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PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE

Bexar County’s Fabulous Five

By John Shepherd, MD, President, Bexar County Medical Society
As President of the Bexar County Medical Society, I had the dis- Bexar County was also well-represented at the highest levels of
tinct honor of witnessing our community’s leadership shine at this leadership with Jenny Shepherd completing her term as TMA Alli-
year’s Texas Medical Association (TMA) conference TexMed, held ance President and Dr. Jayesh Shah stepping into his new role as TMA
right here in our hometown of San Antonio. This vibrant gathering President. Both have long histories of service to organized medicine
brought the Family of Medicine from across the state together, and I’m and physician families, having held leadership roles at the county, state
proud to share that five of our own Bexar County leaders — including and national levels.
myself — played prominent roles in shaping conversations, guiding Jenny Shepherd wore many hats over the past year — serving
policy, and representing our region with excellence. Together, our con- alongside me on the TEXPAC Executive Board and Candidate Eval-
tributions showcased the depth of expertise and unwavering commit- uation Committee, co-chairing the TMA Foundation Gala, leading
ment that define our medical society. First Tuesdays at the Capitol, and serving as President of the TMA
As I opened the House of Delegates, I had the privilege of wel- Alliance. In her outgoing address to the House of Delegates, she
coming attendees to San Antonio — a city rich in history and known reflected on the Alliance’s many accomplishments, united by her pow-
for the iconic phrase, “Remember the Alamo.” But I reminded them erful theme, “The Power of One.” She reminded us that one voice, one
that what truly sets the Alamo City apart is our dedicated physician action and one person can make a meaningful difference. Her focus
community and our proud legacy as the home of military medicine. It was twofold: preparing the Alliance for the future and broadening
was also a meaningful moment for me personally, marking the close of participation in advocacy. She led an overhaul of the bylaws, intro-
my term as TEXPAC Candidate Evaluation Chair and the beginning duced new mission and vision statements, and developed the Alliance’s
of a new chapter as the incoming TEXPAC Chair. first-ever strategic plan. Her efforts to make advocacy accessible result-
Dr. Zeke Silva, immediate Past President of BCMS, helped kick ed in a record number of first-time attendees at First Tuesdays. Though
off the conference by highlighting the long and distinguished history her term has ended, Jenny isn’t slowing down — you’ll likely find her
of organized medicine in Bexar County and Texas. Of particular note alongside TEXPAC Director Brianna Menard, taking her advocacy
was the Bexar County Medical Society Alliance, founded two years education program, “The Party of Medicine,” on the road across Texas.
before both the statewide TMA Alliance and the ratification of the Dr. Jayesh Shah, who practices hyperbaric medicine and wound
19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. Zeke has served care, took the stage to be installed as the 160th President of the Texas
with distinction as Chair of the TMA Council on Legislation, dedi- Medical Association. In the 172-year history of the organization, Jay
cating his year to tirelessly advocating for physicians and the practice is the first Indian American to hold this prestigious position — a mile-
of medicine. A steady and respected presence in both Texas House and stone that reflects his personal dedication. A longtime advocate for
Senate hearings, his calm, thoughtful testimony has helped preserve reducing administrative burdens and restoring the joy of practicing
the integrity of our profession and protect physicians’ ability to care medicine, Jay spoke with clarity and conviction about the mounting
for their patients. pressures that are driving physicians away from the profession they
Dr. David Henkes, a pathologist and passionate advocate, received love. In his inaugural address, he painted a vivid picture of the current
the TMA Distinguished Service Award — TMA’s highest honor. For landscape, where doctors are often overwhelmed by red tape, insurance
over 25 years, David has represented Texas as part of the AMA del- obstacles and regulatory demands that take time away from patient
egation, many of those as chair. Under his leadership, Texas secured care. His presidential theme, “Let Doctors Be Doctors,” is both a ral-
delegate seats on nearly every AMA council, placed three members on lying cry and a strategic focus for the year ahead — one that aims to
the AMA Board of Trustees, and saw Dr. Susan Bailey elected AMA empower physicians, reduce unnecessary barriers, and re-center the
president. One of his most impactful accomplishments was the forma- patient-physician relationship at the heart of healthcare. Jay’s leader-
tion of the “Big Five” coalition — Texas, California, Florida, New York ship promises to bring thoughtful, solutions-driven advocacy to the
and Pennsylvania — which elevated Medicare physician payment as a forefront during his term, and we are proud to have another Bexar
national priority and led to the “Fix Medicare Now” campaign. David County physician serving in such a prominent statewide role.
has mentored countless physicians at the county, state and national As if the accomplishments of these leaders weren’t enough, TexMed
levels. In his remarks to the House of Delegates, he humbly expressed concluded with a spectacular finale — the TMA Foundation Gala.
gratitude to even be mentioned alongside past recipients, whom he Jenny and I, along with Dr. Zeke and Erika Silva, had the honor of
called the “legends of medicine.” He also gave heartfelt thanks to his serving as co-chairs for this year’s event, which embraced an adventur-
wife, Danielle, and children, Nichole and Daniel, for their unwavering ous theme and proved to be another record breaker. The energy in the
support throughout his career. room was electric, and the generosity on display was truly inspiring.

8 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • June 2025