2011-2012 Annual Report

The Official Newsletter of the Texas Medical Association Alliance 

July 2012                                                                                                                                                         Volume 32 

In this issue... 

AllMed, TMAA's 94th Annual Convention
County Alliance Award Winners
Message from 2011-2012 TMAA President
Congratulations 2012-2013 AMAA President Pat Hyer, Fort Worth
TMA Foundation Benefit
TMA Recognizes Outstanding Science Teachers
TMA Outreach Programs
Calendar of Events 

AllMed Was Happenin' in Dallas

Dallas was this year’s site for AllMed, TMAA’s 94th Annual convention. Hosted by the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance, the event was held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in downtown Dallas, May 16-19, 2012.

Play Ball! was the mantra that kicked off AllMed as TMAA and TMA members boarded a bus to the Texas Rangers vs. Oakland A’s game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere of America’s favorite pastime. Even more exciting – the Rangers won!
 
Mary Beyers, co-author of the bestseller Race for Relevance, was the dynamic opening session speaker. Ms. Beyers discussed radical changes that alliances can make today to ensure sustainability in the future. An enthusiastic audience welcomed her back for a second session in the afternoon that focused on ways to improve membership drives by adding value. In between Mary Beyers’ sessions, attendees gathered for a facilitated discussion led by TMAA President Bridget McKeever, and VPs of Membership, Patty Loose, Julie Rojas and Libby White.

During lunch, Kathryn Childers regaled members with her stories from her days as one of the first women to serve in the Secret Service. The afternoon concluded with Greg Allbright, CEO of Change for a Dollar, who answered questions and gave suggestions on how alliance members can maximize social media tools.

Thursday evening wrapped up an exciting and fulfilling day with a celebration in honor of TEXPAC’s 50th Anniversary. Entertained by Capitol Steps, a musical comedy troupe, attendees laughed and dined during the festive event.

Beginning Friday morning, the House of Delegates met to elect the 2012 nominating committee. Chaired by Bridget McKeever, immediate past president, the nominating committee comprises the three immediate past state presidents and four members elected from the floor of the house. This important committee has the responsibility of choosing the next slate of officers. Congratulations to the 2012 Nominating Committee: Paulette Chavez, Houston; Rhonda Reuter, Tyler; Julie Rojas, Victoria; Linda Ruiz, San Antonio; along with Bridget McKeever, Corpus Christi, chair, and past presidents D’Anna Wick, and Doris Johnson.

Delegates also passed bylaws amendments related to membership and eliminated the corresponding secretary position on the board of directors.

Thanks to Barbara Bradfield and Jo North, AllMed chairs, and the Dallas County AllMed committee, the awards celebration was a huge success! With assistance from Pat Hyer, AMAA president-elect, Bridget McKeever presented the annual winners with their awards and honored the county presidents for their service during the year. As part of this year’s awards celebration, Tammy Wishard, TMA’s Outreach Coordinator, held a drawing for 50 free helmets through the Hard Hats for Little Heads program. Rhonda Reuter from Smith County Medical Society Alliance was the lucky recipient of the helmets.

The joint installation of TMA and TMAA presidents was celebrated at a reception Friday evening. The installation was held on Saturday during TMA’s House of Delegates. During the ceremony, Bridget McKeever administered the oath of office to Linda Swan Adkins, Houston, while Michael E. Speer, MD, Houston, assumed the TMA Presidency. Both presidents look forward to continuing the tradition of partnership between TMA and TMAA, traveling around the state and visiting county medical societies and alliances.  

Gratitude for another successful annual convention goes to 

• Barbara Bradfield and Jo North, Convention Chairs
• The Dallas County Alliance AllMed Committee
• Mary Beyers
• Greg Allbright
• Kathryn Childers
• Pat Hyer, AMAA President-Elect
• Rose Kuplesky, SMAA President
• Jim Lincoln, photographer
• Texas Medical Association
• Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust
• Sheraton Dallas Hotel

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TMAA 2010-2011 Award Recipients - Congratulations on a job well done! 

Dedication to the Mission
Presented to the county with the project that most clearly epitomizes the promotion of the TMAA mission. 

Travis County Medical Alliance 
Each year, Travis County Medical Alliance raises money for local health care-related nonprofit groups through its gala. This year, the gala netted nearly $50,000! Five local nonprofits were the recipients of these funds, including two health care clinics which serve uninsured or underinsured: Camp Braveheart, which supports children who have lost loved ones to cancer; Lifeworks, a program for homeless and runaway youth; and St. Louise House which benefits homeless mothers and their children.
 
Alliance of the Future
Presented to the county that shows the most innovation.

Dallas County Medical Society Alliance
Adding to its technology arsenal, the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance collaborated with its medical society to send email blasts through Constant Contact. Additionally, this alliance began to use PayPal, an online service that allows anyone with an email address to accept and pay with credit cards, for their events.  

