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LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP

(L-R:) Jean Ghosn, MD, Doug Curran, MD, Marc Ghosn, MSIII; David Fleeger, MD, Marc Ghosn, MSIII.

honestly skeptical at first, wondering if medicine would be able to increase GME funding, and help hold Texas accountable for a 1.1:1
do the impossible and shake hands on both sides of the political residency spot to applicant ratio, thereby helping to keep medical stu-
aisle. I thought no organization would be able to make friends with dents in the state for residency and practice afterwards. BCMS had
politicians in a bipartisan manner, but because of the hard work of already done an amazing job last year by leading the effort for To-
our physicians and the BCMS government affairs staff, as well as bacco 21 locally, helping it to be ratified and go into effect on Oct. 1,
the guidance of TMA and their printed handouts, we were able to 2018. This year, we were able to help continue the momentum to
appeal to our state senators’ and representatives’ reason and com- have it approved in both the State House and Senate, and by the end
passion, and we gained support for our various causes. of this legislative session, on June 7th, it was one of many bills sup-
I was unable to attend the March First Tuesday event since it co- ported by TMA and BCMS that was signed by the governor into law,
incided with an exam day, but I picked right back where I left off taking effect statewide on Sept. 1, 2019.
for the April and May First Tuesdays. Having that extra month to The experience of working with my mentors and physician role
continue researching and learning more about the issues we are try- models this legislative session was a blessing and an honor. I learned
ing to resolve, I gained an understanding of the important role a so much about political dynamics and how we can all help our pa-
medical student can have in the BCMS delegation. There was a lot tients as students, residents and physicians by stepping up and being
of legislation pertaining to medical students, residents, loan repay- active, as well as by representing medicine and our patients in state
ment programs, GME, and residency programs as a whole that and national platforms. This past year, I have learned about team-
would be better represented if addressed by a medical student. Who work, dedication, hard work, and what it takes to go above and be-
else should advocate for us if not us students? yond what is required of physicians in order to make sure Texans
I was given the opportunity to speak on behalf of medical students stay healthy and ensure that the vulnerable are protected from those
in support of these legislations, and with the help of the physicians who wish to make a profit at their expense. Seeing our efforts this
around me, we were able to hold a discussion on these matters with session end in so much legislative success, I am even more driven
our county’s senators and representatives. We ultimately secured votes now to continue my path in medicine and learn as much as I can
that would increase our state funding for loan repayment programs, about how to be a great physician, not just an acceptable one. Being

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