TMA ALLIANCE

August 2025

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

When I was in third grade, I would sit beside my mom on the piano bench and watch her play. I was fascinated! I asked my mom many questions: “What are those flags on the notes? Why are there lines? Why are there numbers?” Finally, my Grandma said, “You have got to get this girl some piano lessons,” and bought my first piano books.  

Playing the piano has brought me some amazing things in life, including my spouse of 41 years, Gary E. Smith, MD. When I was a graduate teaching assistant, he signed up for my class, Beginning Piano for Adults, during his last semester of medical school. At the end of the class, I gave Gary an “A,” he gave me an engagement ring, and we started our journey in the Family of Medicine. 

Being the spouse of a physician, and a member of the TMA Alliance, gives us a unique role within the medical community. Meeting and connecting socially with other physician spouses, giving back through community outreach activities, raising money for medical and allied health scholarships, and being a voice for medicine and the physicians of Texas are experiences that enrich and strengthen our lives, and help us build healthy communities. All reasons to be TMA Alliance Proud-Texas Strong.  

As our journey in the Family of Medicine continues for another year, I am looking forward to new experiences and the great work we will share together. Excitement is in the air. Fun is just around the corner! 

I am proud to be a TMA Alliance member serving alongside each of you as we continue to help keep the Family of Medicine Texas Strong! 

Volunteer to Serve 

Strong leaders make for strong organizations. TMAA is looking for its next team of strong leaders for the 2026-27 Board of Directors and is accepting nominations. Are you ready to serve in a new way and share your skills with TMAA? Or do you have an outstanding member in your local alliance who would be a good addition to the TMAA board? If so, submit their names for consideration (or nominate yourself).  

Again this year, nominations will be general vs. for a specific spot on the board. Simply email TMAA by Sept. 15 with the name of the person you’re nominating and the name of their local alliance. TMAA will determine where they would fit best on the board. You’re welcome to share what makes your nominee a good candidate and the skills you admire. The TMAA Nominating Committee will meet in October to determine the slate of officers for the 2026-27 TMAA board.  

Coming Soon: Membership Renewal
Fall means TMAA membership renewal. This year, TMAA’s big renewal push will be during the month of October, with the goal of having all our 2025 members on board for 2026 during the first month of renewals. That concentrated, shortened membership renewal effort aims to give local chapters more time to focus on serving its alliance family

and hometown community throughout the remainder of the year. Be watching your email and mail and renew your membership for 2026 on your first opportunity. 

A Warm TMAA Hug 

Moving to a new city. Starting a new job. Getting married. All among the top stress points in life. TMAA can be a warm hug for those undergoing these stressors during the training years. If you have medical students or residency programs in your area, take the time to wrap your arms around these medical trainees as they start their journey. Give them tips for your city, take them to coffee so they can talk to someone who understands the early years, or invite them over for dinner. These touches help support the future of medicine and open doors to bring the next generation into TMAA. 

Fall into Fall with TMAA 

Things will be rosy in Tyler in October when the city comes to life for the Texas Rose Festival. TMAA will join in the fun during our Fall Gathering on Oct. 24-25 with time to view the roses and visit the Rose Garden Museum. And the weekend will kick off with Mahjong and lunch. Saturday will include a dynamic speaker to share her expertise about how to engage the younger generation of members, a legislative update, local alliance reports, and more. Consider pulling together a group of your alliance friends for a colorful and fun weekend in Tyler. Reserve your hotel now. Registration info coming soon.