May 2, 2014
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB
Health) has been named the Texas Medical Association Medical Student Section (TMA-MSS)
chapter of the year. The award was presented today during TMA’s annual meeting
in Fort Worth.
The annual Chapter of the Year Award, which began in 1998, recognizes the
TMA-MSS chapter that excels in furthering TMA-MSS goals and policies for a
better Texas. The award recognizes leadership, dedication, and service to TMA
and the American Medical Association (AMA).
Francisco Guerra, recruitment
chair for the UTMB chapter, said the students work well together and enjoy helping
each other and their community. “Last year’s officers set a great foundation,
and our current chapter is working to continue building toward future success,”
he said.
In March, the UTMB Health chapter hosted the AMA Region 3
meeting, which included students from 16 medical schools. The meeting included
a health fair for the citizens of Galveston and a TMA Hard Hats for Little
Heads bike helmet giveaway.
Chapter members have been involved within the Galveston
community to promote good health and prevention. They have made presentations
to more than 1,200 elementary- and middle-school students about the dangers of
tobacco use. Medical and allied health professions students from UTMB Health also
participated in the local Grandkids Festival to promote healthy living and
active play.
During recruitment activities, students welcomed TMA
President Stephen L. Brotherton, MD, a Fort Worth orthopedic surgeon, to learn
more about TMA and encourage more UTMB Health students to join the chapter.
Students also attended a luncheon with Sen. Larry Taylor to hear his firsthand
experience in the Texas Legislature.
Arindam Sarkar, chair of the TMA-MSS, said, “We appreciate what
the UTMB Health chapter has done for the organization and look forward to continuing
to work together to improve the health and lives of people throughout our
state.”
Chapters are nominated for this award by the TMA-MSS
Executive Council.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 47,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 112 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
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Contact: Pam Udall (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 413-6807; email: pam.udall[at]texmed[dot]org
Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; email: brent.annear[at]texmed[dot]org
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