By Alissa Roemer, Emily Heydemann and Veronica Gonzalez

Preventing Physician and Medical Student Suicide: An Urgently Important Conversation

By Alissa Roemer, Emily Heydemann and Veronica Gonzalez

On the evening of September 29, 2022, students and residents from UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine, UT Health Lozano Long School of Medicine and Texas Institute for Graduate Medical Education and Research (TIGMER) joined together to bring awareness to the significant issue of physician suicide. Tragically, 300 to 400 physicians die by suicide every year, and physician burnout has become an even more serious problem as a result of the pandemic. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness, teach us how to recognize and help colleagues in distress, provide us a forum for ending stigma and promote healing in our community. The event featured expert speakers, personal reflections and offered students the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns about mental healthcare access.

Following the event, a gallery of student and physician-created artwork was displayed, some of which we would like to share with you now. Through this creative outlet, medical students and physicians were able to express their emotional responses to a difficult topic. By continuing the conversation, we hope that those in our field will feel empowered to openly discuss and share their own mental health challenges. Together we can continue to cultivate a supportive environment and work to reduce physician suicide.

Alissa Roemer is a student at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2025

Emily Heydemann, MSW, is a student at UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, Class of 2023

Veronica Gonzalez, LPC, LCDC is a student at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2025

The Time Machine Poem

By Alissa Roemer

The Time Machine

Time has a way of slowing down just when you’re ready for it to speed up. What if I sped past this part? The bad part the part I didn’t like the part I didn’t want to experience the part that made life hard to live. Living there feels like living in a time machine. A time machine eternally stuck in the same spot. There’s no past, no future, just this moment of eternal suffering. The time machine is a cruel master to me. The time machine does not let go. The time machine is relentless. I want to let go. Let me go. Each day starts the same. I wake, I am paralyzed by fear. Can’t move, can’t breathe, can’t get up. Surely you can get up. A 21-year-old woman. Surely surely you can get up—what are you back in second grade? Helpless, alone, isolated, surrounded, crowded, no hope, no light. Depression. Depressed. Depressing. Depression. Each day is the same agony. Little reprieve from the agony. The time machine whirls to life the only sign of life for miles here we go again the tape starts. My past in four dimensions plays all around me. Stop Rewind Play Stop Rewind Play Play Play Where did the stop button go? It’s gone without a trace. Play Rewind Play Rewind Everyday is the same: playing old tapes in my head. Just stop the tape they say Place it in a corner of your mind they say Leave it there they say Why? How? I want to I can’t I need to I need to get out Fine, help me. Fine, yes, I need help. Long talks, sterile halls, little oblong pills. Suddenly a fissure breaks the time machine in two. I’m free. I step out into the new world Everything glistens under my watchful gaze. Was this here the whole time? I cast a backward glance toward the broken time machine. Sad, dilapidated pieces on the ground. Goodbye old world. Hello to the new world.

Artist Note: This piece symbolizes the hardest part of my life. It represents how it feels to experience suicidal ideation, which is a fine term to throw around in a chart, but actually represents a deep gnawing pain that is almost too hard to put into words. This was my attempt.

Alissa Roemer is a student at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2025

Falling Leaves

By Nisha Kalyanpur

Nisha Kalyanpur is a student at UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, Class of 2023

Put On A Happy Face

By Emily Heydemann

Artist Note: This photograph has two meanings to me, first, as medical trainees, we must present ourselves as perpetually bright and shiny even if we feel otherwise. Second, sometimes I feel held back by my own beliefs about myself. This photo represents how we are often capable of more than we realize.

Emily Heydemann, MSW, is a student at UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, Class of 2023

Is She Brave?

