News

Where Are They Now? 15 Years of Leadership College: Brian Bruel, MD - 04/30/2025

With help from TMA’s leadership development program, Brian Bruel, MD, overcame the feeling of “imposter syndrome” to lead a statewide specialty medical society and ascend the ranks within TMA and the Harris County Medical Society. Applications are now open.

Whooping Cough Spikes in Texas Among Measles Outbreak - 04/30/2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services so far has reported 1,060 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, outpacing the rate seen in 2024. Tdap and DTaP immunizations are crucial, including for pregnant mothers.

Top Technology Recommendations Align with TMA Policy, Education - 04/29/2025

TMA technology staff attended a regional meeting of a nationwide cybersecurity coalition comprised of 450 other health care organizations, including the American Medical Association, to learn about emerging technology trends in medicine and how to reduce harm to physician practices.

TexMed Speaker to Tackle Drug Pricing, Entrepreneurship - 04/29/2025

Founder of the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, radiologist Alex Oshmyansky, MD, previewed his upcoming TexMed talk about unfair drug pricing and the early stages of launching a startup.

Rural-Access Solution Goes Before Senate Committee - 04/28/2025

The culmination of many months and meetings, TMA-backed Senate Bill 2695 was unveiled to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, opening a new pipeline for rural access to care while preserving Texas’ physician-led care model.

Apply for Local Impact Grants to Provide Free Immunizations in Your Community - 04/25/2025

Applications are open for TMA Foundation grants of up to $3,500 to support vaccine provision and education. The deadline to apply for the current cycle of grants is May 23, and the funds can be put to use in a variety of ways to serve your community.  

‘Who Writes the Rules Matters’: Medical Students Converge on Capitol to Educate and Advocate - 04/24/2025

As First Tuesdays continues its run in the second half of session, physicians and medical students bring their thoughts, stories, and concerns to lawmakers to shed light on TMA priorities, including scope of practice and physician workforce measures.

Record Licensure Numbers Show Steady Workforce Progress - 04/23/2025

Texas continues to expand the physician workforce at a faster rate than the state’s population, continuing a 15-year streak, but gaps remain. To drive in-state growth, TMA continues to advocate for bolstering the state’s residency and fellowship programs.

Medical Education, Medicaid Get Budget Boosts as Final Deliberations Begin - 04/23/2025

Medicaid, women’s health, and medical education are all winners so far, all topping TMA priorities this session as part of the overarching goal to boost access to care. With a handful of weeks to go in the session and another key deadline approaching, medicine is still working hard to ensure budget wins stay permanent.

Physicians Benevolent Fund Bolstered by Ongoing TMAIT Gift Pledge - 04/22/2025

In an effort to support physician well-being, TMA Insurance Trust has announced a donation of $15,000 to The Physicians Benevolent Fund to help provide crucial assistance to physicians and their families during times of need.

What Financial Questions Should You Be Asking Your Administrator? - 04/22/2025

Here are common questions you should be asking your facility or practice administrator to help you navigate wRVU reviews and calculations.

MedPAC Calls for Tying Medicare Payment to Inflation with a Permanent Update - 04/22/2025

The agency advising Congress on Medicare issues calls for a physician payment structure tied to the Medical Economic Index, in line with TMA advocacy. The recommendation calls for a permanent payment update in 2026 and beyond.

Attend a Council or Committee Meeting at TexMed, Open to All Members - 04/21/2025

Kick off TexMed 2025 by attending the event’s various council and committee meetings, open to all members interested in TMA governance and policy development. The open meetings policy is one of many new initiatives TMA has approved in recent years to increase the visibility of member interests.

Medicaid Funding Streams Crucial in State, Federal Advocacy Discussions - 04/17/2025

In the chance the federal government moves forward with proposed cuts that could negatively impact Medicaid, TMA is here to help Texas physicians understand and navigate Medicaid’s funding complexities. Read more.

TMA Signs Letter Calling for Congress to Protect Medicaid Funding - 04/17/2025

As the U.S. House of Representatives considers $880 billion in cuts from the committee overseeing Medicaid, TMA and all 50 state medical societies detailed the impacts such a cut would make to patient care and practice viability.

Medicine Whelms Nurse Scope Expansion Bill - 04/15/2025

Physicians from across the state made the trek to the Capitol to testify that House Bill 3974 would dismantle Texas’ longstanding physician-led care model and with it, patient safety. TMA and the legislature remain committed to quality solutions to the state’s access-to-care challenges.

AI Experts Added to Committee on Health Information Technology - 04/15/2025

Recognizing the potential of augmented and artificial intelligence to greatly impact patient care and physician interests, the Texas Medical Association has announced the addition of 10 expert consultants to its Committee on Health Information Technology.

Sponsored Content: Make an Impact on Your Patients and Practice - 04/14/2025

Free CME courses teach you how to use the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program to ensure safe prescribing and communicate effectively with patients about prescription drug misuse, addiction, and overdose. Sign up today to receive credits—and to create a lasting impact on your patients and practice.

Medicine Backs New Legislation Halting Latest Medicare Payment Cut - 04/14/2025

Led by physician lawmakers, the proposed legislation would cancel the most recent physician pay cut and provide some extenuating relief for the remainder of the year. TMA recently joined the American Medical Association’s national advocacy conference to take their efforts to lawmakers’ doorsteps in D.C.

TMA Mobilizes Against Nurse Scope Expansion Bill - 04/11/2025

House Bill 3794 is among dozens of bills filed this session that chip away at Texas’ scope of practice laws. While for the most part TMA has stopped such bills in their tracks, by contrast, HB 3794 would open what TMA President G. Ray Callas, MD, strongly warned is a “floodgate” for independent practice by advanced practice registered nurses. TMA urges physicians to act to stop the bill.

Vaccine Uptake Improves Amid Measles Momentum - 04/11/2025

With measles spreading to another corner of the state and showing little sign of slowing, adjusted vaccine recommendations apply to residents of and visitors to 10 affected counties. TMA Foundation grants are available to support vaccine clinics.

Online Testimony on TMA Business Items Closes April 17 - 04/10/2025

TMA members have until April 17 to submit online testimony on business items to be considered by the House of Delegates at TexMed, May 8-10. A permanent fixture since 2020, online testimony allows the association to hear and address members’ concerns early.

Combating Measles Resource Center - 04/10/2025

Get caught up on measles-related news from state and federal agencies, as well as TMA's actions and resources, with this webpage. Find information from DSHS, patient-facing materials, and links to clinical insights.

TMA Calls for Increased Funding to Help TMB Address Workforce Issues - 04/09/2025

TMA President G. Ray Callas, MD, advocated for Texas Medical Board (TMB) funding, citing record numbers of physician license applications. Plus, learn the Texas House committee assignments that may influence medicine’s legislative agenda. Read more.

Where Are They Now? 15 Years of Leadership College: G. Ray Callas, MD - 04/09/2025

Graduates have found leadership success within TMA and their communities by participating in the nine-month development program. Applications are open now until May 31 for the class of 2026.