Page 11 - Layout 1

BCMS ALLIANCE

cacy is talking with legislators about what’s going on in the medical Ms. Shepherd’s desire to help others, coupled with what her friends
community, how doctors are struggling, and how their patients are call a “love for fun,” has enabled her to become a force of support for
struggling. It’s about telling a story to help the ones you love.” the medical community.
Ms. Shepherd’s passion grew “Jenny puts so much work into
after attending TMA's award-win- “We have to be examples of whatever she does. Every event she
ning advocacy program, First holds comes out so beautifully,”
Tuesdays at the Capitol, in 2018, advocacy if we expect others to help.” Pam Udall, TMA’s vice president
the year she became president of of communications and marketing
the Bexar County Medical Society Alliance (BCMSA). She partici- said. “More importantly, her real talent is building relationships be-
pated every year thereafter to educate Bexar County legislators on tween legislators and their physician constituents. She's a natural
meaningful Medicaid reform, scope-of-practice creep, and improving fundraiser, educator, connector and leader. She is just brilliant.”
healthcare coverage and access for mothers and their babies. The events, which Ms. Shepherd planned and advertised herself,
Eventually, Ms. Shepherd became the First Tuesdays chair for the boosted TEXPAC membership and successfully raised funds for
TMA Alliance, and continued her work in several leadership roles TEXPAC-endorsed candidates. “We have to be examples of advo-
within BCMSA, including as scholarship chair and legislative chair. cacy if we expect others to help,” Ms. Shepherd said. “Having more
She attended every First Tuesdays event this year and spoke to its im- people join bodies like TMA and the alliance creates better medicine
pact on its 20th anniversary in May. in Texas.”
“First Tuesdays is an award-winning program. It gets results; it gets She has since hosted fundraisers where physicians and their spouses
us seen; it is what we have to do to get the business of medicine done can meet TEXPAC-endorsed candidates running for office and con-
and practice medicine the way you want to practice medicine. … tribute to their campaigns. These fundraisers are an “excellent way to
Nothing looks more impressive than the sea of white coats,” Ms. build long-lasting relationships that are key to medicine’s success dur-
Shepherd said during the inaugural TMA event of 2023 in February. ing the legislative session,” said TEXPAC Director Christine Mojezati.
She now serves as the TMA Alliance membership chair for TEX- “I know I can always count on Jenny and Dr. Shepherd to host an
PAC and the vice president of membership for TMAA, using her amazing event and get results. In the short time I’ve known Jenny, she
story to encourage physicians and their families to join their ranks has proved her 100% commitment to medicine and its successes,” Ms.
as medical activists. Mojezati added.
“The work doesn't get done without those who show up to First Ms. Shepherd also has raised funds and volunteered for TMA’s Vac-
Tuesdays and meet with their legislators,” Ms. Shepherd told Texas cines Defend What Matters (formerly Be Wise – Immunize) and Hard
Medicine. “I’m sending the invitation. … All you need to do is RSVP.” Hats for Little Heads campaigns; coordinated a toy donation for the
neonatal department of University Hospital; and worked with
Party of Medicine BCMSA to award scholarships to medical students and future health-
In fact, she created her own Party of Medicine events to encourage care professionals such as physical therapists and audiologists.
physicians and their families to connect and become involved in advo- “It makes such a difference in students' lives and is directly impactful
cacy – and, of course, to have fun. in Bexar County,” she said. “Nothing makes me happier than serving
The parties connected members of the medical community and as a mentor for the next generation and recognizing potential leaders
showcased Ms. Shepherd’s hospitality skills. Each event included sig- to nurture.”
nage designed to educate and encourage conversation among medical Ms. Shepherd’s efforts serve as a reminder that effective advocacy re-
professionals, and information on TEXPAC and other organizations quires more than just facts and figures. To truly make an impact, she
each attendee could join after the party. says, the only required skill advocates need is that of caring.
“We threw a party for those uninvolved in advocacy to learn about “It’s my job to tell people who think they don't have the skills for ad-
what we do,” she said. “At the end of the night, almost all attendees vocacy that they do,” Ms. Shepherd said. “To be an advocate, you just
joined TEXPAC, their county medical society or county alliance. This have to care about your community.”
event helped them to become more involved … and have a great time.”
In June 2020, Ms. Shepherd was honored with the American Med- Alisa Pierce is a reporter for Texas Medicine. You can reach
ical Association Alliance’s Legislative Education and Awareness Pro- her at 800-880-1300, ext. 1469; 512-370-1469; or
motion Award for the parties she hosted in her home in San Antonio alisa.pierce@texmed.org.
and across the state.
Visit us at www.bcms.org 11