FAFP February Member Spotlight - Dr. Michael Cromer

Overseeing one of the largest family medicine practices in Hillsborough County is my full-time job, but that is just one hat that I wear. After 32 years in practice, I love the other opportunities that being a family physician has offered me. In addition to being board certified in Family Medicine, I am also board certified in Addiction Medicine. For 25 years I was the Medical Director of a hospital-based alcohol and drug detox unit. I still see patients with addiction problems and seeing them succeed is one of the most gratifying things that I do.

I am the Medical Director of a travel vaccine company. This allows me to stay up to date on various epidemics around the world and the various vaccines that are recommended for travel. I also am the Medical Director for Premier Image, a Medical Spa owned by my wife, where we perform neurotoxin injections, filler injections, bio-identical hormone pellets, ear lobe repairs, and many other services. It is a great way to end my days.

Presently, I am employed by Wellmed, a primary care physician group specializing in value-based medicine and focusing on patients with Medicare Advantage plans. On the side, I spend a lot of time in the legislative side of medicine. I figure if I as an individual don't let my legislators know what issues are important to us physicians, who will? I am past president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, heavily involved in the Government Affairs Committee and Political Action Committee. I also traveled to Tallahassee during session each of the last six years meeting with my legislators. I have also served as Doctor of the Day in the medical clinic located in the capitol building. It is a great way for me to get to know the legislators and they get to know me.

One thing that I have always enjoyed is going on medical mission trips. I have served on trips to the Philippines, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. On a couple of those I have been able to take family members. It really touched my heart being able to work as a team and serve the underprivileged in these countries. I am continuing my outreach to the underserved community in the Tampa area by serving on the board of MercyMed Tampa, a Christian non-profit medical clinic.

When I am not fulfilling my calling in medicine, my wife and I like to spend time at the beach and travel. I did over 100 triathlons before I had to get both of my hips replaced. Now, you can find me regularly using my Peloton bike before going to work in the morning.

About five years ago I wanted to start giving back to the profession of medicine. For many years I practiced in an environment that was very friendly to physicians. In recent years, much of what we do is dictated by legislation, insurance, or the corporations we work for. Our profession is, at times, under attack. If we don't represent and protect our profession, no one will. I didn't want to look back at the end of my career and have to say "I wish I had done something sooner."

Dr. Cromer recently published a book, "Something Different Every Day Every Day." You can purchase a copy on Amazon. The book shares different scenarios where he, as a family physician, was able to change people's lives and the lessons that he learned along the way. It is a great read for anyone but targeted for those wondering if going in to medicine is still worth it. His conclusion is that if you go into the profession for the right reasons, it will provide many opportunities for one to have a huge influence in people's lives.