By BMH

When the passion has been replaced by exhaustion and politics When the exhaustion is guised as petty mistakes When the mistakes manifest as insecurities When politics only enforce the insecurities, she already harbored When you tell her she can’t handle it, Will you call her brave when she stands against it? Will you support her even if it means the light is temporarily not on you? Will you support her when she shines the light on your injustices? Will she be brave when she stands up the only way she knows how? Will you recognize strength in taking the step most spend their entire life evading with fear? Will you hear the message in her action that cannot be undone? Will it be brave enough for you to take action? Perhaps brave enough for you to listen? Or maybe just brave enough for your thoughts and prayers.

This poem was inspired by Dr. Jing Mai, a resident physician who took her life on September 5, 2022.

Check Claims Dates for Drug Administration as Coding Updates Loom

By Alisa Pierce

With annual updates to billing codes for medications set for January 1st, physicians are reminded to use the most current National Drug Code (NDC) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) combinations when filing claims for drug administration.

Each drug product is identified by a universal NDC and assigned an HCPCS billing code from databases that publish each year on January 1st.

Physicians can utilize resources like the NDC-to-HCPCS Crosswalk, which is available for clinician-administered drug processing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) publishes the crosswalk, based on additions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ list of rebate-eligible drugs and new drugs. Clinicians can check the site each month for updates and are encouraged to reference the national database of NDC and HCPCS codes in the meantime.

When billing for administration of a drug, physicians must pull from the vial a specific NDC number that correlates with the payable HCPCS code in the national database. The crosswalk aids physicians in identifying those relationships between NDCs and HCPCS codes.

However, Texas Medical Association experts caution practices to make sure the NDC used is valid for the date of service. The effective date of the NDC must correlate with the date of service used on the claim. This is because NDCs can expire, change, or be prematurely removed from the national database. For instance, for a prescription administered prior to the Jan. 1 publication, use the prior NDC number. To ensure correct payment, the NDC code on the claim must correspond to that on the medication vial.

If you are receiving claims denials, contact TMA’s payment specialists for help.

Alisa Pierce is a reporter for Texas Medicine, Division of Communications and Marketing.

Copyright Texas Medical Association. Reprinted with permission from TMA Publications.

2023 BCMS Installation of Officers

John Joseph Nava, MD 2023 BCMS President

Brian T. Boies, MD Vice President

Ezequiel "Zeke" Silva, III, MD Treasurer

John Shepherd, MD Secretary

Brent W. Sanderlin, DO President-elect Rajeev Suri, MD Immediate Past President

Woodson “Scott” Jones, MD Appointed to fill Board of Directors First Term 2021-2023

Sumeru “Sam” G. Mehta, MD Board of Directors First Term 2023-2025

Priti Mody-Bailey, MD Board of Directors First Term 2023-2025

Lubna Naeem, MD Board of Directors First Term 2021-2023

Lyssa Ochoa, MD Board of Directors Second Term 2023-2025

Jennifer R. Rushton, MD Board of Directors First Term 2022-2024

Raul Santoscoy, DO Board of Directors First Term 2022-2024

Amar Sunkari, MD Board of Directors First Term 2021-2023

Lauren Tarbox, MD Board of Directors First Term 2022-2024 Col. Timothy Lawrence Switaj, MD Board of Directors Military Representative

Jayesh B. Shah, MD Board of Directors TMA Board of Trustees, Representative

Ramon S. Cancino, MD Board of Directors Medical School Representative

Robert Leverence, MD Board of Directors Medical School Representative

John Pham, DO Board of Directors Medical School Representative

2023 BCMS Installation of Officers (continued)

Lori Kels, MD Board of Directors Medical School Representative

Ronald Rodriguez, MD Board of Directors Medical School Representative

Keiko McManus, MD Board of Ethics, Chair Melody Newsom BCMS CEO/Executive Director

George F. “Rick” Evans, Jr. General Counsel

2023 BCMS Alliance Installation of Officers

Jenny Case Co-President

Cheryl PierceSzender Co-President

Victoria Kohler-Webb President-Elect

Heather Davila Membership Team

Brittany Garcia Vice President Communication Stephanie Stewart Vice President Programs/ Social Team

Tatiana Sweeney Vice President Comminity Outreach Team

Virginia Profenna Treasurer

Julia Halvorsen Secretary

We encourage you to use our supporting vendors whenever you or your practice needs supplies or services.

