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In this Week's Issue

A Message from the Bexar County Medical Society CEO
BCMS Celebrates a Superfecta of Leadership
By: Melody Newsom, BCMS CEO/Executive Director

 
The Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS) had a banner weekend at the 2025 TexMed conference, held May 9–10 at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, which brought statewide attention to what I can only describe—fittingly—as a Superfecta of BCMS leadership. For those who know me, you know I spent many years in the horse racing business, so it's no stretch for me to say that seeing five of our own cross the finish line with such impact and recognition was truly a winning ticket for organized medicine in Texas.

Jayesh "Jay" Shah, MD (BCMS President 2016), was officially installed as the President of the Texas Medical Association (TMA). A respected physician and longtime leader in the medical community, Dr. Shah brings deep experience, vision, and passion to this role. His presidency marks a significant milestone for BCMS and the broader Texas medical community, as he continues to advocate for physicians and patients statewide.

David N. Henkes, MD (BCMS President 2005), received the prestigious TMA Distinguished Service Award in honor of his years of dedicated leadership of the Texas Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA). Dr. Henkes has long been a guiding force at the intersection of state and national medical policy, and this award is a fitting tribute to his steadfast service.

Ezequel "Zeke" Silva, MD (BCMS President 2024), has been making an indelible impact as Chair of the TMA Council on Legislation. In a legislative session marked by complex healthcare issues, Dr. Silva is a near-constant presence at the Texas Capitol—testifying multiple times per week on behalf of physicians and patients. His knowledge, poise, and persistence have made him a trusted advocate under the dome.

John M. Shepherd, MD, the current President of BCMS, has stepped into a key leadership role as the new Chair of TEXPAC, the Texas Medical Association’s Political Action Committee. With a sharp focus on physician advocacy and policy influence, Dr. Shepherd is poised to help shape the future of healthcare in Texas through strategic political engagement.

Rounding out this impressive group is Jenny Shepherd, who continues to serve the medical community with heart and grace. She is the Immediate Past President of the TMA Alliance, Chair of First Tuesdays at the Capitol and is now stepping in as the acting President of the BCMS Alliance, continuing her legacy of support for physicians, their families, and the broader health of the community.

In my 25+ years with BCMS, I have been blessed to work with these and so many other incredible physician leaders. Their dedication and service are not only admirable—they're inspiring.

But this moment isn’t just about recognition—it’s a call to action. Please join these outstanding physicians who are making a real difference in the practice of medicine and our community's health and safety. We need you to get involved. Whether you’re new to organized medicine or a longtime member, your engagement is crucial as we shape the future of healthcare in Texas.

Let’s keep this momentum going—and turn our Superfecta into a winning tradition.

Circle of Friends

 

Important Physician News and Deadlines
More Than 1,000 Measles Cases Confirmed; Attend Joint Webinar for Info
The National Academy of Medicine and several other medical organizations will co-host a free public webinar Tuesday, May 27 at 3 pm. Tammy Camp, MD, a Lubbock pediatrician and member of TMA's Committee on Medical Home and Primary Care, will be among the speakers addressing the measles spread and effective health communication. Learn more.


FDA Clears First Blood Test to Help Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease
U.S. health officials on Friday endorsed the first blood test that can help diagnose Alzheimer's and identify patients who may benefit from drugs that can modestly slow the memory-destroying disease. The test can aid doctors in determining whether a patient's memory problems are due to Alzheimer's or a number of other medical conditions that can cause cognitive difficulties. The Food and Drug Administration cleared it for patients 55 and older who are showing early signs of the disease. Read more.

Chiropractic Scope Expansion Proposed Under Federal Legislation
Federal legislation proposes changing the definition of "physician" to include chiropractors. The American Medical Association, TMA, and dozens of other medical organizations call on Congress to nix it, spotlighting patient safety risk and possible increased Medicare costs. Learn more.

TMA Elects Board, House Leaders and New AMA Representation
Alongside newly installed TMA President Jayesh "Jay" Shah, MD, many physician leaders were elected by their peers to serve as Board of Trustees members and American Medical Association delegates. New names also stepped into parliamentary positions. See more.
Upcoming Community Events
HIV Out Loud: Building the History of an Epidemic
May 28│Register
This presentation explores the critical role of stigma in the ongoing HIV epidemic and highlights how public history can be used as a tool for change.

AMA HOD Annual Meeting

June 6-11│Register
The Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates takes place in June every year. This year's event will be at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Circle of Friends Gold Sponsor
Circle of Friends Silver Sponsor
Thank you to our BCMS Circle of Friends sponsors! Donations from Circle of Friends sponsors help keep down the cost of dues and allow BCMS to continue to provide quality services to its members.The Society continues its pledge to you that it will only involve itself in services and programs that benefit you, the member, and your patients.
Bexar County Medical Society
4334 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 200
 San Antonio, TX 78249
210-301-4391

www.bcms.org
 
About The Physician's Link
The Physician's Link is a service of the Bexar County Medical Society. Some of the suggestions conveyed may not be applicable to your practice today, but the goal is to offer information over time that returns value in excess of the cost of your membership. If you would like to recommend future topics to share with your colleagues, please submit them to the BCMS Executive Director at melody.newsom
@bcms.org.
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. Copyright © 2025 Bexar County Medical Society, San Antonio, Texas.






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Bexar County Medical Society · 4334 N Loop 1604 W · San Antonio, TX 78249-3484 · USA