President's Letter: Strengthening the Physician Community by Increasing our Engagement with Members

Summer is in full swing, and so is the spirit of engagement at the Tulsa County Medical Society! As your President, I’m excited to share that our calendar is bustling with opportunities to connect, grow, and welcome the next generation of physicians. Whether you're a long-time member, a resident just beginning your journey, or a medical student stepping into the world of medicine for the first time, there's a place for you here.

We’re hosting several events this year and taking additional steps to engage with our members. It’s been inspiring to see so many of you showing up to support one another and build our community. From connecting over burgers and drinks to cheering at the ballpark, each moment we spend together strengthens our professional network and personal bonds.

TCMS and OSMA recently hosted two special welcome events for first-year residents. It was our first time hosting a Welcome Lunch with first-year OSU Residents at their annual Casual Conversations day in Tulsa. TCMS Vice President Sharon D’Souza, M.D., and Executive Director Mark McElreath greeted over 110 residents, informing them about TCMS and OSMA. Just a few days later, we gathered again for a Welcome Breakfast with first-year OU Residents. Dr. D’Souza, Dr. James Webb, Mr. McElreath, and I welcomed over 50 OU first-year Residents with breakfast. Several connections were made, and we had conversations over coffee and a hearty breakfast. All of these young doctors are bright, motivated, and eager to serve the people of Tulsa. I couldn’t be more proud to welcome them into our community.

Not to be outdone, our local medical students are also getting a warm welcome. We will host a lunch for 34 first-year medical students at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine, giving them an early introduction to what TCMS is all about: connection, advocacy, and support. It’s never too early to start building a professional community, and we’re committed to making TCMS a home for students from day one. We’ll be welcoming first-year medical students at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in August as well.

And it’s not all about meetings; sometimes, we need to have fun together. That’s why I was happy to see so many new and familiar faces at our recent Tulsa Drillers game! Nothing beats a summer evening at ONEOK Field, especially when shared with colleagues, friends, and families. Whether you came for the baseball, the food, or just a good time, we were glad to have you there. Events like this remind us that community is built both inside and outside the clinic walls.

If you haven’t joined us yet this year, what are you waiting for? Whether you're a practicing physician, a resident, a medical student, or a life member TCMS is your professional home in Tulsa. We offer leadership opportunities, networking, advocacy, wellness support, and, most importantly, a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. We are a community of physicians supporting physicians, and your membership makes us stronger.

To those who are already involved, thank you. Your energy and enthusiasm are what make these events successful. To those considering membership, come see what we’re about. Join us at an upcoming event, reach out to a board member, or simply stop by to say hello. There’s never been a better time to get involved.

Here’s to an engaged, connected, and thriving medical community!

Warm regards,

Ondria C Gleason, MD

TCMS President