ACCOUNTING FIRMS

Sol Schwartz & Associates P.C. (HHH Gold Sponsor) Sol Schwartz & Associates is the premier accounting firm for San Antonio-area medical practices and specializes in helping physicians and their management teams maximize their financial effectiveness. Jim Rice, CPA 210-384-8000, ext. 112 jprice@ssacpa.com www.ssacpa.com “Dedicated to working with physicians and physician groups.”

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

Express Information Systems (HHH Gold Sponsor) With over 29 years’ experience, we understand that real-time visibility into your financial data is critical. Our browser-based healthcare accounting solutions provide accurate, multi-dimensional reporting that helps you accommodate further growth and drive your practice forward. Rana Camargo Senior Account Manager 210-771-7903 ranac@expressinfo.com www.expressinfo.com “Leaders in Healthcare Software & Consulting”

ATTORNEYS

Kreager Mitchell (HHH Gold Sponsor) At Kreager Mitchell, our healthcare practice works with physicians to offer the best representation possible in providing industry specific solutions. From business transactions to physician contracts, our team can help you in making the right decision for your practice. Michael L. Kreager 210-283-6227 mkreager@kreagermitchell.com Bruce M. Mitchell 210-283-6228 bmitchell@kreagermitchell.com www.kreagermitchell.com “Client-centered legal counsel with integrity and inspired solutions” ASSETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Bertuzzi-Torres-Fernandez Wealth Management Group (HHH Gold Sponsor) We specialize in simplifying your personal and professional life. We are dedicated wealth managers who offer diverse financial solutions for discerning healthcare professionals, including asset protection, lending and estate planning. Mike Bertuzzi First Vice President Senior Financial Advisor 210-278-3828 Michael_bertuzzi@ml.com Ruth Torres Financial Advisor 210-278-3828 Ruth.torres@ml.com http://fa.ml.com/bertuzzi-torres Will C. Fernandez, CEPA Senior Portfolio Advisor Financial Advisor 210-278-3812 wfernandez@ml.com https://fa.ml.com/texas/san-antonio/bertuzzi-torres-fernandez

BANKING

Broadway Bank (HHH Gold Sponsor) Healthcare banking experts with a private banking team committed to supporting the medical community. Thomas M. Duran SVP, Private Banking Team Lead 210-283-6640 TDuran@Broadway.Bank www.broadwaybank.com “We’re here for good.”

The Bank of San Antonio (HHH Gold Sponsor) We specialize in insurance and banking products for physician groups and individual physicians. Our local insurance professionals are some of the few agents in the state who specialize in medical malpractice and all lines of insurance for the medical community. Brandi Vitier 210-807-5581 brandi.vitier@thebankofsa.com www.thebankofsa.com Synergy Federal Credit Union (HH Silver Sponsor) Looking for low loan rates for mortgages and vehicles? We've got them for you. We provide a full suite of digital and traditional financial products, designed to help Physicians get the banking services they need.

Synergy FCU Member Services 210-750-8333 info@synergyfcu.org www.synergyfcu.org “Once a member, always a member. Join today!”

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS

Livingston Med Lab (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) High Complexity Clia/Cola accredited Laboratory providing White Glove Customer Service. We offer a Full Diagnostic Test Menu in the fields of Hematology, Chemistry, Endocrinology, Toxicology, Infectious Disease, & Genetics. Robert Castaneda (CEO) 210-316-1792 Robert@livingstonmedlab.com Joey Martinez (Director of Operations) 210-204-7072 Joey@livingstonmedlab.com Dwight Chapman (Account Manager) 210-591-2649 Dwight@livingstonmedlab.com www.livingstonmedlab.com/home “Trusted Innovative, Accurate, and STAT Medical Diagnostics”

