If you’re like me, then you are delighted that spring has sprung! Now that it is April, we’re starting to enjoy warmer days, sunnier weather, and more opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy all that the natural world has to offer us. As physicians, it’s all too easy to stay so busy that we don’t take time to relax. Fortunately, this is the perfect season to make time, however briefly, to smell the flowers—literally—or to at least admire the azalea, tulip, and daffodil blooms at places like the Gathering Place and Woodward Park. I hope you get some opportunities to experience this season in its green glory.
I’d like to give a big thank-you to everyone who supported our TCMS inauguration event in February. It was great to see everyone who attended our gathering at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, and it is delightful to know that a good time was had by all. I’m sure that you, like I, look forward to more fun and refreshing events like it in the coming months.
Onto serious business… Now that we’re two months into this year’s legislative session in Oklahoma City, the State House and Senate are in full swing. TCMS and the OSMA are keeping a close eye on the healthcare related bills being introduced, as well as opportunities where physicians can make our voices heard and I hope you are as well. As we work together to speak up for medical and healthcare policies that matter most to us as physicians, I am confident we can make a difference.
That said, I want to draw your attention to one particularly relevant measure that is being considered by the State Senate:
State Bill 303 (SB 303) adjusts the structure and appointment process for the Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to grant the Governor broad authority when choosing appointees and allows members to be removed and replaced without cause. There are several measures within SB 303 to revise the appointment process for various health-related licensure Board appointments.
Obviously, we would prefer that this current bill does not pass into law, as it would prevent the state medical associations from selecting representatives as we have done in the past. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to let your representatives know where you stand on SB 303 as soon as possible. (Update, SB 303 defeated, see page 6 on the Legislative Update)
In other news, you may wish to mark your calendar with these important upcoming April events and dates:
The OSMA/OSMAA Inaugural Reception, Inaugural Dinner & Awards Ceremony take place on Friday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at Southern Hills Country Club. Tulsa’s very own Dr. Diane Heaton will be inaugurated as president. I hope to see you all there.
The OSMA Caucus and House of Delegates Meeting will be held Saturday, April 15 at the OU Schusterman Learning Center, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast.
April 26 is Administrative Professionals Day—which honors all the people who help you with your behind-the-scenes needs. They make sure your CME is posted, your conference registration is paid, your pager works when you drop it in the toilet, and all those other little details that make your life easier. Please remember to show them they are appreciated.
Coming up on May 27 is a special Tulsa Drillers Night for TCMS and TOMS. It promises to be fun for the whole family, and tickets are available, so don’t miss out.
Doctor of the Day sign-ups are STILL available for April. Please consider participating and then do it – just do it!
Finally, April 7th is World Health Day which offers us an opportunity to value all our contributions to health and wellness and to consider ways to give back. Our work as physicians is so meaningful, and it’s easy to get so busy that we forget why we do what we do. I encourage you to take a moment this month to appreciate what you’ve achieved so far in your career. We are all making a difference for the wellness of our community, and that is a major accomplishment!
Sharon C. Smallwood, MD
“Remain steadfast and hold tightly those things that bring you joy while loosening your grip on those that would tear you down.”
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