Fort Worth-Area Physicians Take TMA Leadership Roles

Nineteen Fort Worth-area physicians have accepted leadership positions within the Texas Medical Association (TMA). TMA physicians and medical students who are appointed or elected to one of TMA’s 30 boards, councils, and committees are responsible for studying and recommending action on important issues affecting Texas patients and health care policy. 

Council elections, and council and committee appointments: 

Fort Worth: 

Josephine R. Fowler, MD, a family physician for six years, and Brian Webb, MD, an orthopedic surgeon for six years, were elected to TMA’s Council on Medical Education. The council coordinates TMA’s medical education activities, studies the physician workforce, accredits continuing medical education activities, and monitors physician licensure and credentialing. 

Susan K. Blue, MD, a neurologist in practice for 40 years, was reelected to TMA’s Council on Practice Management Services. TMA helps physicians and their staffs manage their medical practices, and this council oversees this activity. 

Rex L. Hyer, MD, an anesthesiologist for 44 years, was reelected to TMA’s Council on Constitution and Bylaws. The council serves as an advisory body on matters pertaining to the TMA Constitution and Bylaws, and handles long-range organizational planning. 

Sandra K. Parker, MD, a family physician for 10 years, was elected to TMA’s Council on Science and Public Health. This council develops policy on high-priority public health and medical science issues, provides physicians evidence-based public health and scientific information, and communicates TMA policy on these issues. 

Stuart C. Pickell, MD, an internist for 13 years, was elected to TMA’s Council on Health Service Organizations. The council makes recommendations and takes action relative to all patient-care facilities, including emergency departments; ambulatory surgery centers; hospitals; and skilled nursing, long-term-care, assisted living, hospice, home care, and other treatment facilities. 

Robert J. Rogers, MD, who has practiced allergy and immunology for 29 years, was elected to TMA’s Council on Socioeconomics. The council makes recommendations related to the socioeconomic aspects of medical care and regulations.   

Joanne Baumer, MD, a family physician for 32 years, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health. The committee promotes policies to encourage the development of healthy young Texans. 

Chad Carlton, MD, a general surgeon for seven years, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Physician Distribution and Health Care Access. The committee analyzes the physician, nursing, and allied health workforce and its impact on health care access, and promotes careers in medicine and the health professions. 

Catherine Colquitt, MD, an infectious disease specialist for 20 years, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Infectious Diseases. The committee educates physicians and the public about new information regarding infectious diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases. 

Shanna Combs, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Material and Perinatal Health. The committee reviews laws, regulations, and activities that affect the health of newborn babies and their mothers.    

James S. Cox, MD, an emergency physician for 35 years, was reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Emergency Medical Services and Trauma. The committee works to create and maintain local and statewide plans for emergency medical services, and educates Texas physicians about plans to provide medical care in disaster situations. 

Edward S. Furber, MD, a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist of 47 years, was reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Physician Health and Rehabilitation. John H. Haynes III, MD, a family physician of 25 years, was appointed to the committee. The Committee on Physician Health and Rehabilitation provides support and outreach related to the treatment and rehabilitation of physicians with impairments. 

R. Larry Marshall, MD, who has practiced rheumatology for 24 years, was appointed to TMA’s Patient-Physician Advocacy Committee. The committee assesses the quality of medical care in Texas and recommends regulatory, legislative, and legal approaches to ensure the highest standard of quality medical care is available for all Texans. 

G. Sealy Massingill, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist for 24 years, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Continuing Education. The committee monitors and studies trends and issues in continuing medical education and recommends TMA policy on the subject. 

Joseph H. Shelton, MD, a gastroenterologist for seven years, was reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Membership. The committee guides TMA’s and county medical societies’ membership recruitment and retention programs. 

The Fort Worth physicians are all members of the Tarrant County Medical Society (CMS). 

Keller: 

Jason V. Terk, MD, who has practiced pediatrics for 16 years, was elected to TMA’s Council on Legislation. The Council on Legislation develops and implements legislative policies at the state and national levels to improve medicine and patient care. He is a member of the Tarrant CMS. 

Roanoke: 

Erica Swegler, MD, who has been a family physician for 19 years, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health. She is a member of the Tarrant CMS. 

 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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