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BCMS ALLIANCE
Bexar County Alliance Community Outreach in Bexar. In addition to traditional TMA
Julia is no stranger to leadership, currently serving as the VP for
Shines Bright at TexMed Foundation projects such as Hard Hats for Little Heads and Book-
Share, Julia has spearheaded Bexar’s new signature program, the Period
Poverty Project. Combining her heart for service with strategic com-
By Victoria Kohler-Webb, BBA, MS munity partnerships means girls at the Young Women’s Leadership
Academy can access what they need, when they need it. The partner-
Bexar County Medical Society Alliance (BCMSA) has emerged ship has been so successful that Bexar County was the recipient of not
as a beacon of exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to our only the TMAA award for Excellence in Community Outreach, but
community and Texas medicine. Nowhere was this more evident than also a $2,000 Alliance Health Education grant to expand the program
the recent TexMed/ALLMED conference in Dallas where local Alli- from the American Medical Association Alliance. Zeke Silva, Presi-
ance members were installed to serve at the state level and the county dent of BCMS, is not surprised, “The energy of the Alliance is incred-
received statewide recognition for their work. ible, powered by the values of medicine and caring for our most needy
Jenny Shepherd stepped into the spotlight as she was inaugurat- at their most vulnerable time.”
ed as the 107th president of the Texas Medical Association Alliance Julia’s former statewide role as Resource Liaison will be filled by
(TMAA). In her address to the TMA House of Delegates, she empha- Brittany Garcia-Noche, BCMSA President-elect and spouse of Ramy
sized the immense impact that each individual can have, shining a light Noche, sports medicine specialist. BCMSA Past President and advisor
on the tremendous power of one. She considers herself exceptionally Danielle Henkes voices best why Brittany is the kind of leader need-
privileged to lead during a legislative year, as advocacy is her true pas- ed, “A thoughtful and thorough leader, Brittany exudes a quiet energy.
sion. She is determined to convey to every member of the family of Her keen listening and observation skills enable her to forge mean-
medicine the importance of active involvement and having a relation- ingful connections with other members as well as identify needs and
ship with your legislator. “Physicians can no longer sit on the sidelines opportunities statewide.”
if they want to control how they practice medicine. If legislators aren’t About the Alliance overall, BCMS President-elect John Shepherd,
hearing our voices, they are listening to someone else. One voice and University Hospital pediatric anesthesiologist, echoes the sentiments As for Jenny, she’s not daunted by the vast scope of work that lies
one vote can make the difference.” The success of her leadership in this of Zeke Silva when he says, “We can never discount the invaluable con- ahead. Instead, she is dedicated to focusing on nurturing one legislative
area resulted in Bexar County winning the Mary Ann Homer Legisla- tributions of this remarkable group. They are the driving force behind relationship, cultivating one new idea and championing one communi-
tive Award from TMAA this year. so much of our community outreach, demonstrating unwavering pas- ty outreach project at a time because she believes in the power of one,
Jenny is not the only Bexar County Alliance member to be chosen sion and tireless dedication as they work towards our shared goals. knowing that each one adds up to a huge difference in the end.
to lead at the state level over the next year. Julia Halvorsen, married to Their commitment and hard work embody the spirit of service that
ER physician Jake, will serve as secretary. She spent the last year as a defines the family of medicine; I am truly grateful for their support For information on the Bexar County
statewide Resource Liaison helping guide the direction of the Alliance both in Bexar County and across the state.” Medical Society Alliance, scan the code:
overall. Julia has strong convictions about why the Alliance matters
“I believe there is nothing more important than family; connecting
and supporting physician families is at the heart of what the Alliance
is about.” Jenny Shepherd, TMA Alliance 2024-2025 President.
Victoria Kohler-Webb, BBA, MS Marketing Statistics, is the 2024
Alliance President. She and Ben, an ENT/Head & Neck Surgeon,
are proud Aggies and parents to Luke, 14, and four rescue dogs.
Jenny Shepherd addresses the TMA House of Delegates. Julia Halvorsen representing Bexar County Brittany Garcia-Noche, incoming statewide Resource Brittany Garcia-Noche, Julia Halvorsen
at the TMAA Project Poster Session. Liaison and BCMSA President-elect, and Julia Halvorsen, and kids: The Family of Medicine.
BCMSA VP for Community Outreach, and past statewide
Resource Liaison, distributing BookShare books at CHOSA.
10 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • June 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 11
