With summer now here in earnest, I hope that all of you have adventures planned! This is the time of year where we are hopefully reminded once again of the importance of work-life balance. Fortunately, the Texas legislative session has now concluded, but despite this we are still hard at work on several state issues coming out of the session as well as supporting a federal push for passing of HR9572, with a goal of reciprocal fairness with the ‘no surprises act’, holding “insurers” to the same standards that we are! Overall, this was a long and messy session with a lot of new adjustments to new leaders and new legislators. It is increasingly important for us to work now to build relationships with your local legislators to be a trusted and familiar resource for them in the time leading up to 2027!
I’m going to keep this brief but do want to again emphasize that the Board needs your input! Please reach out to us so we stay informed of challenges, successes and threats. We truly want to work to represent Texas Emergency Physicians throughout our great state and need your input to do so.
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AJ Kirk, MD, FACEP
TCEP President
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The 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature concluded with significant developments for emergency medicine, public health, and healthcare delivery. Marked by major policy wins for Republican leadership, the session also featured targeted efforts to improve access to care, address mental health crises, and reform health insurance practices.
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TCEP Welcomes 2025-2026 TLAF Class
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TCEP is thrilled to introduce the 2025-2026 TCEP Leadership and Advocacy Fellows (TLAF) class. This year's esteemed fellows are Clark Azubuike, MD, MBBS, MPH; Geovonni Bell, MD; Adriana Cordova, MD; Ola Elechi, MD; Marcus Gonzalez, MD, MBA; Pavitra Krishnamani, MD, MS; Rob Mohr, MD; Ariel Noble, MD, MS.
Guided by Drs. Sara Andrabi, Chinwe Anyanwu and Jessica Best, the TLAF class will embark on an enriching journey to deepen their understanding of organized medicine and leadership. They will hone their advocacy skills for emergency medicine at both local and national levels and advance their careers through opportunities such as serving as Alternate Councillors at ACEP's 2025 Council, participating as ex-officio members of TCEP's Board of Directors, engaging in committee work, and more.
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Medical Student Committee News
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It is an honor and privilege to introduce myself as the newly elected chair for the Texas College of Emergency Physicians – Medical School Committee (TCEP-MSC). I am an upcoming 3rd year medical student at the UNTHSC-TCOM. My passion and love for Emergency Medicine started before medical school during my time as an Emergency Medicine scribe. Since starting medical school, I have been fortunate enough to expand upon my interests through the amazing student interest groups on campus in addition to the plethora of opportunities that the TCEP-MSC has hosted throughout the years. This has inspired me to serve on the TCEP-MSC to help curate opportunities that can enhance the student experience for emergency medicine bound students across the state. Our mission in the TCEP-MSC is to enhance the student experiences by providing Emergency medicine bound medical students with informational resources, networking opportunities, and guidance to navigate the residency match process. We look forward to working with Emergency Medicine bound students across all our medical schools in Texas. READ MORE
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Andrew Flanagan, MSC Chair
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Research Forum Winner: Cost Savings from Implementing BIG at Level 1 Trauma Center
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Ryan Johnson from the University of Texas at Houston Health was one of two winners at the TCEP Annual Research Forum for his study on implementing the Brain Injury Guidelines (BIG) at a Level 1 trauma center could save over $750,000 annually by reducing unnecessary imaging, ED stays, and transfers, while maintaining patient safety. This study, one of two winners from the TCEP annual research forum, highlights the financial benefits of adopting BIG criteria for managing low-risk TBI patients.
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Research Forum Winner: Coagulopathy Risks in Burn Patients
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Lt. Rochak Khatri from the University of Texas Medical Branch was one of two winners at the TCEP Annual Research Forum for his study on coagulopathy risks in severely burned patients. The research highlights the increased risk of venous and arterial thromboemboli, pulmonary emboli, and other coagulopathies in patients with severe burns, emphasizing the need for careful management in this cohort.
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UTMB Grad Puts EM on the Map: Founding Allegheny General’s Program and Inspiring 'The Pitt'
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Allegheny General Hospital's Emergency Medicine Residency Program, launched in 1982, has become a leader in clinical training and the real-life setting of the acclaimed medical drama series The Pitt. Celebrating its anniversary, the program's legacy of innovation and mentorship, led by pioneers like Dr. Dietrich Jehle and Dr. Emily Jean Lucid, continues to shape emergency medicine today.
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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.
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ACEP Leadership and Advocacy Conference Recap
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More than 25 emergency physicians from across Texas met in Washington D.C. for ACEP's Leadership and Advocacy Conference (LAC). During the event, participants engaged in discussions with Representatives, Senators, and their healthcare aides, seeking support for addressing critical issues such as Boarding, Protecting Emergency Physician Mental Health and Stabilizing Medicare and Medicaid.
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Pay Your Membership Dues through ACH Transfer
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ACEP now offers the option to pay membership dues via ACH (electronic check), making renewals seamless while saving money. This method reduces credit card fees, allowing more funds to support advocacy and member benefits.
This new payment option is available on the membership application for new and renewing members, while those who are using installments and auto-renew can easily update their payment information any time by accessing the Payment Methods section of My Account on ACEP's website.
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Make sure TCEP emails land in your inbox
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Help us make sure exclusive membership information lands in your inbox. You can do this by logging in and making your personal email address your primary contact in your TCEP profile, as company firewalls often prevent delivery of email. Also, add [email protected] to your address book to ensure TCEP email delivery.
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August 22, 2025
TCEP Board of Directors & Councillor meetings
Irving, TX
September 7-9, 2025
ACEP25 Scientific Assembly
Salt Lake City, UT
November 7, 2025
TCEP Board of Directors meeting
Virtual
January 22-23, 2026
TCEP Board of Directors meeting
El Paso, TX
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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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