Genics Laboratories (HHH Gold Sponsor) Genics Laboratories offers accurate, comprehensive and reliable results to our partners and patients. Genics Laboratories is committed to continuous research, ensuring our protocols are always at the peak of current technology. Yulia Leontieva Managing Partner, Physician Liaison (210) 503-0003 (Phone) yulia@genicslabs.com (Email) Kevin Setanyan Managing Partner (210) 503-0003 kevin@genicslabs.com Artyom Vardapetyan Managing Partner (210) 503-0003 www.genicslabs.com “Accurate results in record time.”

CREDENTIALS VERIFICATION ORGANIZATION

Bexar Credentials Verification, Inc. (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) Bexar Credentials Verification Inc. provides primary source verification of credentials data that meets The Joint Commission (TJC) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) standards for health care entities. Betty Fernandez Director of Operations 210-582-6355 Betty.Fernandez@bexarcv.com www.BexarCV.com “Proudly serving the medical community since 1998”

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Oakwell Private Wealth Management (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) Oakwell Private Wealth Management is an independent financial advisory firm with a proven track record of providing tailored financial planning and wealth management services to those within the medical community. Brian T. Boswell, CFP®, QKA Senior Private Wealth Advisor 512-649-8113 SERVICE@OAKWELLPWM.COM www.oakwellpwm.com “More Than Just Your Advisor, We're Your Wealth Management Partner”

Elizabeth Olney with Edward Jones (HH Silver Sponsor) We learn your individual needs so we can develop a strategy to help you achieve your financial goals. Join the nearly 7 million investors who know. Contact me to develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you. Elizabeth Olney, Financial Advisor 210-858-5880 Elizabeth.olney@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com/elizabeth-olney "Making Sense of Investing"

Bertuzzi-Torres-Fernandez Wealth Management Group ( Gold Sponsor) We specialize in simplifying your personal and professional life. We are dedicated wealth managers who offer diverse financial solutions for discerning healthcare professionals, including asset protection, lending & estate planning. Mike Bertuzzi First Vice President Senior Financial Advisor 210-278-3828 Michael_bertuzzi@ml.com Ruth Torres Financial Advisor 210-278-3828 Ruth.torres@ml.com Will C. Fernandez, CEPA Senior Portfolio Advisor Financial Advisor 210-278-3812 wfernandez@ml.com https://fa.ml.com/texas/san-antonio/bertuzzi-torres-fernandez

Aspect Wealth Management (HHH Gold Sponsor) We believe wealth is more than money, which is why we improve and simplify the lives of our clients, granting them greater satisfaction, confidence and freedom to achieve more in life. Michael Clark, President 210-268-1520 mclark@aspectwealth.com www.aspectwealth.com “Get what you deserve … maximize your Social Security benefit!”

GERIATRICS/PRIMARY CARE

Conviva Care Center (HHH Gold Sponsor) Conviva’s value-based care model allows physicians to deliver high quality, personalized care and achieve better outcomes, while feeling free to focus on health equity and patient outcomes. Kim Gary Senior Physician Recruiter (812) 272-9838 KGary4@humana.com www.ConvivaCareers.com “Fuel Your Passion & Find Your Purpose” Amegy Bank of Texas (HH Silver Sponsor) We believe that any great relationship starts with five core values: Attention, Accountability, Appreciation, Adaptability and Attainability. We work hard and together with our clients to accomplish great things. Jeanne Bennett EVP | Private Banking Manager 210-343-4556 Jeanne.bennett@amegybank.com Karen Leckie Senior Vice President | Private Banking 210-343-4558 karen.leckie@amegybank.com Robert Lindley Senior Vice President | Private Banking 210-343-4526 robert.lindley@amegybank.com Denise C. Smith Vice President | Private Banking 210-343-4502 Denise.C.Smith@amegybank.com www.amegybank.com “Community banking partnership”