Pat Durham Membership Award
Presented to the county with the best overall membership campaign coupled with an overall increase in TMAA, TMAA/TEXPAC, and/or TMAA/APT membership. 

Smith County Medical Society Alliance
The Smith County Medical Society Alliance has something to offer everyone! In addition to their well-known bi-annual book fair, this alliance also had book club, cork club, fitness group, mommy’s group and by popular demand, a Computer 101 class to bring everyone up to speed on the newest technology. By tailoring their programming to meet the needs of their members, they infused their membership with fun and enthusiasm.  

Mary Ann Homer Award for Legislative and Political Action
Presented to the county with the most outstanding project or event relative to their legislative and/or political action efforts on behalf of medicine. 

Bexar County Medical Society Alliance
The Bexar County Medical Society Alliance has always been actively involved in legislative activities – fitting that it is also the home of the namesake for the June Bratcher Award. In conjunction with their county medical society, they came in droves to the First Tuesdays at the Capitol events in Austin, visited with their representatives and educated them on the issues most important to medicine.   

Global Service Award
Presented to the county that best responds to the health-related needs of the worldwide community.  

Smith County Medical Society Alliance
The Smith County Medical Society Alliance supported multiple organizations with its donations of hand-crafted items and other necessities. This alliance provided toiletries and blankets for domestic violence victims; stuffed animals to abused children; pillows for breast cancer patients; and neck wrap coolers to service men and women serving in Afghanistan. Alliance members gathered together each month to create and assemble the items to be sent or delivered to appreciative recipients.   

Advocates of Health Award
Presented to the county with the most outstanding execution of the current statewide health improvement initiative project, Be Wise – Immunize^SM. 

Fort Bend Medical Society Alliance
The Fort Bend Medical Society Alliance brings new meaning to collaboration and dedication! They joined forces with the usual suspects, their medical society and the local school district, but found some new partners as well. A local Lexus dealership not only provided a location, refreshments and prizes, but also provided funding for their school district-wide program. They collaborated with the city to host a health fair in the town square complete with a smash mob of local middle schoolers, Zumba for kids, obstacle courses, a helmet giveaway and multiple health-related businesses. Attendance was high and everyone had a great time while learning how to stay active and healthy.

Joan Timmins Milburn Award for Doctors’ Day
Presented to the county with the best overall recognition of Doctors’ Day. 

Cameraon-Willacy (North) Medical Society Alliance
The Cameron-Willacy (North) Medical Society Alliance may be small in number, but not in impact. Bringing together physicians, medical students, nurses, and alliance members, this alliance hosted its annual gala in honor of Doctors’ Day. The event raised $11,000 which was used to provide scholarships to local nursing students. Funds were also donated to a local organization which grants scholarships to high school students studying science.

President's Award 

Robert Horth, Wichita Falls
This year’s President’s Award goes to Robert Horth, Wichita Falls, whose passion for helping those in need goes unsurpassed. Bob brought teams of his local physicians, nurses and medical staff to the highlands of Guatemala to serve indigenous natives who had to walk for hours to receive treatment. He worked with physicians in Wichita Falls who had connections in Indonesia after the tsunami struck. As a result, fishing boats were rebuilt, fishermen went back to work, and the people who depended on them were fed. Bob was instrumental in arranging for the donation of nearly $4 million dollars’ worth of medical supplies to Pakistan after the massive earthquake.
  

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Texas Celebrates Pat Hyer as 2012-2013 AMAA President

Former TMAA President Pat Hyer (2005-2006) of Fort Worth was installed President of the national alliance on June 19, 2012 , at the Swissôtel in Chicago before an enthusiastic crowd of Texas doctors and alliance members as well as a contingent of Tarrant County supporters. Peter Carmel, MD, 2011-2012 AMA President, administered the oath of office. Pat succeeds Emma Borders, Louisiana, as AMAA’s top official.

TMAA hosted the Monday night extravaganza celebrating Pat Hyer’s installation and AMAA’s 90th Anniversary. In addition to traditional Texas music, margaritas and Shiner Bock, guests enjoyed a photographic documentary of AMAA’s history, compliments of Debbi Ricks, California, and the 90th Anniversary committee.

Pat will serve as AMAA president until June 2013 when Jo Terry of Tennessee the new leader. Other Texans serving on the national level are Bridget McKeever, who serves on the Health Promotions committee, and Susan Todd, past AMAA president.  

