Bexar County Medical Society Alliance

After making a substantial gift to my alma mater, Indiana University (IU), fellow alumnus Mark Cuban said, “Whatever I give to IU, it will only be a fraction of what Indiana gave to me. There aren’t enough words; there aren’t enough thank yous.” When asked in a recent interview why I serve as TMA Alliance president, his words instantly played in my head. And it’s true – the alliance has given me far more than I could ever begin to repay through my volunteerism.

What each person takes away from the alliance is unique. For some of us, it is the comfort of being surrounded by a support group that
instantly understands the unique demands
of being a medical family – and that celebrates all that is wonderful about this life. Some of us love the way it allows us to serve our communities through outreach, ensuring we are involved in making Texas healthier, whether by putting a book in the hands of a child, a helmet on a head, or using our voice to speak out on behalf of Texas medicine during the legislative session.

So, in this season of thankfulness, I consider the alliance and, in turn, each of you, as something for which I’m truly grateful. Without you, I couldn’t serve my community or medicine nearly as effectively. Even more important, I would have missed out on friendships that have enriched my life – those with whom I share an instant bond because of our connection to medicine. These are the friends I would go to the ends of the earth for, the ones who have helped me grow, and who have helped the alliance flourish.

Together we make a difference that resonates far beyond ourselves. So, in the words of Mark Cuban, “There aren’t enough words; there aren’t enough thank yous.” Happy holidays to you and yours!

More Alliance Holiday Fun!!! Come join us for a casual lunch to celebrate friendship and the season!!

Please join us at our holiday party!

Our TMA Alliance will soon celebrate 107 years of service to the Texas Family of Medicine … what an accomplishment! Undoubtedly, the women who founded our organization as the TMA Women’s Auxiliary would be amazed at all we are today: a robust organization of women and men involved in just about every aspect of keeping Texas healthier. We support our own medical community, and we better the communities we live in through outreach endeavors and legislative advocacy.

The world our organization began in has certainly changed and so has the practice of medicine. Despite those changes, we continue
to grow and adapt, keeping our focus and dedication to the organization’s mission. With that in mind, I shared this quote from Socrates with the TMAA Board of Directors when we met last month: “The secret to change and growth is not to focus all your energy on fighting the old, but on building the new.” It seemed a perfect reflection to the work we began in September at our board orientation and future planning meetings.

To begin, the board took a comprehensive and critical look at how we are succeeding as an alliance and where we have room to improve and grow. This analysis provided the groundwork for the Future Planning Committee to formulate TMAA’s first-ever, three-year strategic plan with an updated mission and vision statement, which the board adopted in October.

This is the foundation to ensure our alliance thrives in the present and paves the way for a successful and impactful future. Want to hear more about how we are looking forward and the work we’ve done? Join us for the next local alliance leadership call at noon on Nov. 19; all members are welcome. Your local president can share the link.

BCMSA PINK OUT 2024! A fabulous opportunity to learn about Breast Cancer Awareness (Thank you, Dr. Stephanie Schaefer!), our Alliance Period Poverty Project, and TMAA initiatives and legislative advocacy from Jenny Shepherd, our host and TMAA Prez!! We also honored one of our BCMSA Scholarship recipients- Congratulations Neriah!!

Thank you for making the BCMSA PINK OUT a huge success!
We enjoyed a beautiful lunch, signature cocktáils, and heard from Dr. Stephanie Schaefer, MD, FACOG about breast cancer awareness and the importance of our BCMSA Period Poverty Project!

As your Alliance President, on behalf of our members, I would like to extend a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to TMAA President Jenny Shepherd and her husband Dr. John Shepherd for hosting our BCMSA PINK OUT! Also, thank you Dr. Stephanie Schaefer, FACOG for such an engaging and informative presentation on Breast Cancer Awareness and the importance of our Alliance's Period Poverty Project!
Pictured below-
Dr. Stephanie Schaefer, Victoria Kohler-Webb- BCMSA President, and Jenny Shepherd- TMAA President

BCMSA PINK OUT was a huge success!
We enjoyed a beautiful lunch, signature cocktáils, and heard from Dr. Stephanie Schaefer, MD, FACOG about breast cancer awareness and the importance of our BCMSA Period Poverty Project!

LAST CHANCE TO BUY FALL LUNCHEON TIX TODAY 10/20!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bcmsa-fall-luncheon-tickets-1013110178817

Don't miss out! Get your ticket today for our fabulous Pink Out Fall Luncheon next week!!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bcmsa-fall-luncheon-tickets-1013110178817?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=89cb70c6b6&mc_eid=42cd9c3a5c

Kick-Off Event-- Don't miss out!!
At a new stage in life? Want to get to know some really fun new friends?
Your Alliance has just the event for you!

Cheers to Jenny, Texas Medical Association Alliance Prez 24! A beautiful celebration planned and hosted by Danielle & David Henkes with a full crew of her Bexar County Medical Society Alliance and Bexar County Medical Society fans in attendance.

Presidents Past and Present of both the Bexar County Medical Society Alliance and Bexar County Medical Society come together to celebrate Jenny Shepherd, Texas Medical Association Alliance President 2024 at Alliance Sips & Dips!

A fabulous evening toasting Jenny Shepherd, Texas Medical Association Alliance President!

Bexar County Medical Society Alliance Bexar County Medical Society

Bexar County Medical Society Alliance and Bexar County Medical Society members toast Jenny Shepherd, Texas Medical Association Alliance President, at the beautiful home of Dr. David and Danielle Henkes!

The sign says it best! Bexar County Medicine is proud of our Texas Medical Association Alliance President Jenny Shepherd Pictured with her husband John, President-Elect of Bexar County Medical Society. A huge thank you to Alliance Past President Danielle Henkes and BCMS Past President David Henkes for hosting such a fabulous party!

You won't want to miss the fun!! Join us for Sips and Dips and a chance to congratulate our beautiful friend Jenny Shepherd on her new role as TMAA President!! A big thank you to Danielle and David for hosting us!

Check your email for our latest monthly memo!

Champagne toasts, fireworks, and the Times Square ball drop are often the first things that come to mind when you hear the words “new year.” That is, unless you are a part of the Family of Medicine and it’s July 1st! So, whether you are just beginning your medical journey or have a wealth of experience under your belt, let me wish you a happy medical new year!

For those who are making a change this July, we get it! We’ve all been there – new hospital, new job, new city – potentially without friends or family anywhere nearby. For those of us who are more settled, now is a great time to reach out to a new resident or new physician family in your
community. Let them know what being part of the TMA Alliance means to you. From social support to advocacy to community outreach to leadership development, we have something for everyone. Not to mention, a friendly face and a listening ear go a long way.

The new year also brings to mind resolutions. What are yours regarding how you grow your local alliance and how you serve your community and medicine this year?
Maybe it’s coming to First Tuesdays at the Capitol for the first time, putting a new community outreach program in place, or planning a social event everyone wants to be a part of. Whatever it is, nothing beats the camaraderie that comes from being part of a supportive medical community. Here’s to a fantastic new year together, all of us joining together as ONE to serve the Family of Medicine!