HOSPITALS/ HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Nexus Neurorecovery Center (HHH Gold Sponsor) A post-acute rehabilitation facility focusing on brain injuries. Programming provides individual and group physical, occupational, cognitive, and speech therapy. We help residents return to lives of productivity and meaning. Sydney Kerr Liaison 346-339-2654 skerr@nhsltd.com Caitlyn Tewksbury ctewksbury@nhsltd.com Justin Sanderson CEO 210-854-4732 jsanderson@nhsltd.com Nexus Neurorecovery Center 227 Lewis St, San Antonio, TX 78212 https://nexushealthsystems.com “To return patients to lives of productivity and meaning”

UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, (HHH Gold Sponsor) UT Health Physicians, the faculty practice of UT Health San Antonio, provides our region with the most comprehensive care through expert, compassionate providers treating patients in more than 140 medical specialties at locations throughout San Antonio and the Hill Country. UT Health San Antonio Physicians Regina Delgado Business Development Manager (210) 450-3713 delgador4@uthscsa.edu UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Mays Cancer Center Laura Kouba Business Development Manager (210) 265-7662 norriskouba@uthscsa.edu Cancer.uthscsa.edu Appointments: 210-450-1000 UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center 7979 Wurzbach Road San Antonio, TX 78229

INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGIES

Express Information Systems (HHH Gold Sponsor) With over 29 years’ experience, we understand that real-time visibility into your financial data is critical. Our browser-based healthcare accounting solutions provide accurate, multi-dimensional reporting that helps you accommodate further growth and drive your practice forward. Rana Camargo Senior Account Manager 210-771-7903 ranac@expressinfo.com www.expressinfo.com “Leaders in Healthcare Software & Consulting”

INSURANCE

TMA Insurance Trust (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) TMA Insurance Trust is a full-service insurance agency offering a full line of products – some with exclusive member discounts and staffed by professional advisors with years of experience. Call today for a complimentary insurance review. It will be our privilege to serve you. Wendell England Director of Member Benefits 512-370-1776 wendell.england@tmait.org 800-880-8181 www.tmait.org “We offer BCMS members a free insurance portfolio review.”

Guardian (★★★ Gold Sponsor) Live Confidently. Every financial dream deserves a well-crafted plan. Ned Hodge 210-332-3757 ned@nedhodge.com www.nedhodge.com | www.Opesone.com “Take care of today then plan for tomorrow”

Humana (HHH Gold Sponsor) Humana is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. Jon Buss: 512-338-6167 Jbuss1@humana.com Shamayne Kotfas: 512-338-6103 skotfas@humana.com www.humana.com

INSURANCE/MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Texas Medical Liability Trust (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) With more than 20,000 health care professionals in its care, Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT) provides malpractice insurance and related products to physicians. Our purpose is to make a positive impact on the quality of health care for patients by educating, protecting, and defending physicians. Patty Spann 512-425-5932 patty-spann@tmlt.org www.tmlt.org Recommended partner of the Bexar County Medical Society

The Bank of San Antonio Insurance Group, Inc. (HHH Gold Sponsor) We specialize in insurance and banking products for physician groups and individual physicians. Our local insurance professionals are some of the few agents in the state who specialize in medical malpractice and all lines of insurance for the medical community. Katy Brooks, CIC 210-807-5593 katy.brooks@bosainsurance.com www.thebankofsa.com “Serving the medical community.”