Texans attending Pat Hyer’s installation were Linda Swan Adkins, Houston; Lori Boies, San Antonio; Lisa Breech, Victoria; Debby Brown, Fort Worth; Sherry Clarke, Austin; Angie Donahue, Fort Worth; Anne Osborne-Gifford, Fort Worth; Barbara Hauser, Houston; Patrick Hearn and Yvonne Hearn, MD, Wichita Falls; Rex Hyer, MD, Fort Worth; Cheryl Jones, Temple; Bridget McKeever, Corpus Christi; Lee Robin, San Antonio; Julie Rojas, Victoria; Mary Ann Shelton, Fort Worth; Judy Simmons, Lubbock; Susan Todd, Fort Worth; Libby White, Lubbock; and D’Anna and Paul Wick, MD, Tyler.  Members of the TMA delegation, along with TMA president Michael E. Speer, MD, were there to offer support and congratulations to Pat. TMAA staff Loretto Koepsel, Judy Julian, and Sandy Solis also attended.

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A Message from Bridget McKeever, 2011-2012 TMAA President

It has been an honor to serve as the 94th President of the TMA Alliance. It has been a time of personal growth and education on many levels. During the year, I appreciated the support and advice I received from alliance advisors and friends.

Throughout the past year, I did my best to trust both intellect and instinct, and to gather information until I felt I could make a good decision. I also relied on my clinical training in marriage and family therapy to make choices that would be best for TMAA.  I was keenly aware of that focus this year.

One of the main goals was to continue to bridge the relationships of TMA, TEXPAC, TMA Foundation, and county alliances with and through the TMA Alliance.  I worked on this goal through thousands of emails, handwritten correspondence, phone conversations, TMA and TMAA meetings, and many visits to county alliances. I continued the "Boots on the Ground" slogan that past TMA President Dr. Sue Bailey and past TMAA President Doris Johnson initiated in 2010-2011. The alliance used the acronym “BOOT – Bringing Our Organizations Together” during county alliance visits to help strengthen the partnership between county alliances and medical societies in an effort to boost membership and foster better working relationships.
 
TMA President Bruce Malone, MD, was an ardent supporter of the TMA Alliance. We traveled to several medical society meetings to represent TMA and TMAA.  He always spoke enthusiastically of TMAA support as the "Boots on the Ground" for TMA.  As President-Elect, Linda Adkins traveled with me to many parts of Texas as we visited county alliances.

During my travels, I was amazed to see the accomplishments of our county alliances. To date, Texas children have received more than 214,000 immunizations through our Be Wise—ImmunizeSM program and more than 114,000 000 bicycle helmets have been placed on children’s heads through Hard Hats for Little Heads. Many alliances held health fairs promoting healthy lifestyles drawing attention to the national obesity epidemic. County alliances continued to raise thousands of dollars for medical scholarships through their philanthropic efforts. As of 2011, county alliances had contributed nearly $1 million to local service organizations, associated medical entities, and medical scholarships. 

Although this was not a legislative year, TMAA continued its commitment to TMA’s legislative agenda.  We encouraged alliance membership in TEXPAC, and we stayed active in political advocacy efforts to support the family of medicine.  Keely Hunsaker, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, President-Elect Linda Adkins, and I attended the TEXPAC Legislative Retreat in December.  We traveled to League City, Sugar Land, and Fort Worth to campaign for TMA and TMAA members running in primaries for the state legislature. The coming year will be crucial for alliance volunteers to be the "Boots on the Ground" to support legislation and political candidates that are favorable for the practice of medicine and the patients of Texas.

TMAA celebrated the installation of one of our own who was installed president of the American Medical Association Alliance in Chicago in June.  Pat Hyer, TMAA president in 2005-2006, became the 2012-2013 national alliance president on June 19, 2012, at the AMAA annual meeting at the Swissôtel in Chicago.  Texans honored her installation with a Texas-themed celebration in conjunction with AMAA’s 90th anniversary on June 18.

Last but not least, I thank you, the thousands of alliance members working in your local county alliances.  Without you, there would be no TMAA. You are the heart of this organization.  Thank you for your support and confidence in me to serve as your president.  I will never forget and will always appreciate the warmth of my alliance friends. Thank you for the memories!

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2012-2013 President’s Message

A Message from Linda Swan Adkins

I am humbled yet filled with pride and excitement as I begin my service as the 95th president of the Texas Medical Association Alliance. Our organization has such a rich history of service to the medical community and the patients of Texas! I face the coming year with a deep sense of obligation to represent the family of medicine in a way that will continue to bring relevance and value to the Texas Medical Association and the Alliance.

Politics and grassroots advocacy have been important parts of my life for as long as I can remember. A self-confessed political junkie, I have spent much of my professional and volunteer careers working to ensure that physicians have the freedom to practice medicine, and that patients have the best medical care anywhere in the world. In the current political climate, those challenges will undoubtedly remain at the forefront. But, with a dedicated group of physicians and alliance members working shoulder to shoulder, the family of medicine will prevail! I invite you to join me for First Tuesdays at the Capitol during the 2013 session of the Texas Legislature. There is no easier or better way to take medicine’s message to our state legislators than to show up en masse in Austin on the first Tuesday of February, March, April, and May. Our involvement is essential. I hope that you will consider making at least one trip to Austin to visit with your legislators to demonstrate your commitment to preserving and protecting the medical practice and excellent health care for Texas citizens.

