Supporting Physicians Across Walton County
Where Springs, Beaches, and Medicine Meet
Walton County stretches from historic DeFuniak Springs to the beaches of South Walton, offering both small-town charm and fast-growing coastal communities. Known for its rare coastal dune lakes and natural springs, the area also boasts a strong and growing medical community that serves families, retirees, and seasonal visitors.
We recognize the diverse healthcare landscape here, from practices in DeFuniak Springs to physicians affiliated with facilities like Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and North Okaloosa Medical Center. No matter where you practice, the Emerald Coast Medical Association is ready to support you with resources, advocacy, and connections tailored to the realities of medicine in Walton County.
Supporting Physicians Since 1948
The Emerald Coast Medical Association began in 1948 as the Bays Medical Society, serving physicians in Panama City and Bay County. As Northwest Florida grew, so did we. In 2014, our organization expanded into the Emerald Coast Medical Association, broadening our reach to support physicians across the region, including here in Walton County.
Today, as the local affiliate of the Florida Medical Association (FMA), ECMA connects medical and osteopathic physicians through education, advocacy, insurance programs, and community. Membership is voluntary, but many physicians join because they know they practice stronger with a trusted network behind them.
The Benefits of ECMA Membership
Ongoing Education and CME Opportunities
Medicine changes quickly, and keeping up matters. That’s why ECMA provides timely clinical updates and CME options designed for busy physicians. Our annual CME Beach Conference draws doctors from across the Panhandle to share ideas, build connections, and earn credits in an environment that balances professional learning with personal downtime.
Physician-Led Health Insurance Solutions
For over four decades, ECMA members have relied on our Florida Blue health insurance cooperative to help practices offer meaningful employee benefits. Built and sustained by physicians, this program delivers long-term rate stability, statewide buying power, and flexibility for practices of all sizes. It’s a proven model that has stood the test of time.
Malpractice Coverage That Works for You
Insurance shouldn’t drain your resources. Through our Medical Malpractice Program with Medical Protective, ECMA members join together to access more affordable rates and stronger protection. Since launching in 2015, this physician-driven program has helped participants collectively save hundreds of thousands in premiums while keeping coverage strong and reliable.
Advocacy That Works Beyond Your Walton County Practice
Membership in ECMA is about more than saving money on insurance or attending CME events; it’s about having a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect how you practice. We represent physicians from Walton County and across Northwest Florida at the local, state, and national levels, keeping your priorities front and center.
From protecting physician autonomy to pushing for fair reimbursement, ECMA works to ensure your voice is heard in Tallahassee and beyond. While you focus on caring for patients, we focus on advocating for the policies and protections that make it possible to do your best work.
Become a Member Today
Practicing medicine in Walton County comes with both rewards and challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. As a member of the Emerald Coast Medical Association, you gain more than cost savings and CME credits. You join a professional community that advocates for your interests, connects you with peers, and equips you with tools to strengthen your practice.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been serving this community for decades, ECMA is here to stand alongside you. Membership is an investment in your career, your practice, and the future of healthcare in Northwest Florida.
