As I was preparing my column this month, I chuckled to myself as I remembered the novelty song, “I've Been Everywhere.”
Some of you may recall this song written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959. Johnny Cash made it popular in 1996, with Texas lyrics added by Brian Burns in 2002. This song perfectly captures my TMA Alliance presidential travels so far. What I’ve seen, experienced, and discovered has been awesome!
The joy on children’s faces at the Brownsville Medical Alliance’s Jump-a-Thon was electrifying – watching them jump rope together, receive backpacks full of school supplies, and display the excitement of winning a bicycle.
The Heels for Healing style show, with models from the Smith alliance, is always a showstopper and continues to raise money for Texas BookShare and local scholarships. Attending the Central Texas Bra Brunch-American Cancer Society event with Bell County Medical Alliance members was a sight to behold! I can’t wait to go back.
To be a part of Hidalgo-Starr’s inaugural Heartbeat Gala was unforgettable, and their hard work was so rewarding! Meeting members and past TMAA presidents at the Dallas alliance’s holiday luncheon and playing piano duets with Nueces County Medical Society Alliance President Kevin Koehler at the Nueces installation luncheon made every mile traveled in December worth it!
February will find me “On the Road Again” as Willie Nelson likes to croon. I will head to Lubbock, Fort Worth, Abilene, and Harlingen to experience more of what our local alliances are doing.
So here is my challenge to you: Get ready for your best alliance road trip ever to ALLMED in Corpus Christi on April 16-18. You won’t want to miss meeting other physician spouses from across Texas. Don’t delay; register today! Then we can sing together … “I’ve been everywhere man!”
As always, keeping it TMA Alliance Proud–Texas Strong!
Your Membership Matters. Renew Today!
If you haven’t renewed your 2026 membership yet, don’t delay. The alliance gives you a seat at the table for social activities, health initiatives, fundraising efforts, and advocacy activities that benefit you, your community, and Texas. Here’s how you can renew your membership to stay connected with the alliance:
Click the link from the email you received from TMAA on Jan. 13. This link will take you directly to your account to pay with a credit card. And when you renew, remember to sign up for auto renewal so you don’t have to remember to pay dues each year.
Call Nina Peña, TMAA Membership Specialist, at (512) 370-1468 with credit card information. She also can make phone, address, and email changes. Nina can be reached on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Return the renewal form you received in the mail from TMAA, along with your check.
Volunteer Opportunity: TMAA Nominating Committee
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 2027-28 state leadership slate, this is a great short-term opportunity with TMAA.
The Nominating Committee will meet in Irving on Sept. 17-19 in conjunction with the TMAA Board of Directors meeting (meeting time TBD), so be sure you’re available that weekend. To have your name added to the ballot, please email TMAA by Feb. 28.
ALLMED: Be Where Energy, Ideas Come Alive
TMAA’s annual conference, ALLMED, unites members from all regions of Texas for connection, education, and service. This year the coast is calling as physician spouses gather in Corpus Christi on April 16-18.
The event lineup includes a wellness panel, complete with alliance experts sharing healthy living tips, and sessions that explore the fascinating connections between music and medicine. And we’ll throw in an opportunity to serve together, handle some business, and have lots of fun.
Look for more details on the TMAA website. Don’t miss the chance to step into a weekend that inspires and empowers. Register today! And invite your spouse along for TMA’s TEXMED conference for physicians, held simultaneously.
Recruit a Member to Earn TMAA Swag
Do you remember who introduced you to the alliance? Was it over coffee or lunch? Or during a welcome visit when you moved to town? The start of the new year is a perfect time to pay it forward to recruit a first-time member or bring back a former member (lapsed for more than three years) to the alliance. Plus 1 recruiters will receive a TMAA swag item during ALLMED. And send us photos of you and your recruit to share on TMAA social media channels.
Beach Party: Support TMAF Gala
Don your coastal attire and head to the TMA Foundation’s 33rd Annual Gala Friday, April 17, at the Omni Corpus Christi. This year’s Beach Party gala, which occurs during ALLMED/TexMed, will feature ocean-inspired décor, a seated dinner, dancing, and exciting live and silent auctions celebrating the culture of the Coastal Bend.
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