Feature Article
By TCMS Staff
This article was originally published in the January/February 2026 issue of Tarrant County Physician.
There are a variety of reasons that doctors choose to join TCMS; usually, new members will point to one defining thing that encouraged them to get involved. Perhaps they view our advocacy as critical, or they believe that we provide important networking opportunities. Maybe they wanted help with billing or more extensive chances for leadership roles. But whatever reason brought them here, when doctors choose to actively participate in the society, they find there are many more reasons to be part of TCMS than the one that drew them in the first place.
So here is our committees and programs review, your chance to learn of the opportunities that lie before you. We have a number of specialty committees and programs you can participate in, and we encourage you to join the one you find most compelling to use it as a springboard for upping your impact on medicine.
Allied Health Scholarship Committee
TCMS and its members, in partnership with TCMS Alliance, have an exciting opportunity to support the education access of allied health students through the Allied Health Scholarship Committee. This committee awards scholarships to qualified undergraduate students in Tarrant County who are actively enrolled in allied health training programs. It meets three times a year to discuss the applications received, choose the preliminary interviewers, interview the chosen candidates, and then decide on what amount is given to each final scholarship recipient. A student is also chosen to receive the Murphy Award—the largest monetary amount of all the scholarships offered—named after the donor, James A. Murphy, MD.
In 2025, the committee awarded $49,400 to students based on financial need and scholastic achievement. This was divided between 17 students from four different Tarrant County colleges and universities—all of whom we believe will make a big impact on the patients of Tarrant County with their future careers! We look forward to 2026 and the opportunity to meet and connect with even more schools, shaping the future for allied health students in our county. To get involved or get more information, contact Melody Briggs at mbriggs@tcms.org.
Board of Advisors
Each month, our executive committee meets to discuss the highlights of the healthcare community, the progress on TCMS projects, and goals for the future. When you participate with the Board of Advisors, you have a chance to get a full picture of TCMS and its role in Tarrant County, including its partnership with public health, emergency services, medical schools, residency training programs, charitable organizations, and local community leaders. This gives you a front-row seat in the efforts made to advocate on behalf of physicians
This monthly gathering is open to member physicians, residents, students, and other healthcare personnel. For more information on attending, email Melody Briggs at mbriggs@tcms.org.
Ethics Consortium
The Ethics Consortium meets monthly and is a diverse, non-partisan group of people interested in healthcare and ethics. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of the diverse communities that make up North Texas by assisting in the application of ethical values to current healthcare issues through educational programming and advocacy efforts that encourage civil conversation and dialogue.
Healthcare in a Civil Society is an annual forum that seeks to engage leaders of varying perspectives in a civil conversation that focuses on the healthcare issues that are important to our community and is devoid of the rhetoric that often undermines these conversations in the media. This year’s event focuses on caring for the whole patient and takes a close look at where spirituality and the delivery of care intersect. The event will include a breakout session for audience participation and engagement and a panel discussion featuring leaders from various sectors to further the conversation. If you are interested in joining or would like more information on the Ethics Consortium, call TCMS at (817) 732-2825.
Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee works to build the critical relationships necessary for effective medical advocacy. Though the committee certainly participates in the First Tuesdays at the Capitol events during the legislative session, it is also committed to fostering relationships with legislators and educating them on the issues year-round. In addition, for physicians who would like to get involved but feel unsure about talking to legislators themselves, it’s a great opportunity to build the knowledge and skillset to be a powerful advocate on behalf of your patients and your practice. You are surrounded by expert advocates! Members of the committee also make up a ready response team for issues that may arise between sessions, allowing TCMS to quickly navigate legislative challenges. For more information about the Legislative Committee and its goals, contact Brian Swift at bswift@tcms.org.
