President's Message

november 2025

Dear FCACC Members,

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2025 ACC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

This year’s ACC Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. brought together cardiologists, fellows, and members of the cardiovascular care team from across the country to advance our shared mission: ensuring a patient-centered cardiovascular care system for our nation. Representing Florida alongside our delegation was both an honor and a powerful reminder of the importance of unified advocacy.

 

Our Florida delegation represented the diversity and depth of cardiovascular care across our state. Joining me in Washington were Shantelle Bartra, Jennifer Ray Beckman (Chapter Executive Director), Dr. Sharon N Andrade-Bucknor, Dr. Ashok Chaudhary, Dr. Jennifer Co-Vu, Melissa Gilliam, Dr. Dapo Iluyomade, Dr. Mario Lopez, Dr. Diego Sadler, Dr. Ann Tong, Dr. Adam Waldman, and Dr. David Winchester, Past President of the Florida Chapter ACC and current Chair of the ACC Board of Governors. Together, we engaged in meaningful conversations with members of Congress and their staff to advocate on behalf of Florida’s cardiovascular patients and clinicians. 

 

At the national level, our advocacy focused on four key priorities: advancing Medicare payment reform through inflation-adjusted updates and an increase to the outdated budget neutrality threshold; preserving access to telehealth via the CONNECT for Health Act; reducing prior authorization delays through the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act; and supporting the REDI Act and Connected MOM Act to improve access, education, and maternal health monitoring. Through coordinated Hill visits, data-driven advocacy, and heartfelt storytelling, our Florida team clearly communicated that the sustainability of cardiovascular care depends on fair payment structures, reduced administrative burden, and continued access to innovation. Our message resonated across both sides of the aisle — a reminder that patient care transcends politics.

STATE ADVOCACY EFFORTS

At the state level, our advocacy efforts continue to remain strong under the leadership of Dr. Alan Ackermann, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, and Dr. Pamela Rama, Vice Chair. Working alongside them, Dr. Beth Dineen is representing the Florida Chapter ACC in collaboration with the Florida High School Athletic Association to guide implementation of the ECG screening program passed during the last legislative session. The program, set to launch in the 2026 school year, applies only to new student-athletes who have not previously participated in sports, while returning athletes will be grandfathered in. We plan to convene further discussion to ensure appropriate, evidence-based implementation.

 

Looking ahead, the 2026 Florida Legislative Session will run from January 13 to March 13, and bills are already being filed on several key issues. Lawmakers are expected to revisit scope of practice expansion, property tax reduction proposals (which would require a constitutional amendment), and budget reduction measures in response to Florida’s projected negative fiscal outlook. The first bill taken up during interim committee meetings — HB 6003 (Medical Malpractice) — seeks to repeal current law preventing parents of adult children, and adult children of deceased parents, from suing for non-economic damages in cases of medical negligence. This bill, previously vetoed by Governor DeSantis, remains strongly opposed by medical specialties and the Florida Medical Association, as it could dissuade physicians from practicing in Florida and increase healthcare costs statewide.

 

We also encourage members to participate in the Doctor of the Day program during the upcoming session. The Florida Senate is participating again this year, and space is limited. Interested members should reach out to their State Senator for support and submit their online application early. For assistance, please contact our long-time and trusted lobbyist, Marnie George, Vice President at Johnson & Blanton, who continues to be an invaluable advocate for the Chapter in Tallahassee.

SAVE THE DATES – UPCOMING FLORIDA ACC EVENTS

Our Chapter has an exciting calendar ahead in 2026, and I encourage everyone to mark their calendars now.

We’ll kick off the year with the FIT Forum and Women in Cardiology Winter Retreat, taking place January 31–February 1, 2026, at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove, Miami. These events are being led by Dr. Rhea Sancassani, Chair of the Women Cardiologists Committee, and Dr. Madhavi Chunduru, Vice Chair, alongside Dr. Carlos A. Vergara, Chair of the Florida ACC FIT Committee and Fellow in Training at Mayo Clinic Florida. The FIT (Fellow in Training) program continues to be a cornerstone of mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth for our future cardiovascular leaders. Registration will open soon.

In June, we’ll take our mission abroad with the Spain International Clinical Experience (June 7–11, 2026), chaired by Dr. Mario Lopez, who continues to build international exchange and education through the Chapter’s International Committee. This program offers members the opportunity to share clinical perspectives and foster global collaboration.

We’ll reconvene for our flagship event, the Florida Chapter Annual Meeting, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, July 31–August 2, 2026. This year’s theme, “Where Science Meets Patient Care,” promises an exceptional lineup of national speakers — led by Dr. Melissa Lyle, Program Director. New this year, we are thrilled to introduce a dedicated afternoon breakout session where all lectures will be presented in Spanish. We are especially proud to welcome our colleagues from the Spanish Society of Cardiology (Sociedad Española de Cardiología) — our twin chapter and the leading organization for cardiovascular health in Spain — who will join us in fostering international collaboration, education, and cultural exchange.

 

Finally, I am also excited to welcome Dr. Nausad Shaik into his new role as Membership Engagement Chair. In the coming months we hope to build on our success of the past and focus on connecting members to each other. Our chapter has the ability to link the CV community in many different and meaningful ways in 2026 and beyond. 

Sincerely,

 

David N. Kenigsberg, MD, FACC, FHRS  

President, Florida Chapter ACC