All physicians interested in public health issues are invited to the Lunch & Learn Distinguished Speaker Series event noon-1:30 pm on May 18 at the Texas Capitol.
Hosted by the Texas Public Health Coalition (TPHC) and supported by the Texas Medical Association, the panel discussion series is designed to inform stakeholders of the realities in public health, says TPHC co-chair Maria Monge, MD.
“We’re interested in anyone who is interested in public health,” said Dr. Monge, who also serves as vice chair of the TMA Council on Science and Public Health. “We’re really looking for speakers who are living out public health priorities on a daily basis. We’re really thinking more about infrastructure and public health in real life.”
The event will be held in the Legislative Conference Center at the Texas Capitol. Lunch will be provided by Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant. The panel will be moderated by TPHC co-chairs Dr. Monge and Lauren Gambill, MD. Admission is free.
Featured speakers include Desmar Walkes, MD, medical director and health authority with Austin Public Health, and registered nurse Rahmatu Mansaray, deputy assistant director and the director of nursing for the Houston Health Department.
When the public health system is performing well, the systems designed to keep it functioning are largely invisible, Dr. Monge says. The speaker series is a way to recognize their importance and remind the public about the need for continued funding.
More than anything else, Dr. Monge said, the goal is to “pull the curtain back on the magic that happens in public health that isn’t usually seen.”
Legislative staffers who wish to learn more about public health infrastructure and immunizations are also invited to attend.
“Anyone in any state organization that is wanting a refresher on different public health initiatives of our priorities for the upcoming legislative session, we would welcome,” Dr. Monge said.
TMA’s collaborations with TPHC have helped elevate physician voices at the Capitol, contribute to legislative wins, and strengthen collaboration between health care professionals and public health systems across the state.
Learn more about TPHC.