Related Stories

TMA Recognizes San Antonio Pathologist for Distinguished Service - 05/09/2025

San Antonio pathologist David N. Henkes, MD, received the Texas Medical Association Distinguished Service Award Friday – TMA’s highest honor. Though he has earned accolades for his career in medicine and leadership, Dr. Henkes arguably cemented his legacy miles away from Texas, at American Medical Association meetings.

Physicians Combat Bad Bills at TMA’s Final First Tuesdays at the Capitol - 05/07/2025

Champion of medicine Sen. Donna Campbell, MD, thanked Texas physicians for rallying against harmful legislation – like those that could expand scope of practice. Also on TMA’s chopping block: bills that let health plans go unchecked and weaken vaccine access.

‘If That’s Not Expanding Scope, I Don’t Know What Is’: Bill Grants Scope Shortcut to Rural APRNs - 05/06/2025

With patient safety on the line, TMA physicians showed up in droves in opposition to Senate Bill 3055, which would give certain nurse practitioners independent practice in rural areas. Instead, physicians turned lawmakers’ attention to a new and immediate solution to Texas’ rural access shortages advancing through the legislature: Senate Bill 2695.

Physicians’ Personal Finances to Headline TexMed Panel - 05/05/2025

An upcoming TexMed panel will feature insight into debt management, educational planning, investments at both the early and mid-and-established career levels, and more. The session directly follows other Texas Medical Association efforts to meet members’ needs.

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.

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.

‘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.

RFS Executive Council - 04/23/2025

Resident and Fellow Section Executive Council

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.

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.

TMA’s Top Legislative Priorities: Enhance Medicaid Payments and Coverage - 04/17/2025

TMA will work to enhance Medicaid payments and coverage this legislative session

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.

Health Policy Expert Selected as TMA VP of Medical Economics - 04/14/2025

Robert C. Bennett, an Austin-based health policy expert, was named the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) vice president of medical economics. In his new role, Mr. Bennett will develop and manage TMA’s medical economic policy and advocacy at the state and national level. He also will develop strategies and support services that help physicians navigate health care rules and regulations, while leading a staff division.

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.

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.

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.

Program Overview - 04/08/2025

Guidelines, application process, and costs for the TMA Leadership College.

E-Cigarette Regulation Heard in Senate, House Committees - 04/07/2025

TMA testified to regulate e-cigarettes just as traditional tobacco products, with protections for children and youth. TMA is also tracking numerous women’s health and insurance bills on the move.

TexMed 2025 Unveils New CME, Tailored Offerings to Attendees at All Career Levels - 04/04/2025

This year’s annual conference will see a presentation by YouTube’s Dr. Mike, tailored CME submitted by TMA members, practice resources for established physicians and networking opportunities for students and residents. Plus, a new badging system cuts check-in hassle.

First Tuesdays at the Capitol Lets Legislators Hear What Matters Most to Medicine - 04/02/2025

Since 2003, TMA member physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance members have told their stories to legislators via First Tuesdays at the Capitol. Advocates for medicine have two more opportunities this session to share their views.

I Never Knew TMA: Had AI Experts on its HIT Committee - 03/31/2025

TMA’s HIT Committee stands among nine councils and 18 standing committees that channel physician expertise to influence policy and programs that support Texas patients and physicians and provide solutions to the challenges they encounter.

Insurance Concerns Dominate TMA Testimony - 03/31/2025

One bill would exempt certain plans from important patient protections, while another could undo reforms to insurer ranking and tiering practices.