TMA ALLIANCE

May 2025

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Jenny Shepherd

As I close out this incredible year as president, I find myself reflecting on the simple yet profound theme I began with: The Power of One. I believed then that one person, one voice, one action could truly make a difference – and today I know it to be true.  

Together, we’ve reached far beyond what any one of us could have done alone. Across Texas, we expanded our community outreach, finding new ways to serve and connect with those around us. Whether it was providing scholarships, hosting Texas BookShare or Hard Hats for Little Heads events, or just showing up – we’ve embodied what compassion in action looks like.  

We found our voices and used them. We stood together at the Capitol and advocated for the

future of medicine – for our spouses as well as for the families and communities they serve. We were strong, informed, and united. Our presence mattered. Our voices were heard.  

And perhaps most powerfully, we supported medical families walking through every stage of this journey. From the excitement of Match Day to the hardest moments of medical marriages, we supported one another with empathy, strength, and unwavering kindness.  

We’ve made real lasting change this year. The biggest change, however, didn’t happen in a county or a committee. It happened in me. This role stretched me, humbled me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected. I’ve learned the strength of vulnerability, the power of community, and the beauty of showing up – sometimes imperfectly, always wholeheartedly.   

As this year ends, my heart is full of gratitude. There have been challenges and victories. More than anything, there have been countless moments that reminded me just how special this community is. Thank you all for showing up in meaningful

ways, for lifting each other up, and for the countless ways you’ve made a difference in your communities.

It has been an honor to lead and even more so, a privilege to serve alongside passionate, committed leaders. I know you have a choice where you dedicate your time, energy, and heart, and I’m incredibly grateful you chose to spend it with me, in the service of Texas medicine and its families this year.  

Spend a Day at ALLMED
ALLMED will pack in a lot in a couple of days – celebration, business, dynamic presentations, and fun. If you would like to find out what the excitement is all about, you’re invited to come to San Antonio for the day to check out ALLMED, TMAA’s annual conference. Because the registration deadline has passed, please email TMAA indicating the day (Thursday or Friday, May 8 or 9) you plan to attend so we can be sure to have a name badge and goodie bag for you. Thanks to the TMA Insurance Trust for its sponsorship of this year’s conference.   

Kudos to Nueces, Tarrant

Congratulations to the Nueces and Tarrant county medical society alliances on winning awards from the AMA Alliance, given to local and state alliances that are improving the health and well-being of their communities. The Nueces alliance won in the Health Awareness Promotion (HAP) Community Service Award category for its “Promoting Literacy and Healthy Habits in our Adopt-a-School.” Nueces has a long-standing relationship with a local Title 1 school where it provides hygiene supplies, books (through Texas BookShare), and more. In addition to the award, the Nueces alliance also received a grant from the Alliance Health Education Initiative to support the school project.  

The Tarrant alliance won the HAP National Initiatives Award for its “Physician Family Wellness Series,” a program introduced this year to support Fort Worth physician spouses along the medical family journey. A seven-month series of lunch-and-learns led by alliance member subject-matter experts addressed topics such as stress reduction and the impact of partner work stress on the family. The awards will be presented at the AMAA annual meeting May 30-June 1. 

Dental, First-Aid Kits Support Healthy Families 

By Danielle Valadez, Hidalgo-Starr CMS Executive Director 

The Hidalgo-Starr Medical Alliance is making a difference in the Rio Grande Valley by assisting families in need. In March, the alliance distributed nearly 200 dental hygiene kits to local children, particularly in low-rural income areas, during the City of Mission’s annual spring break “Staycation Event” that brought the community together for a day of fun. 

Each dental kit contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, and peppermint candy. This initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of La Joya Dental in Penitas. Representatives from the dental group were on hand to educate the children about the importance of oral hygiene and the proper use of a toothbrush, ensuring they left with valuable knowledge to maintain a healthy smile. 

In addition to the dental kits, the alliance provided 100 first-aid kits, 100 books, and 100 sugar-free lollipops to families. These distributions were in line with the alliance’s commitment to support the community and ensure families have resources for a healthy, thriving lifestyle. The alliance often works in concert with the City of Mission through events it organizes to ensure the safety and well-being of families in the region. 

TMA Member $5,000 Per Month Disability Benefit – Protection You Shouldn’t Put Off  

Sponsored Content 

Your skills and expertise are more than just part of your profession – they’re your greatest assets. They’ve shaped your career, supported your goals, and helped you build a strong financial foundation. But your ability to earn an income isn’t guaranteed. An illness or injury could unexpectedly take you away from your practice, creating uncertainty at a time when security matters most. 

That’s why long term disability insurance is an essential safeguard for your financial well-being. If you’re weighing the expense, unsure about the application process, or wondering whether your current coverage provides the level of income protection you need, the TMA Member Long Term Disability Insurance plan, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, helps address those concerns with physician-focused features and potential cost-saving advantages. 

As a member, you can apply for an exclusive $5,000/month long term disability benefit without having to verify your income, and benefits will be paid regardless of any other coverage you may have. 

If you have employer-provided disability insurance, it may seem like enough. However, most plans replace only 60% of your income, and if employer-paid, those benefits are typically taxable – educing what you ultimately receive. Additionally, employer plans may place limits on the benefits you receive and may not follow you if you change jobs. 

Your income supports everything you’ve built; we want to help you protect it. Get started today – call (800) 880-8181, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm CST. When you call, a knowledgeable TMA Insurance Trust advisor will answer live to assist you. 

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.