During the coming year, I know that my collaboration with Dr. Michael Speer, TMA’s new president, will be one that continues to inspire a sense of teamwork as we take on new adventures to serve the medical family. With your support, I pledge to work diligently to ensure that the family of medicine remains united and strong.

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TMAA Elects Cheryl Jones President-Elect

The Texas Medical Association Alliance (TMAA) has elected Cheryl Stanley Jones, Temple, as TMAA president-elect. TMAA is the volunteer service organization of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) comprising physicians and physicians’ spouses.

Cheryl, an avid community volunteer, will serve as president-elect of the statewide organization for one year. After that term, she will become TMAA president.

“With medicine as our common bond, the TMA Alliance brings together physicians and their spouses from across Texas,” says Cheryl. “Together, we can support the practice of medicine from the local to national levels, and I am proud to help lead our statewide organization.”

As a long-time volunteer, Cheryl brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Within the TMA Alliance, she has served as vice president of community health and well-being, public communication, and membership. She also has served as TMAA parliamentarian, District 12 Director, and as alliance representative on TMA’s Council on Health Promotion.

“TMA Alliance members serve as ambassadors to extend the reach of their physician spouses into their local communities and beyond,” says Cheryl. “We have a proven record of making a difference in our communities and our state through our public health and outreach programs.”
In her community, Cheryl chairs the Temple Education Foundation, and has been a member of its Scholarship and Grant committees. She also has held various volunteer positions with the Temple Independent School District (ISD), including serving on the Temple ISD Mentor Committee and as a mentor. Cheryl is a member of the Junior League of Temple, the Central Texas Orchestral Society, and is an executive board member of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She volunteers actively with the First Baptist Church of Temple.

Cheryl is married to Temple emergency physician Russell Jones, MD, a TMA member. The couple has two children: Rory, a recent graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, and Abby, a student at Texas A&M University. Next year, Rory will spend a year in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar.

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Houston Physician Elected President of TMA

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) elected Michael E. Speer, MD, of Houston its 147th president. TMA’s House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body, elected Dr. Speer leader of the nation’s largest state medical society during TexMed, the association’s annual conference, held May 18-19 in Dallas.

“I am honored and grateful for having been selected by my peers in the House of Delegates to lead TMA,” said Dr. Speer, a neonatologist. “The next couple years are going to be critical for the health of Texas and the health of the organization. I want to leave TMA more energized and stronger than when I started my presidency.”

Dr. Speer chose a career in medicine for both practical and sentimental reasons. “I’m a Sputnik kid, and my parents and grandparents lived through the Depression, when the value of anything was heightened. When you grow up in a family like that, you want to have a job in which you can either work with your hands or work with your brain.” A thirst for knowledge inspires Dr. Speer to be the best at caring for his young patients. “I’m always learning. That’s why I’m in the practice of medicine — so I can practice and get better,” he said.

Dr. Speer earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston, then completed his internship at Ben Taub General Hospital and Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston. He completed his residency in pediatrics at BCM Affiliated Hospitals and his fellowships in infectious diseases and neonatology at BCM. Dr. Speer served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an active duty officer during the Vietnam War.

The growing field of neonatal-perinatal medicine interested Dr. Speer as a medical student. “Neonatology was a brand-new specialty that had just been designated a couple years before, so I was getting in on the ground floor. Essentially, I’m a family physician for babies. I am responsible for their nutrition, their lung function, their kidney function, their gastrointestinal tract, muscles, brain, etc. It has been very rewarding, which is why I’m still in full-time practice.”

Dr. Speer has been practicing medicine for 44 years. He is board certified in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine, teaches full time at Baylor College of Medicine as professor of pediatrics and ethics, and cares for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Building TMA membership and protecting the doctor-patient relationship are important goals during Dr. Speer’s one-year term as TMA president. He will lead the organization through the often uncertain waters at the state Capitol as the Texas Legislature gets under way January 2013. He says increasing TMA membership is essential for successfully advocating for Texas patients.

“I’ve learned over the last decade or two if you go to the legislature and try to get things done beneficial to patients and the practice of medicine, the more diverse physicians and voices you have saying the same thing, it’s more likely you’re going to accomplish what you set out to,” said Dr. Speer.

Dr. Speer previously served on TMA’s Board of Trustees for seven years, including one year as chair. He also chaired the TMA Patient Safety Alliance and the TMA Council on Scientific Affairs, and he served as vice chair of TMA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Accountable Care Organizations. Since 1988, he’s served as a member of the Harris County Medical Society (HCMS) delegation to TMA. Dr. Speer also has been president of many physician organizations, including the Texas Perinatal Association, the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Harris County Medical Society.

In addition to his leadership in organized medicine, Dr. Speer dedicates his time to his patients as the deputy chief of pediatrics at The Methodist Hospital, and chief of the Newborn and Premature Service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital.

