Capitol Update: Watch latest report on TAFP’s priorities in the 83rd Texas Legislature

posted 05.09.13

In this edition of TAFP’s video newscast, Capitol Report, catch up on the progress of TAFP’s legislative priorities as the clock winds down on the legislative session. Sam Wang, M.D., associate program director for the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, describes the deleterious effects of a 74 percent cut in direct state support his program receives from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Also, Clare Hawkins, M.D., program director for the San Jacinto Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program, explains why Texas needs to invest in new primary care residency positions; TAFP’s Samantha White reports on the likelihood of renewed support for women’s health programs; and Jonathan Nelson covers the Senate’s passage of a bill that would expand residency training positions and create incentives for medical schools that graduate more primary care physicians.

Thanks to these Physicians of the Day

Thanks to the physicians who volunteered to serve as Physician of the Day in the past couple of weeks: Alfred Wettermark, M.D., of Cedar Park; Horacio Ramirez, M.D., of San Antonio; Monica Kalra, D.O., of Dallas; William Medrano, M.D., of Austin; Jorge Duchicela, M.D., of Weimar; James McCurdy, M.D., of Marble Falls; Elizabeth Seymour, M.D., of Corinth; Luis Benavides, M.D., of Laredo; Joane Baumer, M.D., of Fort Worth; Linda Siy, M.D., of Fort Worth; and Michael Dominguez, M.D., of San Antonio.

The Physician of the Day program brings family physicians to the Capitol each day of the legislative session to provide health care to members of the Capitol community. This tradition started in 1971 and TAFP has provided a physician in the Capitol for every legislative session including special sessions since. The Physician of the Day is introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives each day and his or her name becomes a permanent part of the official legislative record.

Thank you again to all of our physicians who volunteered during the 83rd Texas Legislature – all dates have been filled through the end of the session.