February 2021
In this issue . . .
TCMS COVID Heroes Honor Roll
Business of Medicine - Ethics CME
TMA Physician Benevolent Fund
Spanish Meducation® Now Online
Dell Med School Update
Travis County Medical Society COVID Heroes Honor Roll
For over a year now physicians have been fighting in the trenches of the war against COVID-19; unsung heroes quietly persevering, advocating for individual patients and their communities, sacrificing personally to advance the public good.
TCMS wants to recognize them/you. The TCMS Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for recognition on the COVID Heroes Honor Roll.
Perhaps you know of a colleague who has gone above and beyond in ways that deserve special recognition. If so, please nominate him/her.
Perhaps you know of a colleague who has demonstrated such emotional resilience that they lift the entire team. If so, please nominate him/her.
Perhaps you know of a colleague who has demonstrated unbridled courage and resolve in caring for patients or supporting a team member. If so, please nominate him/her.
This is a chance to celebrate you and your colleagues.
Business of Medicine Event, Ethics CME
“Virtual Advocacy in Action”
February 4, Noon
The 87th legislative session will be unlike any other. For the first time ever, we do not have the in-person access to our elected officials at the Capitol. However, we can meet and build effective relationships with our legislators virtually. This course is designed to ensure physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance members understand the value of these relationships and equip them with the tools needed to build/sustain these vital relationships in a virtual environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to be an effective advocate for your patients and your profession—virtually. Presented by: Pam Udall, TMA VP, Communications & Marketing
TMA Physician Benevolent Fund
When Texas physicians and their families have needed support because of poverty, infirmity, disability, accident, or other adversity, the TMA Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF) has stepped in to help for the past 53 years.
PBF has given more than $3.7 million in assistance payments to more than 740 physicians and their families since the fund began in 1961 with a $2,500 donation from the late May Owen, MD, a Fort Worth pathologist and past president of TMA.
PBF thrives because of the generosity of TMA members willing to share with less fortunate colleagues and families. Contributions are tax-deductible and may be in the form of honoraria or memorials.
Contribute online, or send a check to Physicians Benevolent Fund, Texas Medical Association, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, TX 78701-1680.
If you are a physician in need or know of a physician or a physician's family in need, please contact PBF today.
For more information on contributions or benefits .
Spanish Meducation® Is Now Online
Spanish Meducation® is the practical medical Spanish program offered through the Travis County Medical Society. The eight-week program (meeting once a week) is designed for all health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, therapists, social workers, technicians, emergency personnel, and their support staff. The classes develop beginning, intermediate and advanced conversational skills in general Spanish with a concentration on health care situations while grammar takes a back seat. All handouts are included in the tuition cost; no textbook is required. These classes will be held online.
Contact Program Director, Jill Snyder, PhD at jld@prismnet.com or 512-835-7612.
Spring 2021 information and class schedule
Dell Medical School Update
In the winter edition of REthink magazine, read about Dell Med hospitalists who worked nimbly in the early days of COVID-19to protect the most vulnerable in Austin. Faculty working at Dell Seton — led in large part by Dell Seton’s Physician of the Year, Kirsten Nieto — saw a mortality rate that was half the national average.
And in Austin Monthly’s cover story, read about Elizabeth Douglass and her work to care and advocate for the Spanish-speaking community during the pandemic.
Virtual Executive Education from the Value Institute for Health & Care:
Measuring What Matters
February 18 & 25 | CME credit available
As physicians know well, the goal of health care is improving the outcomes that matter to patients over the full cycle of care. Join other health care leaders to learn the how-to of outcomes measurement, including where to start, what measures to use, how to calculate associated costs and how to use the tools currently available.
Participants will get to know the Capability, Comfort and Calm framework, which simplifies and streamlines outcome measurement and evaluation. They will also discuss overcoming barriers to measurement, as well as how to support a learning culture that enables continuous care delivery improvement.