He and his wife, Mary, have been married 43 years and have two musician sons, James and Mark.

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2012-2013 TMAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President:   Linda Swan Adkins, Houston 
President-Elect:  Cheryl Jones, Temple
President’s Special Advisor: Mary Grace Hume, Houston
VP of Membership:  Julie Rojas, Victoria
VP-Elect of Membership: Libby White, Lubbock
VP of Community Health: Anne Foster, San Antonio
VP of Communication:  Angie Donahue, Fort Worth
VP of Legislation and  Political Action:  Patty Loose, Austin
VP of Future Planning: Lorna Engleman, MD, San Antonio
VP of Fiscal Affairs (Treasurer):  Rhonda Reuter, Tyler
Recording Secretary  Zoe Rascoe, Temple
Parliamentarian  Paulette Chavez, Houston
APT Representative   Lori Boies, San Antonio
AMAA Representatives  
Pat Hyer, Fort Worth
Bridget McKeever, Corpus Christi
Susan Todd, Fort Worth

The TMAA Board of Directors also includes the district directors and the advisory committee, which comprises the three immediate past presidents.

Congratulations to our Texas colleagues working on the national level:
Pat Hyer, 2012-2013 AMAA President
Bridget McKeever
Susan Todd, AMAA past president

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Minority Medical Students Receive Scholarships from TMA

Nine minority students entering Texas medical schools each received a $5,000 scholarship from the Texas Medical Association (TMA). Students were recognized for their academic achievement, commitment to community service, and health care experience Friday, May 18, at TMA’s annual TexMed conference in Dallas.

The TMA Educational Scholarship, Loan, and Awards Committee chose winners from a competitive field of promising future physicians entering medical school this fall.

TMA created the Minority Scholarship Program to help diversify the physician workforce to fulfill the needs of Texas’ increasingly diverse population. The scholarship encourages minority students to enter medicine by lightening the financial burden of medical school. Since 1999, TMA has awarded 74 scholarships, totaling $370,000, to minority medical students.

2012 TMA Minority Scholarship Recipients:
Brianna Désiré of Wichita Falls graduated from Columbia University. She will attend The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In her application she stated that she wants to care for patients in medically underserved communities in Texas and help prevent diseases exacerbated by poor access to medical care. Ms. Désiré’s scholarship is provided by contributions from Harris County Medical Society/Houston Academy of Medicine; Dana and Jamie Ronderos, MD, Frisco; Irvin Robinson, MD, Fort Worth, in memory of his wife, Libby P. Robinson; and physicians and their families.

Matthew Edwards of Dallas graduated from Princeton University. He will attend The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Mr. Edwards plans to dedicate his career in medicine to advocating for the elderly and medically underserved patients, and eliminating health care disparities. Mr. Edwards’ scholarship is provided by donations from Catherine L. Scholl, MD, Austin, and Betty and Mark J. Kubala, MD, Beaumont.

Keren Elías of Dallas graduated from Southern Methodist University. She will begin her medical study at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Ms. Elías plans to be a pediatrician and improve the health of Texans through medical research, teaching, and patient care. Her scholarship is provided by a gift from Cecilia and Tim Norwood, MD, Dallas.

Hunter Fuentes of Mineral Wells is a U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He will go to medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. Mr. Fuentes plans to be a primary care physician at a small hospital or clinic in rural Texas and improve the quality of health care for small-town Texans. His scholarship is provided by a gift from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.

Rogelio García of Eagle Pass graduates in May from The University of Texas at Austin. He will attend Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. Mr. García plans to practice pediatrics in his hometown of Eagle Pass where he hopes to prevent diseases through patient education and care. Mr. García’s scholarship is provided by Bell County Medical Society, and Charli and Jim Rohack, MD, Bryan.

Armstrong Ibe of Mansfield graduates in May from The University of Miami and will attend Baylor College of Medicine. Mr. Ibe hopes to be a neurosurgeon in the Houston area and help patients afflicted with rare and life-threatening conditions. Mr. Ibe’s scholarship was provided through gifts from Wendell D. Daniels, MD, Longview; McLennan County Medical Society; Susan M. Pike, MD and Harry T. Papaconstantinou, MD, Georgetown; and Khushalani Foundation, Humble, in memory of George Nunez, Sr.

Victoria Nunez of El Paso graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and will attend Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso where she also will receive a Master of Public Health. She plans to be a family physician and educate families about healthy lifestyle choices to stop the obesity epidemic and prevent obesity-related diseases. The El Paso, Hidalgo-Starr, Midland, and Nueces County Medical Societies, and Alan and Sarah Losinger, Dallas, funded Ms. Nunez’s scholarship.

Stephanie Annor of Houston graduated from St. Mary’s University. She will attend The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Ms. Annor plans to become an obstetrician-gynecologist and care for underserved women in Texas. Her scholarship is provided by a gift from H-E-B.