MedPro Group (HH Silver Sponsor) Rated A++ by A.M. Best, MedPro Group has been offering customized continued on page 42 Visit us at www.bcms.org 41

insurance, claims and risk solutions to the healthcare community since 1899. Visit MedPro to learn more. Kirsten Baze 512-658-0262 Kirsten.Baze@medpro.com www.medpro.com

ProAssurance (HH Silver Sponsor) ProAssurance professional liability insurance defends healthcare providers facing malpractice claims and provides fair treatment for our insureds. ProAssurance Group’s rating is AM Best A (Excellent). Mike Rosenthal Senior Vice President, Business Development 800-282-6242 MikeRosenthal@ProAssurance.com www.ProAssurance.com

INVESTMENT ADVISORY REAL ESTATE

Alamo Capital Advisors LLC (★★★★ 10K Platinum Sponsor) Focused on sourcing, capitalizing, and executing investment and development opportunities for our investment partners and providing thoughtful solutions to our advisory clients. Current projects include new developments, acquisitions & sales, lease representation and financial restructuring (equity, debt, and partnership updates). Jon Wiegand, Principal 210-241-2036 jw@alamocapitaladvisors.com www.alamocapitaladvisors.com

MEDICAL BILLING AND COLLECTIONS SERVICES

Wave Online (★★★ Gold Sponsor) Our team of professionals will act as your extended AR office enhancing your revenue through our proprietary metrics and claim management systems. In addition, you keep 100% control of your RCM. Contact us today for a no cost evaluation. Saranraj (Raj) Venkatesh Vice President – RCM | Sales and Client Relations 726-228-1097 saranraj@wavemt.com https://rcmwave.com/ “Innovation towards Solutions”

Commercial & Medical Credit Services (HH Silver Sponsor) A bonded and fully insured San Antonio-based collection agency. Henry Miranda 210-340-9515 hcmiranda@sbcglobal.net www.cmcs-sa.com “Make us the solution for your account receivables.”

MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

Henry Schein Medical (HH Silver Sponsor) From alcohol pads and bandages to EKGs and ultrasounds, we are the largest worldwide distributor of medical supplies, equipment, vaccines and pharmaceuticals serving office-based practitioners in 20 countries. Recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies by Ethisphere. Tom Rosol 210-413-8079 tom.rosol@henryschein.com www.henryschein.com “BCMS members receive GPO discounts of 15 to 50 percent.”

MILITARY

San Antonio Army Medical Recruiting office (★★Silver Sponsor) Mission: Recruit highly qualified and motivated healthcare professionals for service in the Army Reserves or Active Duty Army, in support of Soldiers and their families. 1LT Thomas Alexandria 210-328-9022 Alexandria.n.thomas12.mil@army. mil https://recruiting.army.mil/mrb/ “Service to Country, Army Medicine, Experientia et Progressus”

MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS LABORATORY

iGenomeDx ( Gold Sponsor) Most trusted molecular testing laboratory in San Antonio providing FAST, ACCURATE and COMPREHENSIVE precision diagnostics for Genetics and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Niti Vanee Co-founder & CEO 210-257-6973 nvanee@iGenomeDx.com Dr. Pramod Mishra Co-founder, COO & CSO 210-381-3829 pmishra@iGenomeDx.com www.iGenomeDx.com “My DNA My Medicine, Pharmacogenomics” Wave Online (★★★ Gold Sponsor) Our team of professionals will act as your extended AR office enhancing your revenue through our proprietary metrics and claim management systems. In addition, you keep 100% control of your RCM. Contact us today for a no cost evaluation. Saranraj (Raj) Venkatesh Vice President – RCM | Sales and Client Relations 726-228-1097 saranraj@wavemt.com https://rcmwave.com/ “Innovation towards Solutions”

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Health Cell (HH Silver Sponsor) “Our Focus is People” Our mission is to support the people who propel the healthcare and bioscience industry in San Antonio. Industry, academia, military, nonprofit, R&D, healthcare delivery, professional services and more! Kevin Barber, President 210-308-7907 (Direct) kbarber@bdo.com Valerie Rogler, Program Coordinator 210-904-5404 Valerie@thehealthcell.org www.thehealthcell.org “Where San Antonio’s Healthcare Leaders Meet”

San Antonio Medical Group Management Association (SAMGMA) (HH Silver Sponsor) SAMGMA is a professional nonprofit association with a mission to provide educational programs and networking opportunities to medical practice managers and support charitable fundraising. Lindsey Herman Nolan, MHR, CMPE, President info4@samgma.org www.samgma.org

REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMMERCIAL

Alamo Capital Advisors LLC (★★★★ 10K Platinum Sponsor) Focused on sourcing, capitalizing, and executing investment and development opportunities for our investment partners and providing thoughtful solutions to our advisory clients. Current projects include new developments, acquisitions & sales, lease representation and financial restructuring (equity, debt, and partnership updates). Jon Wiegand, Principal 210-241-2036 jw@alamocapitaladvisors.com www.alamocapitaladvisors.com

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Oakwell Private Wealth Management (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) Oakwell Private Wealth Management is an independent financial advisory firm with a proven track record of providing tailored financial planning and wealth management services to those within the medical community. Brian T. Boswell, CFP®, QKA Senior Private Wealth Advisor 512-649-8113 SERVICE@OAKWELLPWM.COM www.oakwellpwm.com “More Than Just Your Advisor, We're Your Wealth Management Partner”

STAFFING SERVICES

Favorite Healthcare Staffing (HHHH 10K Platinum Sponsor) Serving the Texas healthcare community since 1981, Favorite Healthcare Staffing is proud to be the exclusive provider of staffing services for the BCMS. In addition to traditional staffing solutions, Favorite offers a comprehensive range of staffing services to help members improve cost control, increase efficiency and protect their revenue cycle. Cindy M. Vidrine Director of Operations- Texas 210-918-8737 cvidrine@favoritestaffing.com “Favorite Healthcare Staffing offers preferred pricing for BCMS members.”

2023 Audi S3

By Stephen Schutz, MD

The letters MQB won’t mean much to most readers, but to automotive insiders they represent the designation for the most adaptable automotive platform ever developed. Encompassing a wide variety of transversely configured front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive Volkswagen group vehicles, the MQB platform underpins models as disparate as the very small (and not sold here) VW Polo to the Audi Q3 to the mid-size VW Atlas SUV. In fact, an astounding 45 distinct models around the globe are MQB-derived vehicles.

The brainchild of late-great engineer and executive Ferdinand Piech, the MQB platform enables Volkswagen to manufacture many distinct vehicles in the same factories depending on local, national or regional demand. That means that if a country or region has lots of young families, a factory can produce lots of Audi Q3s and VW Atlases, but if gas prices suddenly spike, the same factory, with relatively little effort, can manufacture more VW Golfs and T-Rocs.

I recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of one of the sportiest MQB cars, the Audi S3 and it was a good experience. The S3 is a compact sports sedan, which utilizes surprising power and quattro AWD to produce an entertaining drive. Its main competitors are the Mercedes CLA35 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe.

All 2023 S3 models come with a potent 306-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi's noted quattro all-wheel-drive system. It’s fast and composed in all types of driving, but rarely exciting.

Does that sound contradictory? It isn’t. The S3 kills it in a straight line—0-60 MPH runs take just 4.3 seconds—so merging onto any highway or freeway is no sweat. But the evolved quattro AWD system coupled with advanced software which limits wheelspin and keeps the car moving forward (and not sideways) means that you’re always driving with a digital adult who’s there to make sure nothing untoward happens. All of the software “nannies'' can be turned off, of course, but that takes time and effort and I’m sure most owners will leave them on.

To maximize the fun factor, keeping the S3 in Sport mode is recommended. I found that Comfort mode meant that the car was almost sleep walking, and hitting the accelerator felt like waking up a hungover friend from a deep slumber and saying, “hey dude get up, we gotta go to the gym!” The gym wasn’t happening nor was any kind of quick response from the S3’s drivetrain. Keeping it in Sport like I did every time I got behind the wheel resulted in a much better driving experience.

Fuel economy is 23MPG City/32MPG Highway, which is very good for a car with this level of performance.

