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TMA TMA
DELEGATE DELEGATE

San Antonio

Physicians:

Your Opportunity to

Shape Medicine in Texas

By Ezequiel “Zeke” Silva III, MD, President, Bexar County Medical Society

THE ROLE: BCMS Delegate to the Texas RECENT WINS:
Medical Association (TMA) • AI in Medicine: A BCMS resolution led to
TMA's inaugural policy on artificial intelli-
WHAT'S AT STAKE: gence in 2020. Resolution 201 (2020) – a Res-
• Advocating for San Antonio physicians. olution that 1.) the TMA Council on
• Enhancing medical practice across Texas. Socioeconomics, TMA Committee on
• Fostering connections with doctors Health Information Technology, and TMA
statewide. Council on Medical Education collaboratively
study the effects of augmented intelligence
OUR TEAM: (AI) on healthcare in Texas; and 2.) TMA en-
• Strength in Numbers: Our delegation is 42 sures this effort includes guidance on how comes a policy of the TMA. In certain cases, contribute effectively. While parliamentary • Required: Attendance at TMA's Annual
strong and comprises elected delegates, TMA physicians may be affected and how physicians the HOD may refer a resolution for further procedure may initially seem formal or com- Meeting, TexMed.
leaders and past TMA Presidents from Bexar may prepare for the challenges and the oppor- study or action. This involves the TMA Board plex, it is integral to the efficient and fair pro-
County. tunities AI creates. Initially tabled to 2021, of Trustees or one of the TMA Councils ex- gression of meetings. New delegates often find Contact: For more information, reach out to
• Diversity: We represent various specialties, Resolution 421 (2021) went on to be adopted amining the issue and reporting back to the that, with a bit of experience, they quickly Mary Nava at mary.nava@bcms.org.
practice models and career stages across Bexar as amended to collaboratively develop aug- HOD. If their report and associated policy adapt to this structure. Moreover, our more
and surrounding counties. mented intelligence (AI) policy. recommendations are approved, these too be- seasoned delegates play a crucial role in men- Ezequiel “Zeke” Silva III, MD, is the
• Our Platform: We voice BCMS interests at • Obesity Treatment Access: Our advocacy come TMA policy. toring newcomers, helping them navigate and 2024 President of the Bexar County
the TMA House of Delegates (HOD), con- now reflects in TMA policy. Our delegation presents resolutions that re- understand the intricacies of the process. Medical Society. Dr. Silva is a radiolo-
vening each spring at TexMed. flect the needs and policies of our Bexar gist with the South Texas Radiology Group, Ad-
WANNA DIG DEEPER INTO THE County Medical Society (BCMS) members. IN CONCLUSION: junct Professor of Radiology at the UT Health,
OUR IMPACT: PROCESS?: We also review resolutions from other HOD • The TMA HOD empowers members to Long School of Medicine, and Vice-Chief of Staff
• Resolutions: We drive change through res- At the House of Delegates (HOD), resolu- members and delegations. Our support for voice ideas and concerns in a forum that re- at Methodist Hospital Texsan. He serves on the
olutions heard by the HOD. tions serve as the primary vehicle for action. resolutions from other HOD members is con- spects every member’s ability to be heard. TMA Council on Legislation and is a TMA
• Policy Influence: Successful resolutions These proposals cover a wide range of interests tingent on their alignment with BCMS policy • BCMS has a long history of contributing Delegate to the AMA. He chairs the AMA RVS
shape TMA policy. pertinent to physicians, including public and the specific needs of our local physicians. effectively at the HOD, but it requires the Update Committee (RUC).
• Dual Roles: We present BCMS-focused health, advocacy, education and medical prac- The discussions within the HOD are struc- dedication of our physician members.
resolutions and evaluate proposals from other tice. The process involves presenting, debating tured around parliamentary procedure. This • Interested in shaping healthcare in San An-
HOD members, aligning with BCMS policies and voting on these resolutions at the HOD framework is essential to maintain orderly tonio and in our state? Join us as an alternate
and local physician needs. meetings. Once a resolution is accepted, it be- conduct and ensure that every participant can delegate. Elections are held each fall.

28 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • February 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 29