TMA Alliance News

• From the President

  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.

   

• Community Health

  Good News: Funding Available for Shot Clinics Apply for a TMA Be Wise — Immunize^SM Local Impact Grant to jumpstart your immunization event. Grant proposals are due March 1, and again on Oct. 1. This new program aims to increase vaccinations given through Be Wise — Immunize. Grants of $500 to $1,500 are available to county medical societies (CMSs), physician practices, TMA Alliance chapters, medical student chapters, and TMA member-physician practices/clinics.
  
• First Tuesdays at the Capitol Returns!

  And the Family of Medicine needs YOU! The "White Coat Invastion" has been the key to physicians' successes in the Texas legislature since the inception of First Tuesdays at the Capitol in 2003.  Our influence is so much greater when physicians and alliance members arrive en masse in the House and Senate galleries. It's time again to bring out Texas medicine's strongest weapon - YOU!

  Be a part of the solution. Join us February 5, March 5, April 2 and May 7 for First Tuesdays at the Capitol, TMA's award-winning grassroots legislative program.