President's Message

October 2022

Sterling Overstreet, MD, FACEP
TCEP President

Fall in Texas is my favorite time of the year. The weather is finally cooling down and we get to spend time with our friends and colleagues at the ACEP Council meeting and Scientific Assembly. Having just returned from ACEP Council in San Francisco, I want to thank our 21 Councilors and 14 alternates who made the trip to represent Texas and our interests on this national platform. I would also like to recognize and thank Dr. Diana Fite for leading the Texas Delegation at ACEP Council. Her continued leadership is invaluable to TCEP and our specialty in the house of medicine.

TCEP is continuing its preparation for the upcoming 88th legislative session beginning in January. As part of our strategic plan, we want to improve communications with our members and legislators. Toward that end, we have planned a couple of “Legi - Zoom” meetings with key legislators. These zoom calls are a chance to talk with legislators about our issues and hear their views on the upcoming session. Our first Legi- Zoom was with Representative Tom Oliverson, MD who chairs the Committee on House Insurance to advocate for our legislative priorities, as well as discuss anticipated legislative initiatives. These calls are open to all members, so watch your email for the next Legi- Zoom to sign up.

We will also be present and engaged in the TMA Strategic Legislative Planning Session at the end of this month in Austin. This is an opportunity to share our issues with TMA as well as other medical specialty groups.

On November 3rd, we will have our inaugural advocacy training meeting. This one-day event introduces our new Government Relations Council and will cover history, TCEP legislative priorities, tips for working with legislators and more. The Government Relations Council was established by the Board of Directors this year, to provide physician legislative experts to work in collaboration with our lobby firm, Imperium, during the session.

Our Political Action Committee continues to play a vital role in our advocacy efforts. $60,000 has been contributed to legislators this year, and it is time to replenish our funds. These contributions give us access to key legislators and the opportunity to tell our story. Please consider donating to EMPACT so that we can continue to effectively advocate on your behalf at the Capitol. Use the QR code below to easily donate via your phone or visit the website here. Any amount is appreciated and needed.

The Board of Directors will be meeting November 4th in the Texas Medical Association building in Austin. As always these are open to you as a member, and you are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please take a moment to place TCEP Connect 2023 April 16-18th on your calendar. Registration will be open next month, and we look forward to seeing you in Austin for Connect. Thank you for your membership in TCEP and the care you provide our patients.