses from being curable through surgical removal to becoming inoperable.
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Tampa General Hospital and Mass General Brigham Open Radiation Oncology Center in Palm Beach Gardens
Now seeing patients, the new facility now marks first operational milestone in health systems’ strategic joint venture partnership.
Sept. 10, 2026 – Today, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and Mass General Brigham (MGB) announced the opening of a new, state-of-the-art radiation oncology center in collaboration with Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF). Tampa General Mass General Brigham Cancer Care is the first facility to open as part of a joint venture partnership designed to expand access to specialized outpatient care across Florida’s East Coast. In addition to delivering advanced radiation oncology services, the center will work closely with referring physicians and specialists across the region to coordinate multidisciplinary cancer care, ensuring patients benefit from seamless collaboration throughout their treatment journey. The facility is located at Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens.
The 10,000-square-foot center is a model for collaborative care, where CCSF physicians provide direct patient care, Tampa General manages day-to-day operations and MGB’s radiation oncology team – through the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute – provides quality and safety oversight for clinical and technical aspects of care.
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Skanska Completes $27.3 Million Broward Health’s Freestanding Emergency Department in Sunrise, Florida
September 10, 2026 – Skanska, a leading construction firm, has announced the completion of Broward Health’s freestanding Emergency Department in Sunrise, Florida. Spanning 18,000 square feet, the new $27.3 million facility is designed to deliver faster, more accessible care in a community long considered a medical desert, while supporting the region’s continued population growth.
Located at 9001 W. Oakland Park Blvd. within Broward County, the facility is designed to accommodate a broader spectrum of emergency care, featuring 15 exam rooms, dedicated adult and pediatric resuscitation suites, and advanced diagnostic and imaging capabilities, including mammography, ultrasound, CT scanning, bone density testing, and standard X-ray.
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HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital Breaks Groundon $21 Million Emergency Room Expansion
September 23, 2026 – HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital has broken ground on a $21 million expansion of its emergency room, marking a significant investment in the future of emergency care for Okeechobee County. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
The expansion will add approximately 6,000 square feet and increase the ER from 14 to 25 beds, including two trauma beds and two behavioral health beds. The project will also include an expanded waiting area for patients and families and an enlarged colleague breakroom.
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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.
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See More Interviews - Click Here |
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| UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
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MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS
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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
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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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AUGUST 12, 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"
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Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Experienced Physicians Protect their Assets"
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Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Minimize the Risk of Malpractice Lawsuits"
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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"
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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"
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Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Experienced Physicians Negotiate Employment Agreements"
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Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law “ASSESSING LIABILITY RISKS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND REPUTATION”
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Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "So, I Signed a Non-Compete, Now What?"
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Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law Stark Law - How can Physicians and Hospitals Avoid Problems and Still Work Together
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CLICK HERE VIEW ADDITIONAL WEBINARS |
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