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PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE

A Legacy of Advocacy:

Remembering Mary Nava

By Ezequiel "Zeke" Silva III, President, Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)

In early 1853, 95-year-old Eliza Hamilton, widow of Alexander Her Personal Contributions
Hamilton, dined at the White House. President Millard Fillmore Mary’s impact was felt on a personal level by the physicians of
“fussed over her, and the first lady gave up her chair to her. Everybody BCMS. She staffed several BCMS committees such as Legislative &
was eager to touch a living piece of American history.” Socioeconomics, Public Health & Patient Advocacy and our delega-
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Earlier this year, BCMS celebrated its own living piece of San tion to the TMA. She mentored many physicians, helping them trans-
Antonio’s medical history. On February 19, despite her lengthy battle late their challenges and aspirations into significant policy changes and
with breast cancer, Mary Nava attended the BCMS February Board improved clinical care. Many of these physicians advanced to leader-
of Directors meeting. This meeting marked her last official duty for ship roles in BCMS, TMA and AMA.
BCMS, as she passed away six weeks later, on April 2.
Closing
Her BCMS Journey BCMS and its members have long benefited from Mary’s expertise,
During her 24-year tenure at BCMS, Mary primarily focused on relationships and understanding of the legislative process. She was adept
legislative affairs and public policy. She influenced policy at local, state at drafting laws, resolutions and testimonies, and recognized the impor-
and federal levels. Her profound understanding of San Antonio’s polit- tance of fostering relationships with policymakers and community lead-
ical landscape greatly benefited the medical community. ers. She knew when to compromise and when to stand firm on critical
issues, always approaching her role with energy, charm and a kind smile.
Notable Achievements Mary’s legacy is profound. Echoing the musical Hamilton — “Leg-
Reflect on the evolution of medicine since 2000. Mary played an acy, what is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to
important role informing BCMS’ actions around those policy chang- see.” In Mary’s case, that garden is the countless patients who continue
es, supporting physicians, patients and public health. Among her to benefit from her efforts.
numerous contributions, several stand out: Our community is forever grateful to Mary for her enduring legacy
Fluoridation of San Antonio Water: For 15 years, the addition of advocacy.
of fluoride to San Antonio’s water supply sparked controversy until
voters approved it in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
vention hailed fluoridation as a top public health achievement of the
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20th century. Mary’s efforts as our new Director of Communications
were important in garnering physician support, which influenced
voter approval.
Tort Reform: The passage of meaningful tort reform in Texas
occurred in 2003. This required a coordinated effort, and BCMS played
a pivotal role locally. By then, Mary had become the Director of Market-
ing and Membership, where her communication skills were invaluable.
The 2003 law caps non-economic damages at $250K per physician,
per case, marking a significant policy achievement leading to improved
access to care and lower liability insurance premiums for physicians.
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Tobacco 21: Mary’s ded-
ication to public health was
evident in her support for a References:
San Antonio city ordinance 1. Chernow, R. Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Books. Mar. 29,
passed in October 2018, 2005
which prohibited the sale of 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. USA Department of
tobacco products to individ- Health and Human Services. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov
uals under 21. This ordinance 3. Texas Medicine, September 2013
influenced Texas Senate Bill Ezequiel “Zeke” Silva III, MD, is the 2024 President of the Bexar County
21, passed in 2019, raising Medical Society. Dr. Silva is a radiologist with the South Texas Radiology
the tobacco purchase age to Group, Adjunct Professor of Radiology at the UT Health, Long School
21 statewide. Mary’s leader- of Medicine, and Vice-Chief of Staff at Methodist Hospital Texsan. He is
ship was instrumental in these Chair of the TMA Council on Legislation and is a TMA Delegate to the
developments. AMA. He chairs the AMA RVS Update Committee (RUC).

8 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • June 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 9