Lubbock Physicians Assume TMA Leadership Positions

September 6, 2019

Eleven Lubbock physicians will begin terms in Texas Medical Association (TMA) leadership positions during the TMA Fall Conference next week.

TMA leaders appoint or elect TMA physicians and medical students to one of TMA’s 25 boards, councils, and committees. They are responsible for studying health care-related issues and making recommendations on important health care policy affecting Texas patients and their physicians.

Eman N. Attaya, MD, a radiologist in practice for 11 years, was reelected and named chair of TMA’s Council on Health Promotion. The council plans and oversees community outreach programs that enable TMA, the TMA Alliance (TMA’s community service and advocacy arm), and the TMA Foundation (TMA’s philanthropic arm) to improve the health of all Texans.

Ann Hughes Bass, MD, a family physician who just completed her residency and will practice in Lubbock, was elected to serve on TMA’s Council on Health Care Quality. The council establishes policy on topics surrounding quality improvement, such as performance-based measurements and value-based payment programs, and educates physicians about federal and state incentives to improve patient care. It also advocates for fair and sound quality improvement initiatives.

Thomas A. Bowman, MD, a neonatologist-perinatologist in practice for 12 years, was reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Reproductive, Women’s and Perinatal Health. The committee studies and addresses issues, laws, and regulations related to reproductive, women’s, and perinatal health in Texas, and provides advice and makes policy recommendations concerning these issues.

Kalarickal J. Oommen, MD, a neurologist in practice for 10 years, was reelected to TMA’s Council on Health Service Organizations. The council studies, makes recommendations, and takes action related to the organization of and services provided by 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.

Melinda Garcia Schalow, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in practice for 20 years, was appointed to TMA’s Committee on Rural Health. The committee reviews and comments on laws, regulations, and activities that affect patient care in rural areas. 

Michelle B. Tarbox, MD, a dermatologist in practice for six years, was appointed to TMA’s Council on Legislation. The council monitors and develops strategies regarding pending legislation and initiates legislative policies at the state and national levels to improve our health care system.

Surendra K. Varma, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist in practice for 52 years, was reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Council on Medical Education. The council coordinates TMA’s medical education activities, studies Texas’ physician workforce trends, accredits continuing medical education programs, and monitors physician licensure and credentialing.

Davor Vugrin, MD, a hematologist-oncologist in practice for 47 years, was appointed as a consultant to TMA’s Committee on Cancer. The committee supervises TMA’s cancer-related activities, educates physicians and patients about cancer, and works with other groups on cancer-related care and issues.

Larry A. Warmoth, MD, a nephrologist in practice for 22 years, was reappointed 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.

Guy A. Wells, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist in practice for 38 years, was appointed to serve as a consultant to TMA’s Council on Practice Management Services. The council oversees all association practice-management services provided directly to physicians and their staff.

Nawal Showkier Zeitouni, MD, a pediatrician in practice for 19 years, was reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health. The committee promotes policies to encourage the development of healthy young Texans.

The physicians are members of the Lubbock County Medical Society.

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing nearly 53,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

--30--

Contact:  Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320

Marcus Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 650-5336

Connect with TMA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Check out MeAndMyDoctor.com for interesting and timely news on health care issues and policy.

Last Updated On

September 09, 2019

Originally Published On

September 06, 2019

Related Content

Leadership