Jorge Restrepo of Miami graduated from Florida International University and will attend the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. He plans to practice internal medicine in Fort Worth or Houston. Mr. Restrepo’s scholarship was provided through gifts from the Dallas, Tarrant, and Travis County Medical Societies, and physicians and their families.

This year’s nine scholarships were made possible by a grant from the association’s philanthropic arm, the TMA Foundation, thanks to generous gifts from physicians, their families, and institutional and corporate supporters.

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Physicians Care for Patients; PBF Cares for Physicians

Each month, Texas Medical Association's Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF) helps Texas physicians and their families in need. The fund helps recipients with rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, medical bills, clothing, and food. Some recipients are elderly and not practicing medicine, some are disabled or ill, and some are widowed and raising families.

More than $3 million has been given in assistance payments to over 635 physicians and their families since the PBF was established in 1961 with a $2,500 donation from the late May Owen, MD, a Fort Worth pathologist and past president of TMA.

PBF remains alive today because of the generosity of TMA members willing to share financially with less fortunate colleagues and families. Contributions are tax-deductible, and may be in the form of honoraria or memorials.

Contributions may be made be sent to:
The Physicians Benevolent Fund
Texas Medical Association
401 W. 15th St.
Austin, TX 78701-1680

Applications for assistance are reviewed by members of the Committee on Physicians Benevolent Fund each May and September, with the chair acting on emergency cases in the interim. All applicants must complete a confidential questionnaire to be considered. If you are a physician in need or know of a physician in need, please contact PBF today.

For additional information regarding contributions or benefits, contact Chris Johnson at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1602, or (512) 370-1602, or PBF@texmed.org.

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Team TMAF makes Going Gold for Great Health a Winner!

TMA Alliance members helped catapult TMA Foundation’s 19th annual gala to success by donating items and gifts in support of the silent auction, which raised more than $40,000.
On May 18, nearly 500 physicians, alliance members and guests, statewide community leaders and corporate sponsors enjoyed an Olympic-sized celebration at Texas Medical Association Foundation’s 19th annual gala, held in conjunction with TMA’s TexMed. Gala Co-chairs, Dr. Walter F. and Mrs. Candace Evans and Dr. Deborah A. Fuller and Kevin D. Broadway, all of Dallas, mixed and mingled with guests and sponsors alike during the pre-dinner guest receptions while perusing the foundation’s silent auction representing gold, silver and bronze level treasures.

Many county medical societies and alliance chapters donated to the silent auction effort to ensure its success. The contributing alliance chapters include:

Bexar County Medical Society Alliance
Dallas County Medical Society Alliance and Foundation
Lubbock-Crosby-Garza County Medical Society Alliance
McLennan County Medical Society Alliance
Smith County Medical Society Alliance
Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance Foundation, Inc.
Travis County Medical Alliance

Special contributions to the silent auction were facilitated by many TMAA members, including Linda Swan Adkins, Houston; Terri Andrews, Fort Worth; Fredye Factor, Dallas; Alma Garcia, Houston; Pat Hyer, Fort Worth; Cheryl Kridel, Houston; Libby Malone, Austin; Bridget McKeever, Corpus Christi; Merry Merian, Wimberly; Mary Meyers, Lake Jackson; Susan Leshnower, Odessa; and Susan Todd, Fort Worth.

TMAF’s Dallas Health Leaders, Fredye Factor and Sarah Losinger were recognized for their ability to bring the talent and resources of medicine, business and community together to help local and statewide health related non-profits reach more Texans in need.

After a rousing live auction and Fund-a-Need “paddles up,” which raised more than $10,000 for TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads, A Hard Night’s Day, of Dallas, kept guests grooving to favorite Beatles’ tunes until the doors closed!

Proceeds benefit TMA Foundation and the TMA and TMA Alliance programs it supports that champion great health including: Be Wise - ImmunizeSM, Hard Hats for Little Heads, Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching, and TMA's Minority Scholarship Program. Final gala results will be released later this summer.

Be Wise - Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association.

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Grants to Local Alliance Chapters

Since 1998, preventing disease and injury has been the focus of TMA Foundation’s community grant programs. Each year, TMAF invites TMA’s county medical societies (CMS) and alliance and medical student chapters to apply for a grant in support of their local health improvement initiatives. In 2011, TMAF approved the following grants for programs which were carried out in collaboration with numerous organizations that lent financial, inkind and volunteer support to ensure the health of their community.

Be Wise—Immunize project of Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance Foundation as a partner with Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County (ICTC); Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance Foundation, Inc.: Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance Foundation partners with Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County by providing funding, volunteers, and leadership to implement ICTC strategic plan goals.  The goals are:  1. Increase the immunization rates by 5% a year for children 0-2 years old in 3 designated zip code projects.  2. Continue participation in 20-23 days of annual back to school immunization events sponsored by ICTC during the month of August, serving 5,000 children.  3. Provide a consistent message on the importance of on-time immunizations by using the Be Wise—Immunize logo and message on all ICTC educational and promotional materials.  4. Advocate for improvements in ImmTrac so the state registry works for both state and local providers.

