TMA ALLIANCE

December 2024

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Jenny Shepherd

After making a substantial gift to my alma mater, Indiana University (IU), fellow alumnus Mark Cuban said, “Whatever I give to IU, it will only be a fraction of what Indiana gave to me. There aren’t enough words; there aren’t enough thank yous.” When asked in a recent interview why I serve as TMA Alliance president, his words instantly played in my head. And it’s true – the alliance has given me far more than I could ever begin to repay through my volunteerism. 

What each person takes away from the alliance is unique. For some of us, it is the comfort of being surrounded by a support group that   

instantly understands the unique demands

of being a medical family – and that celebrates all that is wonderful about this life. Some of us love the way it allows us to serve our communities through outreach, ensuring we are involved in making Texas healthier, whether by putting a book in the hands of a child, a helmet on a head, or using our voice to speak out on behalf of Texas medicine during the legislative session. 

So, in this season of thankfulness, I consider the alliance and, in turn, each of you, as something for which I’m truly grateful. Without you, I couldn’t serve my community or medicine nearly as effectively. Even more important, I would have missed out on friendships that have enriched my life – those with whom I share an instant bond because of our connection to medicine. These are the friends I would go to the ends of the earth for, the ones who have helped me grow, and who have helped the alliance flourish.

Together we make a difference that resonates far beyond ourselves. So, in the words of Mark Cuban, “There aren’t enough words; there aren’t enough thank yous.” Happy holidays to you and yours! 

Strategic Plan Sets Stage for TMAA Success 
TMAA’s new mission statement, “To connect and support physician families and build a healthy Texas through community outreach and advocacy,” focuses on what TMAA does best and emphasizes the organization’s three pillars – community, outreach, and advocacy. As Jenny mentioned in the November Monthly Memo, the TMAA Board of Directors approved TMAA’s strategic plan in October, which included a vision statement and updated mission that better reflect today’s TMAA. Thanks to the Future Planning Committee for its work to develop TMAA’s first-ever strategic plan, now available on the TMAA website.  

Welcome to the Board     

Victoria Kohler-Webb, president of the Bexar County Medical Society Alliance, has joined the TMAA board as secretary upon recommendation by the Nominating Committee and with TMAA board approval. She will complete the 2024-25 term of Julia Halvorsen, also a Bexar alliance member, who has moved out of state and who we’ll miss. Welcome, Victoria! 

Enrichment Series Continues  

Jump start healthy habits in the new year with Small Changes, Big Impact: Nutrition and Wellness Tips for Better Health. TMAA’s Enrichment Series continues in 2025 with a presentation by registered, licensed dietitian and Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance member Margaret McDonald on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from noon-1 pm. Margaret will provide tips for overall health from weight loss to improved focus and productivity to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. This session also will introduce “12 Fixes to Healthy: A Wellness Plan for Life,” a 12-week program introducing “fixes” to help you take charge of your health. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.

Sharing Card Gift Helps Promote Literacy    

The TMAA Holiday Sharing Card tradition makes a difference for Texas families in need. Small gifts ($25 or more) add up and can help TMAA exceed the $3,150 donated last year to benefit the Texas BookShare program, which is funded by the TMA Foundation. This year’s donations also will support Texas BookShare, which has provided more than 13,000 books to children across Texas since 2021. 

2024’s Focus on Fun Builds Membership    

By Madeline Lennard and Alena Martin 
Co-Presidents, Potter-Randall County Medical Alliance

2024 was a year of rebirth and growth for the Potter-Randall County Medical Alliance. We focused on recruiting new members and recapturing past members, with the board prioritizing fun membership events, such as a Bunco night, medical student and resident outreach events, a family potluck and barbecue competition, and a cookies-and-costumes daytime social.  

We intentionally plan events to reach all facets of our membership, hosting family-centered and couples-only gatherings and aiming to include medical society members as guests. Our intent is to blur the line between spouse and physician and welcome all to the alliance.  

September brought back an annual member favorite not hosted since 2019 – the Couples Social. A beautiful September evening played host to an outdoor event at a member’s home on Lake Tanglewood, a private lake near Amarillo. Friends, old and new, networked and caught up over delicious street tacos from a local food truck, hand-shaken specialty cocktails, and live music. Many medical society members expressed their appreciation for being able to put a face to a name for the many referrals they share.  

One memorable highlight came from Kyle, a third-year medical student, and his wife, Kaitlin, who are new to Amarillo and have two young children, including a newborn. Kyle and Kaitlin said the Couples Social was their first night out since their baby arrived. They appreciated having a planned event to attend rather than taking on the mental load of planning a date night.  

In addition to solidifying community ties among members and reestablishing a member favorite gathering, the Couples Social kicked off the 2024 fundraising efforts for our Hard Hats for Little Heads event at the North Side Toy Drive. We were especially excited to welcome three new members at the social and re-enroll three past members, bringing our 2024 total to 12 new members.  

Scholarship Supports Diversity in Medicine   

TMA’s Diversity in Medicine Scholarship, awarded to 16 medical students, strives to support future physicians who can meet the unique needs of Texas’ varied population. The financial assistance helps grow physician supply for underserved areas of the state. Read the story in Texas Medicine Today.