PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Charting a New Future

SARAH TRAXLER, MD, MSPH

As you may know, my term as President of TCMS is coming to an end. Some of the changes that have occurred over the past year have been staggering, to say the least. In other ways it feels like we’re still stuck in a status quo that simply doesn’t work anymore. Despite so much recent focus on issues like health equity and of course vaccine acceptance, these problems persist and continue to harm the health of our community. And yet I’m often reminded that there is much forward momentum and that we are gaining ground. I was lucky to join the TCMS Medical Student Public Health Fellowship opening workshop recently, and I was moved by the words of Dr. Ed Ehlinger. When asked why he participates as a mentor, even after all his years of service, Dr. Ehlinger said, “I’m here to get energized by students. They provide the hope and energy to overcome the cynicism that can set in when change doesn’t happen as quickly as it should.” I think those words exemplify how so many of us continue to do the work to improve the health and the lives of not only our patients, but also of our communities and our world. So many physicians are faced with the burnout and even trauma of continuing the fight against this pandemic on top of the deep, systemic problems in health care. Dr. Ehlinger reminds us that “hope and energy” are the fuel to keep moving forward toward the vision of a new kind of health care that supports better health for everyone. The journey may be challenging, but we know where we need to go. And most importantly, we know how to get there. That’s why TCMS is becoming a different kind of medical society. One wholly focused on public health, with three primary goals. First and foremost, we are here to help physicians and medical students serve and work alongside our community to create better health. Next, we are providing support and tools for physicians as we continue to fight the pandemic and move through a time of enormous change. And last but just as important, we are helping physicians reconnect with their original sense of purpose as healers. I’m inspired by the dedication of our members and eager to see what happens next for our organization. It’s exciting to see that our new focus is already bringing new members to TCMS. Coming together as physicians, and physicians in training, is the best treatment for cynicism and burnout. Collaborating on new ways to solve our most pressing problems is the prescription that will heal our patients, our communities, and our lives. My tenure as TCMS President has been filled with so many gifts, not the least of which are the relationships I’ve deepened between our Board and with our members. I’ll remember this past year with pride. Before I go, I’d like to ask for two things: First, please join me in giving the warmest of welcomes to our new President, Dr. Zeke McKinney. If you know Dr. McKinney, you know that he lives every day with passion and purpose, whether he’s treating patients, working on health equity initiatives, or playing one of his many bass guitars. If you don’t know this amazing human being, get ready to experience an enormous blast of energy sure to propel us forward in the coming year. Second, I’m asking that you support TCMS’s ongoing and future public health initiatives by joining or renewing your membership with us. You can join or renew in just a few easy steps at www.metrodoctors.com/membership or complete and mail the enclosed membership envelope. We create meaningful change when we come together. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Dr. McKinney and all of you as we build a new TCMS and work to create healthy, thriving communities.

You can now join TCMS independent of your other professional association memberships, making it easier than ever to be a part of TCMS. Please join/renew today!