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First Tuesdays Recap - Feb 2025
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We were so excited to kick off the 89th Legislative Session at the Texas Capitol on February 4th with an enthusiastic delegation of physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance members from Bexar County for the inaugural First Tuesdays at the Capitol event of 2025! Much gratitude to the following participants: John M. Shepherd, MD, BCMS President; Jenny Shepherd, TMAA President; Ezequiel “Zeke” Silva, MD, BCMS Immediate Past President; Jennifer Rushton, MD, BCMS President-Elect; Jayesh Shah, MD, TMA President-Elect; Daniel Deane, MD; Sanjiv Kumar, MD; Kenneth Maverick, MD; Alex McKinlay, MD; Gerardo Ortega, MD; Catherine Ortega; John Michael Austin (UTHSCSA); Ruba Krichati (UIWSOM); and Tirzah Polk (UIWSOM).
Our group met with legislators and staff from each of the Bexar County legislative offices, who graciously made time to discuss important issues and bills that inform access to care, practice viability, and physician autonomy in San Antonio and across the state. TMA's 2025 legislative priorities include opposing scope-of-practice expansions for allied health professionals; support for comprehensive prior authorization reform and requiring that the results of sensitive diagnostic tests be given directly by a physician rather than through a portal; and clarifying exceptions to Texas’ abortion ban to enable doctors to provide the standard of care to pregnant women and girls whose lives are in danger. These issues and many more are at the forefront of the efforts made every day by TMA’s stellar Division of Public Affairs, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to bolster their efforts each month.
If you haven’t made it to First Tuesdays yet this year, there’s still time to get involved! You can register at https://www.texmed.org/firsttuesdays/ to attend the events on March 4, April 1 and May 6. Legislators need to hear from you as the session churns on, in order to continuously develop an understanding of how proposed legislation will actually affect the practice of medicine for you, your community, and all Texans. Please come! More information is available at the TMA Web page linked above, but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to Jacob Hernandez, BCMS Advocacy & Public Health Specialist, at jacob.hernandez@bcms.org.
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Important Physician News and Deadlines
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Measles Outbreak Expands in West Texas Around County with Low Vaccination Rates
A measles outbreak is growing in a rural area of West Texas where vaccination rates are well below the recommended level. In late January, two children in Gaines county were hospitalized for measles. As of last week, the outbreak has jumped to 14 confirmed cases and six probable cases. Investigations are ongoing. Learn more.
Current US Flu Season is Most Intense in 15 Years
One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor's visits driven by flu-like symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared last week that the number was higher than any winter flu season since 2009, when a swine flu pandemic hit the nation. Overall, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity last week, with the highest numbers in the South, Southwest, and Western states. Read more.
US Records Most Whooping Cough Deaths Since 2017
The US confirmed at least a dozen deaths from whooping cough last year, according to preliminary figures released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That marks the most fatalities from the bacterial infection since a 2017 surge of the illness. Learn more.
Bird Flu Variant Found in Cows Shows Signs of Adaptation to Mammals
The newer variant of avian influenza that recently infected dairy cattle in Nevada has a genetic change that's thought to help the virus copy itself in mammals - including humans - more easily, according to a new technical brief from the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Read more.
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Be The Advocate – Support Foster Children in Bexar County
Over 2,000 children in Bexar County still need a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Anyone can volunteer to be an advocate! CASA provides full training and support to ensure you are not alone during this rewarding journey as a volunteer advocate.
Learn more about how you can make a positive impact in a child’s life. Get involved.
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Upcoming Community Events
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FREE CME: Fueling the Game: Recognizing Eating Disorders in Athletes
Feb 18│Register
This virtual course offers relevant case examples, using evidence-based guidelines, and new information to help direct treatment of youth with eating disorders.
SAMGMA Annual Education Conference
Feb 21│Register
The upcoming San Antonio Antonio Medical Group Management Association's 2025 conference features expert guest speakers and networking opportunities.
Wound and Vascular Summit
Feb 22│Register
Join top wound care and vascular experts for an exclusive summit designed to expand knowledge, advance skills, and enhance patient outcomes.
Leadership and Wellness Masterclass
Feb 25│Register
Attend the webinar for free CME and to learn "How to Strengthen Decisions that Elevate Your Work & Life."
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Circle of Friends Gold Sponsor
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Circle of Friends Gold Sponsor
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