September
In this issue . . .
TCMS Doctors in the Public Square
We've Got You Covered
Medical Student Volunteer Opportunity
Dell Med Update
TCMS Doctors in the Public Square
Election season always reminds us of the importance of physician engagement in politics and public policy. Today, we celebrate three of our own members who have put themselves on the line this year as candidates for public office at the local, state, and national levels. While one was defeated in the primary runoff election in July, two will be on the general election ballot this November. All three are worthy examples of physicians running for public office to make a difference for their community.
Dr. Dawn Buckingham, ophthalmologist, is up for re-election to a second 4-year term in the Texas State Senate representing District Senator Buckingham is one of three Texas physicians currently serving in our State’s upper chamber.
Dr. Jennifer Mushtaler, obstetrician/gynecologist, is a first-time candidate for the Austin City Council in District 6. Dr. Mushtaler resides in River Place and practices with Capital Ob/Gyn.
Dr. Pritesh Gandhi, internist, community advocate, and Associate Chief Medical Officer with People’s Community Clinic, ran a vigorous campaign for the U. S. House of Representatives in District 10 before falling to his opponent in the Democratic primary runoff election in July.
We hope the efforts of these courageous physicians will provide encouragement and inspiration to other TCMS members who might consider stepping forward to serve in the public square.
We've Got You Covered
Need gowns, masks, gloves or sanitizer? As a physician practicing in the Austin area, you are eligible to receive the PPE being stored at the TCMS “warehouse.” If you need PPE, please complete the TCMS PPE Request form. Once received, TCMS staff will contact you regarding availability* and how you can procure the supplies.
*NOTE: In an effort to distribute our supply to as many physicians as possible, you may not receive 100% of your requested quantity. There may also be items you requested that we currently do not have on hand.
Medical Student Volunteer Opportunity
In an effort to meet the health needs of homeless and underinsured members of the community, especially during COVID-19, CD Doyle clinic will be reopening and needs your help. CD Doyle is a multi-disciplinary, student-run free health clinic sponsored by Dell Medical School.
It is held on Sundays from 2-5pm at St. David's Episcopal Church downtown.
Attending physicians at the clinic supervise and sign off on the care provided by the medical students who work alongside undergraduate, social work, pharmacy and psychiatric nurse practitioner students. Physicians will be able to interact with and serve some of Austin’s most marginalized residents and will teach students who are incredibly motivated and excited to learn about primary care. Physicians are not responsible for any clinic setup, take down or logistics, and will not be asked to stay past 5pm. The clinic is currently looking to increase its cohort of physicians in order to spread out coverage among several volunteers. This will allow each person to be able to volunteer about 1-3 times per year without putting too much strain on any individual provider.
The clinic has set new protocols that have been designed to optimize a safe COVID-19-appropriate clinic environment. There are now protocols for the screening of every patient, designation of patients-under-investigation with appropriate redirection, masking, social-distancing with marked 6 feet waiting areas, and most importantly, an opportunity to synchronously see patients virtually.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to the MS3 Chief Clinic Officer, Ife Shoyombo at ifeshoyombo@utexas.edu. You can also check out cddoyleclinic.com for more information.
Dell Med Update
Dell Med welcomed 50 new students this summer. They range in age from 21 to 31, more than 60% are women and 22% identify with a race or ethnicity underrepresented in medicine. Meet the Class of 2024.
This month, Dell Med is profiling TCMS members — and school faculty — Gregory Scott Brown, MD, and Angela Guerra, MD.
Health Equity Strategic Map: Learn about Dell Med’s new Health Equity Strategic Map and the associate dean who led its development, Jewel Mullen, MD.