Committee on Physician Health and Wellness
The TCMS Committee on Physician Health and Wellness (PHW) promotes the health and well-being of physicians, recognizing that physicians are at least as vulnerable, if not more, to issues of substance abuse (including alcoholism) and mental disorders as their patients. The committee supports the early recognition, evaluation, and treatment of physicians with these conditions, and their monitored recovery. As part of this, the committee supports the work and activities of the Texas Physician Health Program and the Texas Medical Board.
The function of the PHW Committee is three-fold: 1) to promote physician health and well-being; 2) to ensure safe patient care by identifying physicians who may have potentially impairing conditions; and 3) to advocate for physicians while maintaining confidentiality and the highest ethical standards.
As advocates, the committee members help with interventions, referrals for evaluation and treatment, if necessary, and monitor attendees upon their return from treatment. It supports widespread education for physicians, family members, and support staff regarding possible impairments.
Through the TMA PHW Assistance Fund, financial assistance is available to physicians who cannot afford treatment for depression, chemical dependency, or other problems or whose families need short-term living expenses while a physician receives treatment. Donations to the fund are appreciated and are tax-deductible.
Our local committee consists of physicians who have special interest and experience in supporting those who are struggling, and it is available to consult with individuals and institutions locally that have questions or problems in this area. For more information about how you can participate or receive assistance, contact Kathryn Keaton at kkeaton@tcms.org.
Project Access Tarrant County
Project Access was formed in 2011 to facilitate surgical and specialty care to low-income, uninsured residents of Tarrant County who do not qualify for county or other resources. Since then, PATC has coordinated over $22 million in donated healthcare services, helping thousands of patients access life-changing and life-saving treatment.
Physician volunteers partner with PATC by seeing a limited number of patients in the comfort of their own office and in the course of their normal clinic day. Volunteers determine how many patients they are able to accept each year, and surgery is scheduled at facilities where volunteers have existing privileges. All care coordination including hospital and ancillary services is provided by Project Access staff so the physicians can focus on providing care.
PATC’s highest areas of need are general surgery, breast surgery, gynecology, orthopedic surgery (hips and knees), and pulmonology; although all specialties are always welcome. By volunteering with PATC, physicians play a critical role in improving health outcomes for patients who would otherwise go without care, while strengthening the health and well-being of our local community.
You are invited to learn more about how your expertise can make a meaningful difference—on your terms, within your existing practice, and with full support from the experienced PATC team. To learn more, contact Kathryn Keaton at kkeaton@tcms.org.
Publications Committee
The Publications Committee meets bimonthly to review submissions for TCMS’s journal, the Tarrant County Physician. All TCMS members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. The committee is devoted to selecting content that is meaningful to our readers—the medical community throughout Tarrant County.
We are incredibly grateful not only for our bimonthly authors, but also for those who write feature articles. From topics spanning the practice of medicine and legislative issues to anecdotes about historical figures and unique excursions, many TCMS members have shared their interests through articles that were published in the journal. The committee members give a resounding “Thank you!” to all contributors, and they have two requests: send in more submissions and consider joining the committee. The only way the journal can successfully represent all TCMS physicians is if members from different backgrounds and experiences write about the things that are meaningful to them, and joining the team that reviews content allows you to augment the voice of your fellow physicians in a powerful way. If you are interested in joining the Publications Committee or submitting an article for review, please contact Allison Hunter at editor@tcms.org.
Women in Medicine Committee
The TCMS Women in Medicine Committee’s goal is to promote networking and collegiality and present ideas and solutions for issues specifically affecting female physicians in Tarrant County. Now several years into its formation, the committee’s events have provided platforms for empowering and educational speakers, round tables, and CMEs. And from time to time, mixers, soap making, and yoga have made the itinerary! To join the think-tank behind these events, contact Brian Swift at bswift@tcms.org.
We hope you found one or more groups that grabbed your attention. And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry! Click this link, mark the topics you find interesting, and we will send you more information about committees or programs where you can make a difference doing the things you care about.
Tarrant County Physician Online 