Page 34 - Layout 1

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

The Case for Using Circle of Friends Donors

By August Trevino

Companies that donate to the Bexar County Medical Society How do members benefit from Circle of Friends?
through Circle of Friends further the mission of the Society Generous donations from these businesses allow the Society to
through their generosity. provide outstanding social events and free CME for our members
while keeping membership dues as low as possible, all while catering
What is BCMS asking physician members and to physician’s needs.
practices to do?
Circle of Friends donors want an opportunity to compete for Does BCMS screen businesses before they be-
your business. So, whether it’s banking, insurance, medical supplies, come Circle of Friends members?
or whatever, we ask that you show appreciation for their support BCMS doesn’t accept just any business into our Circle of Friends.
of organized medicine by allowing them the opportunity to offer a While BCMS cannot guarantee every business product and service,
competitive bid. If they can make a case to earn your business, great! we do check their reputation through the Better Business Bureau
If not, you can politely decline their offer. Done! and other sources. Also, BCMS declines donations from businesses
that are not beneficial to the physician either professionally or per-
How does the Circle of Friends program work? sonally.
It’s simple. Businesses donate to BCMS; in return, the Society ad- They are helping your medical society, please give them an op-
vertises their support in our e-newsletter The Weekly Dose, pro- portunity to show what they can offer.
motes them in the Physicians’ Purchasing Guide both online and Thank you!
in San Antonio Medicine magazine and the Physician & Medical
Directory, and gives them the opportunity to interact with physician August Trevino is the development director for BCMS and man-
members at BCMS events. ages the Circle of Friends program. He can be contacted at 210-
301-4366 or August.Trevino@bcms.org.

34 San Antonio Medicine • August 2019