TMA ALLIANCE

March 2025

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Jenny Shepherd

Doctors’ Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the incredible work physicians do every day. While their hands heal, their minds innovate, and their hearts care for those in need, those closest to them most often see the true depth of their dedication. 

To the spouses and families who stand beside our doctors, this day is as much for you as it is for them. The long hours, the nights on call, the emotional weight doctors carry – all of it is felt in the homes and hearts of those who love them. You offer unwavering support, a listening ear, and the quiet strength that helps them persevere through the toughest of times.  

The support doesn’t stop there. Physician spouses often find solace in each other, bonded together through our shared experience. Our

local alliances are a lifeline. They are a space where spouses can share their unique challenges, offer advice, and lean on each other for encouragement.  

They help ease the isolation that can come with the unpredictable nature of a medical career, reminding one another that no one is alone on their journey. These connections provide not just camaraderie, but empowerment, fostering a sense of 

solidarity that allows every medical family to thrive, even under the most demanding of circumstances.  

This month, celebrate Doctors’ Day by thanking a doctor, and do what I’m doing and thank your fellow TMA Alliance members. Our shared connection has made us better, our communities stronger, and our state healthier. And that’s worth celebrating!  

Join Us: First Tuesdays 
You still have time to register for TMAA First Tuesdays at the Capitol on Tuesday (March 4). We want to have alliances from across Texas represented as we walk to the Capitol to meet with our legislators. We start early (7 am) for First Tuesdays, so we hope you’ll come in Monday for special alliance events – our afternoon private Capitol tour and Sip & Savor Reception. 

Last Call to Renew  

2025 offers a host of opportunities for growth and connection, from local alliance events to the online Enrichment Series to ALLMED. We want you along! If you haven’t yet renewed your 2025 membership, you have until March 31. Here’s how:   

1. Call the TMA Knowledge Center at (800) 880-7955 with credit card information. Knowledge Center representatives also can make phone, address, and email changes.  
2. Respond to the email coming to your inbox on March 10 or return the application form you received in the mail in late January, along with your check. 
3. Visit the TMAA website.  

Welcome, Nina

Nina Peña joined TMAA in February as part-time membership specialist. She’s the one to contact to request a membership roster, update member address/contact information, submit local graphics/printing requests, or handle other membership-related requests. Nina will be available each week on Monday through Thursday. 

Seeking Nominating Committee Members   

TMAA members will elect eight people – four members and four alternates – at the Annual Business Meeting (ABM) during ALLMED to serve on TMAA’s Nominating Committee. If you’re interested in helping determine the 2026-27 state leadership slate, this is a great short-term opportunity with TMAA.  

The Nominating Committee will meet during TMAA’s Fall Gathering in Tyler on Oct. 24-25 (meeting time TBD), so be sure you’re available that weekend. To have your name added to the ballot, please email TMAA the following by March 15:  

1. Your name and willingness to serve on the Nominating Committee.  
2. Photo (head shot) and a brief bio outlining your local/state alliance involvement. We’ll use the photo/bio in the ALLMED program and during the ABM. 

Are You a Plus 1 Recruiter?   

Plus 1 recruiters will receive a new TMAA swag item during ALLMED. If you recruited a first-time or lapsed member (since 2022 or before) to your alliance this year, send TMAA your name and the name of your recruit(s) by March 15 to ensure you’re included in the recognition. 

Blue Ribbon Awards  

What is your alliance excelling at this year – community outreach, legislative advocacy, membership – or all three? We want to award the cream of the alliance crop with the annual Blue Ribbon Awards. The winner in each category receives $500.  

Be sure to submit your entries by Friday, April 4 using the downloadable rubric. Judges will review, then score each application based on your reporting of your alliance’s achievements. Award winners will be celebrated at ALLMED in May, in addition to bronze, silver, and gold medal achievers.  

Thank You, Physicians  

Doctors’ Day is March 30, a day set aside to recognize all that physicians give to their patients and communities. We heard some great ideas on our Local Leader Connection call in January about how local alliances plan to honor local physicians’ dedication, skill, and commitment from book dedications to billboards to family events to cookie box deliveries to physicians. Be sure to share your events and celebrations with TMAA so we can post on social media or tag us on your posts.  

ALLMED Poster Session  

We’re repeating the ALLMED poster session reception based on the positive feedback from last year’s event. This event is a way to showcase your local alliance’s good work and share ideas. Each alliance is asked to create a poster highlighting its signature event or project, which will be on display during the reception on Thursday, May 8.  

The poster should be on 24-by-36-inch foamcore to be displayed on an easel. Plan to have one or two people on hand to answer questions from your colleagues. And you won’t want to miss hearing Kevin Koehler, TMAA board member and Nueces alliance president, entertain us on the piano.  

And be sure to start making your plans to be at ALLMED. You can make hotel reservations now to secure TMA’s special room block rate. Registration information coming soon to the TMAA website.  

Dr.’s Park Enriches Local Community    

By Mariko Elvin, TMAA VP of Community Engagement 

In the heart of the 64-acre Hamilton Park in Wichita Falls is an area lovingly referred to as Dr.’s Park by Wichita County Medical Alliance (WCMA) members and locals. Thanks to WCMA and its generous supporters, Dr.’s Park has become a popular place for the community to gather.  

WCMA’s involvement in the park began in 2004 with the planting of live oak trees in memory of physicians or to honor retired physicians. To date, 150 trees have been planted. Each spring, WCMA has a tree dedication ceremony for Doctors’ Day, with this year’s event on April 27.  

WCMA also has brought new life to the park with a modern play structure, a splash pad, and most recently a basketball court and pavilion, making it a new social hot spot. The Dr.’s Park play structure was completed in 2017 in partnership with the Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation Department. The play structure boasts cushioned floors for protection and sun sails for shade. In recognition of United Regional Health Care System’s support, the orange sails are a nod to the company’s branding. 

Inspired by the success of the play structure, WCMA decided to build the city’s first splash pad, completed in 2021. WCMA raised $270,000 to fund this project. According to Karen Coleman, past WCMA president, donations from businesses and individuals, along with the sale of commemorative bricks, picnic tables, and benches, helped make this vision a reality. Today, the splash pad remains one of the city’s most cherished attractions. 

When asked about the future, WCMA President Sherry Whitley says she envisions the park with tree-lined shade for visitors to escape the heat along the park’s extensive bike trails. Praises to WCMA for doing an outstanding job creating a vibrant community park, as it continues to honor the legacy of the medical community.  

Is Inflation Eating Away the Value of Your Life Insurance?  

Sponsored Content   

Like many people, it may have been years since you last took out a life insurance policy. Most people buy life insurance when they first get married or start a family. They file the policy away with their important papers and usually don’t give it a second thought. However, inflation could silently be eroding much of that security and leaving your family with less protection than you intended. Learn more.

Publication of an advertisement, advertorial, or sponsored content does not constitute or imply a recommendation, endorsement, or approval by the Texas Medical Association Alliance. The Texas Medical Association Alliance does not guarantee the accuracy or totality of the information contained in this publication or of any information posted on a website linked within this publication.