Back-to-School Immunization Clinic at the University of Texas Children’s Wellness Center; Travis County Medical Alliance: The Texas County Medical Alliance (TCMA) Be Wise—Immunize Committee will help in immunizing children ages 2-17, in the community of Del Valle at the UT Children’s Wellness Center.  The TCMA provides all the advertising for the event, volunteers for the shot dates, water and “goodie bags” for patients, and lunch for the staff.

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Alliance Partnership Boosts TMA’s Outreach Programs 

The TMA Alliance is a valuable partner on Texas Medical Association’s outreach programs. TMA thanks alliances who sponsored Hard Hats for Little Heads and Be Wise — ImmunizeSM programs locally in 2011.

Hard Hats for Little Heads
TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads promotes fun exercise and teaches parents and children about the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet when biking, skating, skateboarding, or riding a scooter. Many TMA members, TMA Alliance chapters, and medical students sponsor events each year.

Hard Hats for Little Heads celebrated a major milestone during 2011: the 100,000th helmet was given away. And in 2011 alone, more than 22,500 helmets were given away at 135 events.

Hard Hats for Little Heads received the Power of A Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives in 2011. The award recognizes programs that exemplify how the association industry and professionals are essential to a stronger America and world.

2011 TMAA Sponsors

Dallas County Medical Society (CMS) Alliance
Ector CMS Alliance+
Harris CMS Alliance
Henderson CMS Alliance+
Kerr-Bandera CMS Alliance
Lubbock-Crosby-Garza Alliance
McLennan CMS Alliance+
Nueces CMS Alliance
Smith CMS Alliance
Tarrant CMS Alliance+
Taylor-Jones-Haskell-Callahan CMS Alliance
Travis CMS Alliance+
Victoria-Goliad-Jackson Alliance
Wichita-Archer-Baylor-Knox CMS Alliance+
Williamson CMS Alliance

+ Sponsored more than one event

Be Wise — Immunize
TMA’s Be Wise — Immunize works to improve immunization rates and educate the public that vaccinations are safe, important, and effective. Be Wise accomplishes its goals through action, education, and outreach: TMA Alliance and medical student members take action to educate their communities about the importance of vaccinations for all age groups, provide free and/or low-cost immunizations at local shot clinics, and participate in local immunization coalitions. More than 214,000 vaccinations have been given to Texas children since the program began in 2004.

The new Be Wise — Immunize Quick Start Manual: A Step-by-Step Vaccination Outreach Guide can help you plan an event in your community.
 
2011 TMAA Sponsors

Bexar CMS Alliance
Dallas CMS Alliance
Lubbock-Crosby-Garza Alliance+
Tarrant CMS Alliance/ICTC+
Taylor-Jones-Haskell-Callahan CMS Alliance+
Travis CMS Alliance+
Victoria-Goliad-Jackson CMS Alliance*

*First-time event
+Sponsored more than one event

The Hard Hats and Be Wise programs are funded through generous grants from TMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Association. To keep the programs growing, you can make a donation to TMAF.

To donate to TMAF, call (800) 880-1300, ext. 1664, or (512) 370-1664. Or visit the foundation’s secure webpage.

Be Wise — Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association.

Money Available for Be Wise — Immunize Vaccination Events

If it’s money you need for a Be Wise — ImmunizeSM event, the Texas Medical Association can help. The Be Wise Local-Impact Grants Program offers grants of $500 to $1,500 to TMA member-physician practices/clinics, county medical societies, TMA Alliance chapters, and medical student chapters to help improve the health of your community.

Grants can fund new or expanded shot clinics to immunize underserved and uninsured children, adolescents, and/or adults. Applications are due Oct. 1. To help plan your free or low-cost vaccination event, check out the Be Wise — Immunize Quick Start Manual: A Step-by-Step Vaccination Outreach Guide or contact Tammy Wishard, TMA’s outreach coordinator, at (512) 370-1470.

The first Local-Impact Grants awarded in March will help provide flu shots and other vaccinations. Taylor-Jones-Haskell-Callahan CMS Alliance will use its grant funds to vaccinate high school students against meningococcal disease and help educate them about the state’s immunization registry, ImmTrac, now available for adults.

Be Wise — Immunize is a joint initiative led by TMA physicians and the TMA Alliance. Funding for Be Wise —Immunize is provided by the TMA Foundation thanks to generous support from HEB, TMF Health Quality Institute, and gifts from physicians and their families.

Be Wise — Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association.

