Texas Medical Association

From walking in space to transforming health care, Bernard A. Harris Jr., MD, has challenged boundaries and redefined what’s possible. Join us at TexMed 2026 to learn about his journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and his advice for future leaders exploring medicine, technology, and beyond. Free for all TMA members — register today: hubs.li/Q03_BjXq0

Mandatory Medicare Specialty Pilot Reveals Texas Participants. Just over 1,100 Texas physicians are on the initial participant list for a 2027 program addressing heart failure and low back pain in patients. The program will use the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System’s Value Pathways performance measures, drawing TMA’s attention. hubs.li/Q049wnXP0

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Warm Up with Texas Weather. Global officials note an increase in chikungunya cases in South America, inching closer to Texas. The state’s largest concern remains West Nile virus. hubs.ly/Q049mbPh0

Texas Match Day Totals Show Jumps in Key Specialties. One student said opening his envelope was “like opening a treasure chest.” A Match Day analysis shows Texas has continued growth in critical areas like internal medicine, neurology, and emergency medicine. hubs.li/Q0498nXd0

With over 30 hours of educational sessions offered at TexMed, you’re guaranteed to discover topics tailored to your interests and needs. All CME programs are free for TMA members. Registration is free for all TMA members, sign up now: hubs.li/Q048xZc_0

APPLY TODAY: Texas School Health Advisory Committee Seeks Medical Professional Interested in issues surrounding school health? The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) still has a vacancy for a practicing physician to serve on the Texas School Health Advisory Committee with other community members. The application period has been extended, and details can be found on DSHS’ website. Learn more: hubs.li/Q048XLPQ0

Fascinating piece from Wendell Potter’s HEALTH CARE Uncovered on Texas’ network adequacy law for state-regulated PPOs/EPOs and the ongoing legal challenge involving some of the related TDI rules. Read if you follow health policy and physician advocacy. @wendellpotter hubs.li/Q048Xl-m0 #TMA #healthcareuncovered #texashealth

TMA on Tour. TMA had an active February, staging a conference and traveling en masse to a national advocacy gathering. The association also crisscrossed the state in various ways to reach physicians where they live and further key initiatives aligned with TMA’s mission.

AI Use Among Physicians Has Doubled, AMA Survey Finds. New research from the American Medical Association found more than four in five physicians now use artificial intelligence (AI) in their practices, most often to document clinical care and summarize medical research. However, nearly half of survey respondents worry patients may use AI for tasks requiring clinical judgment. hubs.ly/Q048nF7S0

Stay on the cutting edge of medicine – visit TexMed’s newest feature, Tech Village. See AI and augmented intelligence tools in action in a dedicated space in the Expo Hall at TexMed. Connect with leading vendors, network with peers, and enjoy live music and giveaways in a fun, relaxed environment. Register for TexMed in Corpus Christi today: hubs.li/Q046-G980

Highest Share of Federal Rural Funds Going to Texas Public Hospital Districts. Texas received the greatest Rural Health Transformation Program award of any state. One physician says by supporting rural hospitals in need, the program has the potential to strengthen Texas’ entire health care system. Read more. hubs.li/Q047Wj-80

On Target: New RGV Research and Education Center Trains Next Generation. This series examines how 2025 mission-specific funding to medical schools and health-related institutions could help improve the health of Texans. In the Rio Grande Valley, the University of Houston is building a new center that aims to bring cutting-edge solutions and training to a community that has long faced health care access challenges. Read the Texas Medicine story. hubs.li/Q047qRp_0

Appointments Now Open for TexMed 2026 Blood Drive. Attendees can roll up their sleeve and give on April 17 or April 18 in Corpus Christi. Appointments and walk-ins are both welcome. The blood drive comes as the state rolls out a statewide prehospital whole blood network. Read more. hubs.li/Q047qD-40

HPV Vaccines Key to Texas’ Improvement in Cervical Cancer. Since the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was made available in 2006, cervical cancer incidence rates are down 27% nationally and 17% in Texas, according to a new study. Researchers say vaccine uptake is higher with physician recommendation. Read more. hubs.li/Q047qStJ0

On Target: UTHealth Houston Aims to Curb Cancer Rates Among Texas Firefighters. This series examines how 2025 mission-specific funding to medical schools and health-related institutions could help improve the health of Texans. Via its brand new Texas Firefighter Cancer Study, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston aims to increase cancer screening and research to save the lives of Texas’ most vulnerable first responders. hubs.li/Q047cHtR0

Future of HHSC, DSHS to Be Determined by Sunset Review. Every 12 years, each state agency is subject to a sunset review process culminating with the Texas Legislature authorizing its continuation. TMA is providing initial input on entities including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS). hubs.li/Q047cGr90

Get a front-row seat to the making of health care policy. Attend the TMA House of Delegates meeting at TexMed, TMA’s annual meeting, and witness the future of medicine take shape. Delegates and non-delegates are welcome to attend.    Registration is free for TMA members, sign up today: hubs.li/Q046ZXlT0

Hep B Vaccination Rates Decline Nationally, Mirroring Texas Trends. World Health Organization data shows a double-digit drop in hepatitis B vaccination rates since 2023. More Texas school children are also showing up for class without the vaccine. hubs.li/Q046ZF540

WISeR Online Prior Auth Process for Original Medicare Shows Promise. To educate physicians on the progress of Medicare’s new prior authorization pilot, TMA has been in contact with Cohere Health, the technology vendor selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to manage the program in Texas in partnership with Novitas. hubs.li/Q046ZNt00

On Target: New San Antonio School Pumps Up Public Health This series examines how 2025 mission-specific funding to medical schools and health-related institutions could help improve the health of Texans. San Antonio was the largest city in the nation without a public health school – until UT Health San Antonio and UTSA collaborated to form one. The school includes an MD/MPH program. hubs.li/Q046Nw7W0

New Medicare Pilot Promotes Technology to Treat Certain Chronic Conditions. The program targets high blood pressure, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, and depression, and encourages the use of wearable devices, including ones patients already have. Physicians have until April 1 to apply for inclusion in July’s initial launch. hubs.li/Q046NlHt0