Most S3s outside of North America are hatchbacks, but Audi found that the sedan body style of the A3, upon which the S3 is based, sold much better here than the hatch so only sedan versions of both cars are offered here.

The S3 looks sporty and very Audi thanks to a prominent grille, chiseled head- and taillights and generally understated styling everywhere else.

Given its modest footprint, it should surprise no one that the S3’s interior is small and cargo capacity is, umm, small. The rear seats in particular are tight, and trying to squeeze three adults back there is not advised.

Nevertheless, the compact Audi S3 is still an Audi, which means that it has a beautiful interior. Everything you see and touch looks and feels like quality, with the electronic gauges and flat-bottom steering wheel worthy of extra kudos.

One thing in the cabin seemed odd to me: instead of a beefy and sporty looking gear selector, Audi went with a tiny toggle switch thing that looks like it was stolen from a Prius. Hmm...

Pricing for the S3 starts at just under $47,000 for the base “Premium” model, climbs to just under $50,000 for “Premium Plus” S3s, then peaks out at around $54,000 for “Prestige” versions. All 2023 S3s come with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and three-zone automatic climate control. As always, calling BCMS’ Phil Hornbeak will get you your best deal on an Audi S3 or any other new vehicle.

Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform is an impressive bit of automotive engineering, and I was pleased to sample another one of its many progenies, the 2023 Audi S3. It’s small in size but provides a luxurious Audi ownership experience along with an appealing level of athleticism. Anyone looking at the Mercedes CLA35 or BMW M235i Gran Coupe shouldn’t sign anything until they’ve test driven the newest S3.

As always, call Phil Hornbeak, the Auto Program Manager at BCMS (210-301-4367), for your best deal on any new car or truck brand. Phil can also connect you to preferred financing and lease rates.

Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed here in the US Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews for San Antonio Medicine magazine since 1995.

Kahlig Auto Group

11911 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 Coby Allen 210-696-2232

Audi Dominion 21105 West IH 10 San Antonio, TX 78257 Rick Cavender 210-681-3399

Northside Chevrolet 9400 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX 78216 Charles Williams 210-912-5087 Chuck Nash Chevrolet Buick GMC 3209 North Interstate 35 San Marcos, TX William Boyd 210-859-2719

Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge Ram 547 S. Seguin Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130 Matthew C. Fraser 830-606-3463

Kahlig Auto Group

Northside Ford 12300 San Pedro San Antonio, TX Marty Martinez 210-477-3472

Kahlig Auto Group

North Park Lexus at Dominion 25131 IH 10 W Dominion San Antonio, TX James Cole 210-816-6000

Northside Honda 9100 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX 78216 Paul Hopkins 210-988-9644

Kahlig Auto Group

North Park Lincoln 9207 San Pedro San Antonio, TX Sandy Small 210-341-8841

Kahlig Auto Group

14610 IH 10 West San Marcos, TX 78249 Mark Hennigan 832-428-9507

Kahlig Auto Group

North Park Mazda 9333 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 John Kahlig 210-253-3300

Kahlig Auto Group Land Rover San Antonio 13660 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX Cameron Tang 210-561-4900

Mercedes Benz of Boerne 31445 IH 10 West Boerne, TX James Godkin 830-981-6000 North Park Lexus 611 Lockhill Selma San Antonio, TX Tripp Bridges 210-308-8900

Mercedes Benz of San Antonio 9600 San Pedro San Antonio, TX Al Cavazos Jr. 210-366-9600

Kahlig Auto Group

9455 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 Douglas Cox 210-764-6945

Kahlig Auto Group

North Park Subaru 9807 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 Raymond Rangel 210-308-0200 North Park Subaru at Dominion 21415 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78257 Phil Larson 877-356-0476

Cavender Toyota 5730 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX Gary Holdgraf 210-862-9769

North Park Toyota 10703 Southwest Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78211 Justin Boone 210-635-5000

Audi North Park 15670 IH-35 North Selma, TX 78254 Camden Steele 325-374-9897