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TMA Physicians Award Teachers Who Inspire Students’ Love of Science

Pictured left to right: Carolyn Evans, MD of TMA; Heather Fleming of Summitt Elementary in Austin; Timothy Daponte, EdD, of John H Reagan High School in Houston; Susan Harsh of Little Cypress Junior High School in Orange; Russ Kridel, MD of TMA Foundation.

Congratulations to the 2012 Winners!

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) awarded six Texas teachers the 2012 TMA Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching. The winners were recognized May 18 at TexMed, the association’s annual meeting, in Dallas.

According to the National Science Foundation’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2010 report, only 23 percent of Texas eighth-graders and 25 percent of fourth-graders have achieved proficiency in science. The TMA Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching strive to improve these dire statistics by recognizing innovative teachers.

First-place educators in elementary, middle school, and high school each receive a $5,000 cash prize and their school receives a $2,000 resource grant. Second-place winners’ schools receive a $500 resource grant.

“These dedicated educators help create the physicians of tomorrow by inspiring students of today with the possibilities available in the field of science,” said Michael Speer, MD, Houston, who will become TMA President on May 19.

Finalists were determined by an 11-member team of science professionals who volunteered their time and curriculum expertise to the science teacher’s award program. The finalists are narrowed down by a special panel of the TMA Board of Trustees, the association’s governing board.

First-place winners are Paula Bagwell of Belmar Elementary School in Amarillo, Elizabeth Klammer of St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, and Matthew Wells of Cypress Lakes High School in Katy. Second-place winners are Jo Williams of Spicewood Elementary in Austin, Elizabeth Freeman of Westwood Junior High in Dallas, and Kimberly Beck of Seymour High School in Seymour.

The TMA Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching are supported by the TMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of TMA, thanks to an endowment established by Dr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Butler, of Austin, and gifts from major donors. For the eighth year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has made a generous gift to the program. Other top donors to this year’s program are Potter-Randall County Medical Society and Gerard Joseph Ventura, MD, Nacogdoches.

The TMA Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching are supported by the TMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of TMA, thanks to an endowment established by Dr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Butler of Austin. Each year additional gifts are needed to fully fund this program.  For the 6th year, the program also received a generous gift from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.
 
To make a tax-deductible donation to the TMA Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching Program, visit the TMA Foundation’s website at www.tmaf.org. For more on the programs the foundation funds, contact Lisa Stark Walsh, TMA Foundation, at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1666, or (512) 370-1666, or e-mail Lisa Stark Walsh.

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Help TMA reward outstanding Texas Science Teachers!

One elementary school, one middle school, and one high school science teacher will receive $5,000 and an expense-paid trip to TexMed, TMA's annual conference in San Antonio for the presentation in May 2013! The winners’ schools each will receive a $2,000 award for its science curriculum, and three additional science teachers each will receive $500 each for their schools’ science departments!

The Texas Medical Association's Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching honor teachers who share their energy and enthusiasm for science through creative and innovative methods. TMA created the award in 1990 to reward excellent science teaching in order to encourage young students to become physicians.

In 2013 TMA will once again reward more outstanding teachers, but first we need to know who they are. Please help us identify excellence in any area of science by nominating teachers or self-nominating if you are a teacher. Nominations are open through Oct. 20, 2012. All nominees will be contacted by TMA and asked to complete an application by Dec. 29, 2012.

All Texas state-certified, full-time public and private school science teachers with a minimum of two years' classroom experience who will return to teach in a Texas classroom during the 2013-2014 school-year may apply.

An award will be given to one teacher in each of the following categories: elementary, middle, and high school.

Awards will be presented on May May 17, 2013, during TexMed in San Antonio.

For more information about the award and application process, visit the Giving Back section of TMA’s website, or contact Gail Schatte at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1600, or (512) 370-1600, gail.schatte@texmed.org.

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SAVE THE DATES

TMAA Regional Meeting, Tyler
Join your TMAA leadership and county alliance members from across the state for TMAA’s Regional Meeting. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to meet with members to exchange ideas and learn skills to help you with your alliance goals. TMAA leaders will facilitate sessions on membership, utilizing social media to strengthen alliances, program offerings and other relevant topics! So mark your calendars and plan to join us in Tyler on September 25!
   
For more information, contact TMAA VPs of Membership: Julie Rojas jrojas508@aol.com, (361) 578-7688, or Libby White, (806) 698-8276, or libbywhite98@gmail.com.

AllMed 2013 - May 15-18, 2013, San Antonio
Remember the Alamo! Mark your calendar now for AllMed, TMAA’s 95th Annual Convention, in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Enjoy nationally renowned speakers in a fun and festive atmosphere. AllMed is an excellent opportunity to celebrate your county alliance’s achievements, mingle with colleagues and gather new ideas for the coming year! There’s something for everyone from the alliance leader to the brand new member, so make plans now to join us in San Antonio! 
 

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Calendar of Events 

*Date tentative

Member Editor: Angela Donahue

Staff Editor: Sandy Godwin Solís 

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