Living in Florida, I’ve witnessed how “Florida Healthcare: Back to Basics” is more than just a phrase. It’s a call for our healthcare system to return to its core values—trust, service, and strong leadership that truly listens.

Let me start with a quick overview of who I am and where I come from. My career began with twelve years of military service, where I learned the true meaning of leadership. Whether I was coordinating at the Pentagon or building clinics in Latin America, I saw that real leadership means serving others, no matter the setting.

After the military, I dedicated over 30 years to Florida’s healthcare field. Through organizations like Taino Consultants, EPI Compliance, and Island Doctors, I’ve helped hospitals and clinics across the nation navigate the complicated world of healthcare. I’ve seen how policy decisions directly affect families—not just in theory, but in real life.

With the changes we are envisioning, I find myself approached by Florida families who are concerned about the healthcare landscape. They are asking important questions about access, rising costs, and quality of care. They want to know why getting an appointment takes so long, why bills don’t match what was promised, and how to support aging parents or teens facing mental health challenges. These aren’t just political questions; they’re daily-life questions that affect every household across our state.

This is where true leadership makes a difference. I’m part of a team looking for achievable, short-term solutions. Every member of this team is a professional with vast experience in the healthcare field. Yet, even pooling our resources wouldn’t be enough to implement these solutions on our own. This is where our meeting with Senator Colleen Burton comes to the forefront.

In my career, I have met many leaders with big titles, but few possess that rare mix of ethics, preparation, and true service like Senator Colleen Burton. As the Chair of the Florida Senate Health Policy Committee, she sits at the critical intersection where policy moves from talk to action. Yet, she approaches that responsibility with genuine sincerity and humility.

During our meeting, Senator Burton engaged every person on our team with respect, asking thoughtful questions that proved she was already deeply involved in finding solutions. She brought a sense of calm and focus to the conversation, grounding every point in facts rather than opinions. Our meeting had a strict time limit, but she stayed far longer than scheduled because she understood the mission mattered more than the clock. That detail might seem small, but it is not; time is where true values show up.

Senator Burton’s leadership style stood out as collaborative, not performative. She listened as much as she spoke, and her questions showed she had done her homework. It felt less like a political meeting and more like a team effort to solve real problems for Florida families.

Leaving that meeting, I felt a sense of hope I hadn’t felt in a long time. Senator Burton is, in many ways, a “unicorn” among public servants, someone who genuinely cares about the people of Florida, knows her job inside and out, and is willing to listen to alternatives if it means serving the public better. As I write this, no other leader comes to mind who embodies these qualities so fully.

While we have a dedicated team and a leader like Senator Burton doing her best, that alone is not enough. You must ask yourself: What can I do as Florida’s healthcare continues to evolve?

The answer is simple: Focus on what you can control. Start with your immediate needs, know your primary doctor and the nearest urgent care. Keep a short, accessible list of your medications and allergies. Ask your insurance provider which preventive services you’re entitled to each year. Take control of your health through exercise, nutrition, and a balanced life. Explore the services available in your community. And by all means, support leaders like Senator Colleen Burton, who work for real solutions even when no one is watching.

Do not despair. Change is coming, but it is up to us to adapt so we can take advantage of new solutions and resources. Don’t wait for things to be handed to you. Get involved and become part of the solution. I’m certain that together, we can build a healthier future for everyone.