ST. PETERSBURG – Dr. David Weiland, past president of the Pinellas County Medical Association presided over the association’s 2012 Annual Legislative and Installation dinner meeting at the Feather Sound Country Club with 200 members, 10 of which, were past presidents in attendance.
This dinner celebrates the culmination of the Association’s 100th year anniversary. Under Dr. Tim Carlson’s leadership, the Association accomplished many milestones such as creating a new division under the PCMA umbrella to support office administrators, having an ongoing lecture series to help navigate Physicians through the ‘Business of Medicine,’ and offering services to help Physicians negotiate contracts, ensuring meaningful use compliance.
Dr. John Armstrong, the State Surgeon General was the keynote speaker and touched on a few subjects that are important to the medical community and the health and welfare of our County. He commended the work of the Health Department and their rapid response on the meningitis outbreak, and all their continued efforts to ensure Physicians had the latest up to date information. The safety of the community was his top priority.
Armstrong was also very determined to continue the hard work and efforts made by the medical community, law enforcement, and various agencies to cut down on Florida’s pill mill epidemic and death related to overdoses.
Armstrong ended his speech with a very strong endorsement for having fluoride in the water. He quoted from the Center for Disease Control that fluoride in public water systems is one of the greatest advances in public health and that without it, populations suffer significant health risks as well as tooth decay. He stressed the importance of getting fluoride back into our water supply in Pinellas County, and received an ovation from the audience.
Armstrong presented to Dr. Claude Dharamraj the 2012 Pinellas County Medical Association Physician of the Year Award. Dr. Dharamraj is the Director of the Pinellas County Health Department and a highly respected and valued member of the medical community.
The Association membership approved and passed the proposed by law change to extend the term of the president and treasurer to a two-year term. Carlson was honored by Armstrong swearing him in as the Pinellas County Medical Association’s 2012-2013 president.
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