The TMA gave me my voice and for that I will always be thankful.
Testifying before the legislature representing the TMA allowed me to use my voice to ensure that Texas medical students will have adequate clinical sites for their clerkships. Since becoming a member of the TMA as a student in 1984, I have enjoyed participating in committees, councils, foundations, alternate delegate to the AMA and TexPac. With the support of the TMA, I am now able to use my experience by serving on the AMA Council on Medical Education.
Each of my positions as a faculty member at TTUHSC over the last 24 years has taught me different facets of medicine. As the former chair of Internal Medicine, I learned the business of medicine and conflict management. As the former chief of staff of a large teaching hospital, I learned organized medicine. As VP of Health Care Policy I have learned policy, advocacy and business development. I held each of these positions while still practicing pulmonary/critical care and general medicine at a free clinic. The latter kept me grounded to the reason I stay in health care – patient care and wellness.
TMA Council on Legislation, 2017 – Current
Special Counsel to the Council on Medical Education, 2012 – Current
TMA Leadership College, Mentor, 2010 – Current
Council of Socioeconomics, 2014 – 2016
Alternate Delegate to AMA, 2014 – Current
Council on Medical Education, 2007 – 2013 (Chair, 2010 – 2012)
Active in First Tuesdays
Reference Committee on Public Health, 2005 and 2009 (Chair, 2009)
Trustee, TMA Student Loan Program, 2003 - 2009
Committee on Cancer (Chair, 2005-2007), 2003 - 2007
Delegation to the TMA, 1998 – Current
TexPac – Patron
TMA Foundation Donor
If elected to the TMA Board of Trustees, I will be part of the team that provides the foundation for Texas physicians to drive the direction of health care in our state which often establishes a template for the nation.