The new year is well underway, as is the 89th Texas Legislative Session. For many, this may not be the most notable part of the year to have on the calendar, but your leaders at TCEP are hard at work monitoring bills, blocking, supporting, and actively introducing legislation to help our specialty and our patients. TCEP CONNECT 2025 Annual Conference & Hill Day will be held April 13 - 15 and provides the perfect opportunity to come to Austin and get up to speed on these issues affecting emergency medicine in Texas and to actually move the needle with your presence during our Texas Capitol visits.
Politics and legislation can be daunting, but I cannot overemphasize the importance of your participation at some level in the process. Back in 2015 as an attending of eight years, I completed the TCEP Leadership and Advocacy Fellowship program (TLAF) and experienced first-hand the enormous amount of work that goes on “behind the scenes” to allow us to be at the
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Doug Jeffrey, MD, FACEP
TCEP President
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bedside with our patients. Much of this boils down to policy at the state and federal levels. As physicians who actually take direct care of patients, our broader involvement beyond the bedside is ultimately what will determine if we have a fulfilling and sustainable practice that is safe and beneficial for our community. One’s level of involvement will naturally change throughout a career with life’s ebbs and flows, but it’s never too late to foster a habit of paying attention and participating even if only with brief moments at a time. READ MORE
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Save Your Spot at #TCEPCONNECT25
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Join us in downtown Austin, TX; April 13-15 for CONNECT 2025 & Hill Day. Designed exclusively for Texas emergency medicine physicians, residents, and medical students; CONNECT offers you the chance to immerse yourself into a weekend of cutting-edge advancements, insightful discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Whether you’re experienced, new in practice, or currently a resident or medical student, CONNECT offers something for everyone! Explore the various pathways we’ve crafted to assist you in advancing and boosting your career.
Notable features include:
- Earn up to 5.5 CME credits, covering TMB state-mandated education on ethics, opioids, and human trafficking.
- Check out the latest research presented during the Annual Research Forum Competition.
- Meet with legislators about important issues related to EM.
- Explore the exhibit hall showcasing the latest services and technology.
- And more...
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Take Your Leadership to the Next Level with TLAF
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Are you ready to lead the future of emergency medicine? The TCEP Leadership and Advocacy Fellowship (TLAF) is your gateway to becoming a trailblazer in the field. Designed to empower and inspire future emergency physician leaders, TLAF offers an exclusive opportunity to gain hands-on experience in leadership, advocacy, and organizational strategy.
Don't just practice emergency medicine - shape its future. Apply today and take the first step toward unlocking your leadership potential!
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Governor Abbott’s State of the State Address
Governor Greg Abbott delivered his sixth State of the State address on February 2, emphasizing Texas' economic strength and outlining seven emergency priorities: property tax cuts, water infrastructure investment, teacher pay increases, expanded vocational training, public funding for private education, stricter bail laws, and a new cybersecurity hub. Labeling these as "emergency items" allows lawmakers to bypass early legislative restrictions and fast-track bills.
Lt. Governor Announces Priority Legislation
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick also revealed his initial 25 priority bills for the 89th Legislative Session, focusing on border security, disaster response, and education, with highlights including school choice (SB 2), banning THC (SB 3), and property tax exemptions (SB 4). For the full list of priorities, click here.
Texas House Committees Announced
This week in the House, Speaker Burrows announced the 2025 Texas House Committee Appointments. To view the committee appointments, click here.
EM specific news
Prudent layperson bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate on behalf of TCEP, TMA and THA.
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TCEP Advocacy 101 - Recording Now Available
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In case you missed last week's Advocacy 101 Workshop, a recording of the webinar is now available for TCEP members. This webinar offers a great opportunity to learn how bills become law, why advocacy is essential, and practical ways to get involved in the legislative process. WATCH NOW.
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Emergency medicine claims typically involve diagnostic errors. In this case study, a patient was improperly triaged. When a claim was filed, TMLT quickly went to work and won a clear, decisive victory at trial. READ CASE STUDY
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It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald J. Gordon, MD, PhD, LTC Ret. Don passed away at the age of 82 on January 15, 2025, surrounded by family. READ MORE
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Medical Student Committee News
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Hello MSC! TCEP student leadership team have been hard at work, and we have some exciting opportunities to share with you!
- TCEP CONNECT - Ever practice an IO or cricothyrotomy? Have questions about applying to EM or want to hear directly from program directors? Look no further! TCEP CONNECT is packed with high-yield student information, networking, and hands-on skills sessions - all in partnership with Texas EM residency programs. Check out the agenda and register!
- EMinds Unwind: TCE-MSC Virtual Journal Club - Kicking off February 25 from 7-8 p.m., this event is designed just for students! Modeled after EM residency journal clubs, it's a great chance to learn how academic EM is presented, hear from Texas EM experts, and connect with residency program faculty. Don't miss out, sign up today!
- TCEP-MSC Mentorship Pilot - We've all heard "find a mentor," but that's easier said than done. That's why we're launching a mentorship pilot, connecting students with EM physicians across Texas. If you're looking for guidance, this is your chance! Spots are limited - apply here.
- TCEP-MSC Leadership Applications - Ready to take your involvement to the next level? TCEP-MSC leadership offers an opportunity to shape emergency medicine, grow your skillset, and expand your network. Applications close February 23 - learn more and apply today.
Stay connected, and we can't wait to see you at these events!
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© Texas College of Emergency Physicians
PO Box 26164; Austin, TX 78755
Phone: 512.306.0605
[email protected]
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