How many times have I responded to someone’s simple question of “how are you?” with the single word…” busy.” If I take a minute to let that sink in….that’s kind of sad, right? Why am I so busy? Wouldn’t it be great to respond with…”chill”…or “happy”…or “relaxed?” But I lead with “busy.” I often quickly add in a “but good…good busy” right after hearing how awkward it sounds to say that I’m busy. Unfortunately, that’s how professionals like us in EM exist in the States. Culturally, professionals are busy here, with a push to always do more, achieve more, and push further whether it be at work or at home.
With this in mind, the theme of my message this month, ways to be more involved in advocacy, sounds pretty tone-deaf. But hear me out. Below are some ways to spend more of your non-existent free time to get more involved and be even busier. Sounds awesome, right? “How can I be involved in advocacy when I can barely keep up with my laundry after 3 consecutive night shifts?” It’s easy….Just show up. Almost 10 years ago I “showed up” by becoming a TCEP Leadership and Advocacy Fellow and since then doors have continued to open with new opportunities to enjoy our amazing specialty. READ MORE
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Doug Jeffrey, MD, FACEP
TCEP President
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Registration is Now OPEN!
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Registration is now open for CONNECT 2025 & Hill Day! Join us in Austin, April 13-15, 2025, to connect with fellow emergency medicine physicians, enhance your leadership skills, gain advocacy tools for the profession, and build valuable relationships with policymakers. Register by January 22 to take advantage of early bird pricing.
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Call for Abstracts - TCEP Annual Research Forum
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The Call for Abstracts for TCEP's 2025 Annual Research Forum is now open! This is your chance to showcase your work and contribute to the advancement of emergency medicine. Students, residents, fellows and physicians/researchers are encouraged to participate.
Why Participate?
- Highlight your research and its impact on medical knowledge.
- Enhance your CV with meaningful academic achievements.
- Compete for prestigious recognition of your dedication and hard work.
- Network with attending physicians and peers who share your passion for emergency medicine.
Deadline for submissions: January 12, 2025.
Don't miss this opportunity to make your mark in EM research. Submit your abstract today!
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Bill Filing Begins - 89th Legislative Session
In Texas, legislators can file bills in the Texas Legislature beginning the week after the general election and continuing until 60 days into the legislative session. Since filing opened, over 2,000 bills have already been submitted for consideration in the upcoming 89th Texas Legislative Session, which begins in January 2025. Historically, thousands of bills are introduced during a full session, with only a fraction passing into law. The current session's priorities appear to include property taxes, education (including school vouchers), and border security, among others. READ MORE
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Get Involved in Advocacy and Make a Difference!
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Advocacy plays a critical role in shaping the future of emergency medicine. As a TCEP member, there are multiple opportunities to engage in the legislative process, connect with policymakers, and champion EM priorities. Mark your calendar for these key events:
- February 4, 2025 - TMA's First Tuesdays at the Capitol & TCEP Meet-up
- Join physicians of all specialties from across the state for TMA’s First Tuesdays. During this February event, physicians will learn about TMA's legislative priorities and the do's and don'ts of effective advocacy. Following the briefing, TCEP members meet-up to review our priorities, enabling you to confidently discuss critical emergency medicine topics during meetings with legislators.
- April 13 - 15, 2025 - TCEP CONNECT 2025 & Hill Day
- On Tuesday, April 15th of CONNECT, participants will start their day with a legislative briefing on TCEP's legislative priorities and then will head to the Texas Capitol to meet with legislators and their staff, sharing insights and advocating for EM issues.
- April 27 - 29, 2025 - ACEP Leadership & Advocacy Conference (LAC)
- This national conference offers a great opportunity to advocate for EM on Capitol Hill. During this event, participants will engage directly with policymakers, gain tools for advocacy at all levels, and network with fellow EM advocates and leaders.
Take advantage of these events to amplify the voice of emergency medicine!
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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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Medical Student Committee News
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Happy Holidays MSC! You know what that means…time to answer those private medical questions from the person sitting next to you at dinner. If it hasn’t happened, it will soon. In all seriousness, I hope you are able enjoy some quality time with friends and family this season. Although things can often get chaotic during medical school, having those go to people is crucial to maintain a steady course. I encourage you to step away from the books, thoughts, and flashcards whenever possible. Instead, replace them with some laughs, smiles, cheers. Don’t forget to share about yourself and all the cool things you have done too. There is a reason why you get those private medical questions: you are smart and doing great things. READ MORE
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© Texas College of Emergency Physicians
401 West 15th Street, Ste 695; Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512.306.0605
[email protected]
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