President's Message

Just as I was beginning to think about the upcoming summer, vacation with my family, and escaping the Austin heat in Barton Springs, my colleagues and I had the unfortunate "pleasure" of going back in time. Our hospital system suffered a cyber-attack which rendered inoperable our electronic health record (EHR), internet, phones, and basically all electronic communications within the hospital. Much to our dismay, we quickly learned that the downtime procedures we had in place were no match for being back in the dark ages.

On a normal day, like most ED's, we operate in relative chaos with limited resources to provide our community’s safety net. With all the focus on door-to-doc and dispo times, percent left without seen, and the myriad of other metrics, I never stopped to think how amazingly efficient we all actually were at providing care for our patients...until we weren't. READ MORE

Doug Jeffrey, MD, FACEP
TCEP President

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, has appointed seven new members to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, effective June 1. This expansion, prompted by recent legislation, increases the committee's membership to 21, aiming to bring in new expertise in areas such as emergency care, cardiology, anesthesiology, oncology, and managed care.

Among the new appointees is TCEP member, Avi Ruderman, MD. Dr. Ruderman serves as assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is board certified in emergency medicine and anesthesia critical care.

The expansion of the committee is expected to enhance the diversity of medical expertise and improve pregnancy outcomes statewide. FULL ARTICLE

Avi Ruderman, MD

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled a new method for patients to directly file Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) complaints with the agency. This initiative aims to "educate the public and promote patient access to the emergency medical care to which they are entitled under federal law." The new complaint process complements the existing option of contacting state survey agencies. For more details, read the CMS announcement. 

As you may already know, Texas' legislature convenes only for the first five months of odd-numbered years. However, significant political developments in 2024 could profoundly impact emergency medicine and patient care for years to come.

This year is shaping up to be the most active election season Texas has seen in decades. Dozens of new faces will be in office in January 2025 when the legislature convenes. New candidates can bring a fresh perspective to governance, but the loss of institutional knowledge creates a daunting challenge for emergency medicine and efforts to maintain the standards important to our practice. That is why EMPACT is planning to be more active this election cycle than in past campaign seasons. It is important for us to continue to recognize the efforts of those who support the medical community and to invest our resources in the successful election of candidates we support. 

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Chair of the Texas College of Emergency Physicians-Medical Student Committee (TCEP-MSC). This role is an immense honor and a responsibility that I embrace with great enthusiasm. Like many, my journey into emergency medicine was driven by the fast-paced, dynamic environment of the emergency department and a desire to practice care for all in my community. Now, in my 4th year of medical school and bound for emergency medicine, I am excited to share this passion and love for the specialty as Chair. READ MORE