Stories written by Patrick McDaid

Walk with a Doc Takes Steps to Improve Texans’ Health - 05/08/2024

Texas Medical Association physicians interested in helping their patients get active can join TMA's Walk with a Doc (WWAD) program, now in its 12th year in Texas. TMA covers the cost of start-up fees for members, a $2,100 value.

The Great Masquerader: Congenital Syphilis Plagues Texas - 05/06/2024

Since beginning her career at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in 2017 as the infectious disease medical officer, Jennifer Shuford, MD, has been closely monitoring syphilis.

Texas Expands Tobacco Cessation Services - 04/05/2024

With the help of a $2 million funding increase approved by state legislators in 2023 and backed by the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Department of State Health Services will expand its tobacco cessation services, giving physicians additional resources to help patients struggling with nicotine addiction.

All One Family: Alliance Presidents Share Passion for the Family of Medicine - 04/01/2024

TMA Alliance presidents share their passion for building and bonding the Family of Medicine

An Unfailing Voice for Medicine: TMA Honors Kenneth Mattox, MD - 04/01/2024

TMA honors Houston trauma surgeon Kenneth Mattox, MD, for his dedication to public health.

TMA Vaccination Grants Connect Hard-to-Reach Patients; Apply by May 1 - 03/28/2024

Dozens of patients in the Lubbock area are up to date on their vaccinations thanks to a local impact grant from the Texas Medical Association, which has opened the latest 2024 application cycle for vaccine outreach programs until May 1.

State to Update Trauma, Emergency System Rules - 03/25/2024

For the first time in 20 years, the Texas Department of State Health Services is updating the state’s emergency medical system and trauma care rules.

TMA Launches Public Health Podcast Series - 03/20/2024

The Texas Medical Association Council on Health Promotion has launched a podcast series to inform and educate the public on some of TMA’s public health priorities, as well as community outreach programs the council oversees.

UPDATE: TMB Continues to Clarify New Fingerprinting Requirement Ahead of License Renewals - 03/11/2024

As the first round of this year’s physician licensure renewals get under way, a new fingerprinting requirement affecting certain renewals has sparked confusion and concern among Texas physicians.

TMA Alliance Helps Launch New Chapter for Spouses Without Local Organization - 02/29/2024

Like the Lone Star Caucus, the newly formed Lone Star Alliance will serve medical societies across the state in non-metropolitan areas. Deadline for application is March 31. Read more.

New 24/7 Hotline to Assist in Treatment for Infected Newborns - 02/23/2024

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio recently debuted a 24/7 telehealth help line to assist pediatric infectious disease specialists in treating neonatal illnesses, namely congenital syphilis, whose rates continue to rise in Texas.

ACOG Toolkit Assists Maternal Care in Non-Obstetric Settings - 02/21/2024

In the wake of the startling statistic that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable if treated properly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has created an educational toolkit focused on educating physicians located in non-obstetric settings, such as emergency departments and trauma centers, who do not regularly deal with pregnant patients.

El Paso Physician Broadcast Takes Creative Approach to Fight Vaccine Hesitancy - 02/14/2024

With help from a TMA Foundation grant, El Paso physicians created the video to provide health education, advocacy, and public awareness on vaccines and other topics. The program is part of TMA’s Vaccines Defend What Matters campaign. Read more.

DSHS Introduces Interactive Respiratory Illness Dashboard - 02/08/2024

The Texas Department of State Health Services has developed an interactive dashboard to help physicians across the state combat respiratory illness during its peak season, which typically runs from October through May in Texas.

TMA Foundation Searches for A ‘Champion of Health’ - 02/06/2024

Nominations are open until Feb. 15 for the John P. McGovern, MD, Champion of Health Award. The TMA Foundation gives the grant to projects focused on urgent threats to public health. Read more.

TMA Honors Houston Surgeon with Public Health Lifetime Achievement Award - 01/31/2024

A highlight of the Texas Medical Association’s Leadership Summit in Austin, TMA awarded its prestigious Laurance N. Nickey MD, Lifetime Achievement Award to Houston trauma surgeon Kenneth Mattox, MD, for his dedication to the medical field since 1964, and notably for his relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina.

TMA FAQ Addresses Child and Maternal RSV Treatments - 01/19/2024

With respiratory syncytial virus season well under way, complicated by a temporary shortage of a new treatment, the Texas Medical Association has compiled a frequently-asked-questions document to help inform physicians on available preventive treatments for mothers and infants at risk of the illness.