TCMS President's Letter

I am honored and excited to begin my term as the TCMS president. Firstly, I would like to congratulate my predecessor, Dr. Sharon Smallwood, on a productive and successful term. Dr. Smallwood and I started our medical journey together as medical school classmates, and hers are big shoes to fill indeed. It is also essential to recognize that I would not be in this position without the guidance and leadership of past TCMS president Dr. Sharon Smallwood. Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the TCMS Board of Directors and the membership for their confidence in me. We have great opportunities in front of us, and I am motivated for the challenge. Thanks to all involved!

As we begin this journey together, I believe that the "quadruple aim" of healthcare can provide us with a roadmap for our goals. Beginning with the Institute of Medicine's 1999 report on patient safety, and harking back to our commitment to the Hippocratic oath, let us first “do no harm.” The quadruple aim takes the elements of patient-centered care and adds a focus on physicians - ourselves. Not only must we “do no harm” to our patients, but we must also “do no harm” to ourselves.

Burnout is described as occurring with increasing frequency in healthcare. As physicians, we often defer our needs to those of our patients. Lack of attention to our needs, as well as the stress of caring for patients, often takes a toll. Additionally, as increasing pressure occurs from all sectors of our lives, it's easy to understand how drastically this can affect our physical and mental health.

We must prioritize our own health, as well as that of our colleagues and patients. It's indeed a time when our fellow physicians and patients need our leadership. As the great Yogi Berra said, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" We're fortunate to have an opportunity to take the fork in the road and build our future together. The Tulsa County Medical Society has been active in providing resources for physicians and students who need support during difficult times. By partnering with local mental health professionals and providing financial support, TCMS offers this service to support physicians who support our patients.

As a group, we continue to face challenges related to practice scope, medical liability, rising costs, and diminished reimbursement. Additionally, we continue to face public health issues related to the COVID-19 virus, health inequity, access, as well as the ever-present issues related to neglect and abuse. We have an opportunity to lead in all these areas as well.

Thank you again for your trust and confidence. I look forward to a collaborative and eventful term as TCMS president!

Stephen D. Bruns, MD, FACS

President, TCMS