Eighteen Austin-Area Physicians Start New Terms in TMA Leadership Positions

July 12, 2021

Eighteen Austin-area physicians have begun new terms of service in Texas Medical Association (TMA) leadership positions.

TMA leaders elect or appoint 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.

Except where noted, all the physicians are members of the Travis County Medical Society.

Austin

Laurence Chu, MD, an otolaryngologist in practice for 18 years; reappointed to the TMA Committee on Health Information Technology.

Robert H. Emmick Jr., MD, an emergency medicine physician in practice for 26 years; appointed chair of TMA’s Committee on Physician Distribution and Health Care Access. 

Mark E. Escott, MD, an emergency medicine physician in practice for 12 years; appointed chair of TMA’s Committee on Emergency Medical Services and Trauma.

Ajay K. Gupta, MD, a family physician in practice for 24 years; reelected to TMA’s Council on Health Care Quality.

Manda L. Hall, MD, an allergist and immunologist in practice for 17 years; reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Committee on Reproductive, Women’s and Perinatal Health. 

Katharina Hathaway, MD, a family physician in practice for 18 years; reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Health Information Technology.

John W. Hellerstedt, MD, a pediatrician and medical management specialist for 40 years; reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Council on Science and Public Health.

Grace L. Honles, MD, a family physician in practice for 23 years; reappointed to TMA’s Committee on Patient-Physician Advocacy.

Thomas J. Kim, MD, a psychiatrist in practice for 11 years; reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Committee on Health Information Technology.

Megan K. Kressin, MD, a pathologist and hematologist in practice for 13 years; appointed chair and reelected to TMA’s Council on Practice Management Services.

David L. Lakey, MD, an internist, pediatrician, and infectious diseases specialist in practice for 22 years; elected to TMA’s Council on Medical Education and appointed as a consultant to TMA’s Council on Science and Public Health.

Jonathan E. MacClements, MD, a family physician in practice for 24 years; appointed as a consultant to TMA’s Council on Medical Education.

Donald K. Murphey, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist in practice for 32 years; appointed chair of TMA’s Council on Science and Public Health, and reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health.

Michelle C.M. Owens, DO, a family and hospice physician in practice for five years; elected to TMA’s Council on Health Service Organizations.

Stephen J. Pont, MD, a pediatrician and public health/general preventive medicine specialist for 17 years; reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health.

Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, an infectious diseases specialist and internist in practice for 18 years; reappointed as a consultant to TMA’s Committee on Infectious Diseases.

Daniel B. Walk, MD, an emergency medicine physician in practice for two years; appointed to TMA’s Committee on Emergency Medical Services and Trauma. (In addition to practicing medicine in Austin, Dr. Walk also practices in Cypress.)

Round Rock

Susan M. Pike, MD, a plastic and cosmetic surgeon in practice for 18 years; reappointed consultant to TMA’s Council on Health Promotion. Dr. Pike is a member of the Williamson County Medical Society.

Descriptions of the councils and committees:

Read the descriptions and responsibilities of each TMA council and committee.

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 55,000 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.

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Contact:  Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320
Marcus Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 650-5336

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Last Updated On

July 12, 2021

Originally Published On

July 12, 2021

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